Essential Voice
an Essential Workers for Democracy newspaper to share with your coworkers!
Issue #7 - Summer 2026
How to Find Your Local Union Bylaws
Finding your local union bylaws can be hard — but it doesn’t have to be. Read this article for a step-by-step guide to finding your bylaws.
Portland Grocery Stores On Strike
Multiple Portland area grocery stores are set to go on strike, with UFCW Local 555 on strike at Fred Meyer and independent New Seasons Labor Union launching a single-day strike this Sunday, September 1.
Labor Notes: “Work to Rule and Open Bargaining Back Down Kroger Warehouse Bosses”
Teamsters in an Indiana grocery warehouse scored big this year with a contract campaign like never before.
Sign the Letter: UFCW Rank & File Stands With Our Union Siblings
Add your name to our letter from the UFCW Rank & File to stop intimidation of members by powerful union officials.
Take Action to Stand With UFCW Rank & File!
Two fellow workers, Iris Scott (UFCW Local 1459, River Valley Co-Op) and Kyong Barry (UFCW Local 3000, Kroger) have stood up for our democratic rights to vote in our union by filing a lawsuit for fair representation in our International Union elections.
Instead of being listened to, these rank-and-file members are being stomped on by the union that is supposed to be protecting us.
We’re making sure our union officials hear us loud and clear: You work for the rank-and-file. Bullying and intimidation of your own members will not be tolerated.
Disney Workers Win $6 Raises By Bargaining Together
14,000 California Disney workers across UFCW Local 324, BCTGM Local 83, SEIU-USWW, and Teamsters Local 495 ratified a 3-year contract on July 29, 2024. The contract includes $6.10 in wage increases and a $24/hour starting pay — a 31% raise!
Stop & Shop Update: Store Closures Across New England
Stop & Shop is closing 32 stores across New England by November 2, 2024. The company says workers will be notified at least 4 weeks before closure, but the company has refused to say exactly how many workers will be affected by the closures.
Kroger-Albertsons Merger Update: Paused in Colorado Court
The proposed $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger has been put on pause by a lawsuit brought by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser that would permanently block the merger. Kroger and Albertsons are temporarily suspending work on the merger while the case is settled.