Essential Voice
an Essential Workers for Democracy newspaper to share with your coworkers!
Issue #7 - Summer 2026
Labor Notes: ‘Reform Candidate Says UFCW Rep Tailed Him for 300 Miles to Thwart Petition Effort’
In a union that has been headed by one family with no competitive elections since 1984, a group of grocery workers is organizing for change. But this week, they say, union staff who back the incumbent administration went to outrageous lengths in an attempt to make sure there’s no election this year either. Originally published in Labor Notes by Lisa Xu
Labor Notes: ‘UFCW Members Protect Local Election After Sham Merger Attempt’
An insurgent slate is challenging the longtime incumbents in Local 8-Golden State, one of the largest locals in the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), in what may be the local’s first competitive election in decades. And now, after protecting the election from a sham merger attempt that would have canceled the election, the battle is on.
Protect Yourself with FMLA
Know your rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and protect yourself from unfair discipline. Click here to watch the recording of our webinar.
UAW Reformer Shawn Fain Sweeps Reelection
United Auto Workers (UAW) President Shawn Fain and the United UAW slate have swept their way to victory in the second-ever one member, one vote direct elections in the UAW.
Tell Kroger: Stop the Illegal Time & Attendance Policy, Respect Our Union Contract!
Kroger's new Walmart-style, points-based, AI-powered time and attendance policy being rolled out in Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas, and possibly more states is a violation of our union contract and of the National Labor Relations Act. Sign the petition now to demand Kroger respect our union contract!
Book Talk: ‘Cleanup on Aisle Five’ with Ann Larson
Watch the recording of EW4D’s special book talk with author Ann Larson on her new book, Cleanup on Aisle Five: Essential Work, Poverty Wages, and the View from Behind the Supermarket Register.
WATCH: Kroger’s New Attendance Policy
Join EW4D on Wednesday, September 30th to get the facts on Kroger’s new time and attendance policy, plus how union members can organize to fight back. Register here.
Kroger’s New Attendance Policy: What to Know
In some Kroger divisions, the company is attempting to roll out a new time and attendance policy. Read what to know and do about it, then print and share the flyer.
Labor Notes: ‘Treated Worse than Cattle’: 2,500 Tyson Workers Laid Off, Plant Shutters Overnight
Originally published in Labor Notes by Caitlyn Clark
Ouano Tante worked the afternoon shift at the Tyson beef plant in Joslin, Illinois, for five years. But when she and hundreds of her co-workers arrived at work on August 14, they found the plant closed.