Local 1776's Acme members voted overwhelmingly on July 24th -- by 95 percent -- to reject the company's contract proposal.  Visit here for the details.

Visit here for Channel 6 Action News' coverage of the meeting at the Spectrum.  Visit here for the Philadelphia Inquirer's coverage.  Visit here to listen to Local 1776's latest radio advertisement.

Visit here for the latest in negotiations with Acme Markets.

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Message to PA State Sen. Rob Wonderling:  Do you think your privatization plan for PA's Wine and Spirit Shops won't increase sales to minors?  Check out this report. 

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UFCW International Newsletter Features Local 1776's New Citterio Contract.  Visit here for a copy. 

State Rep. Todd Eachus, Majority Leader in the PA House of Representatives (center) visits Citterio USA with Local 1776 Chief Steward Bob Malloy (right) and Michele Kessler, 1776 Secretary-Treasurer and Director of the Local's Northeast PA and Central PA Divisions.

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Knoebels Outing on Aug. 22, 2009: Visit here.

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Don't believe rumors: Hershey products are made in the USA by Local 1776 members.  Visit here.

 

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Welcome to Local 1776's Employee Free Choice Act information center.

 

The act will rebuild our nation's middle class.  It's time our economy worked for everyone again! 

 

You can help win passage!  Visit here to see how easy it is to leave a message for U.S. Arlen Specter asking him to support the Employee Free Choice Act.  And visit here for the latest TV message airing in Pennsylvania regarding the Senator and his flip-flop on the Act.

 

Here's where you'll find the latest information on the most important legislation for working men and women in this Congress.  Learn how you can help win its passage today!   Visit Here

 

For the latest television advertisement making the case for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, visit here.

 

For the new Fact vs. Fiction video, visit here.  For Rachel Maddow's (MSNBC) thoughtful take on the bill, visit here.  For a message from our nation's leading actors and actresses about the Act and videos about our right to a secret ballot, visit here.

 

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Cure CVS Join the Change to Win effort to end expired products in CVS' drugstores.  Visit here for details.

 

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WalMart: The Facts

Breaking news: the UFCW International has launched its WalMart Workers for Change campaign.  For a video describing why the campaign is necessary, visit here.

Click here for the facts about WalMart, including the company's disgraceful record on worker rights, health care, worker injuries, child labor violations and gender discrimination -- and what this company costs all of us as taxpayers.   WalMart is one reason why workers need the Employee Free Choice Act.  Click here for useful information about the Employee Free Choice Act.

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Contact us:

For information on how to contact any of the Local 1776 offices, visit here.

 

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PLCB members:  State-wide vote approves agreement

 

Local 1776's Wine and Spirit Shop members on Sunday, April 26 ratified by a 12 to 1 margin a tentative agreement between the UFCW, AFSCME, SEIU and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania that will eliminate the need for rolling furloughs proposed by Gov. Rendell as he addresses Pennsylvania's current budget crisis.  Visit here for the details.

 

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The Acme / Local 1360 / Bob Martucci case

 

Visit here to read the full story in the Philadelphia Inquirer, and to view the overwhelmingly one-sided results of the Inquirer's on-line poll on whether Acme over-reacted against Bob Martucci:   Read story and view voting results here.

 

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If we have your e-mail address, we can communicate with you more quickly and with less paper and postage Sign up here today.   Many thanks!   

 

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In Memorium: Wayne Baker

 

With great sadness we report the passing of our friend and colleague, Wayne Baker.  Wayne lost his courageous battle with cancer on February 17, 2009.  He will be dearly missed.

 

For more on Wayne's contributions to Local 1776 and its members, please visit here.

 

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UFCW Local 1776: Working for You!          

       

           Wendell W. Young, IV, President

Welcome to www.ufcw1776.org, the website for UFCW Local 1776.

Our goal is to make this site as useful as possible for our members.  We'll add new pages and material on the entire range of Local 1776's activities as news and events dictate.  We'll also continue to rely on our members to offer their suggestions as to how we can use the site to communicate with them quickly and effectively. 

If you have any thoughts as to how the site can best serve 1776's members, please feel free to contact us at info@ufcw1776.org.  Or, contact your Union Representative with your suggestions.  You'll see their names and e-mail addresses listed if you visit the "Contact Us at Local 1776" button on the menu on the left side of this page.  Also, you can use the info@ufcw1776.org address to send us your e-mail address, home address and telephone number if you've changed them recently or acquired new ones.

Thanks for taking a few minutes to look around Local 1776's home on the web.  We look forward to your feedback.

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Local 1776 Takes Part in Empire Kosher's Contribution to New York City Food Pantry

Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV and Secretary-Treasurer Michele Kessler took part in a news conference in New York City with Mayor Michael Bloomberg as Empire Kosher -- where more than 600 members of Local 1776 work -- announced that it will make regular contributions to the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty.  To view television news coverage of the event, visit here.  Empire's initial donation will benefit 13,000 needy families.

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Holy Equal Pay, Robin!

Equal pay seems simple enough, doesn't it?  Unfortunately, not for some of our elected officials and members of the business community.  Visit here to see if Batgirl can save the day against the evil Chamber of Commerce Empire! 

But not to worry.  Either Batgirl has won the day, or what a difference a new administration and bigger majorities on Capitol Hill make.  President Obama has signed the bill to provide equal pay for equal work -- the first piece of legislation delivered to his desk.  Visit here to read the details about the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, and why it's called that.

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Huge Win in North Carolina!                    

Smithfield Workers in Tarheel, NC Vote "Union Yes!"  Two members of the Local 1776 who helped out in the big victory in Tarheel, NC were Erv Cofield (left) and Len Purnell. 

Click here for the story from the UFCW  International

Click here for the story from the Associated Press

And click here for a complete report in the magazine American Prospect about how the courage of Smithfield's workers led to the election victory, and how passage of the Employee Free Choice Act will address the kind of anti-union management tactics used to fight representation drives.

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Health Care:

Quality, affordable health care for all -- that's why Local 1776 has teamed with Health Care for America Now! 

Visit here to let U.S. Sen. Arlen Specter know that we want him to stand with us in this fight.

Then add your voice to the campaign today!  Click here now to join the campaign! 

Also, visit here for the latest broadcast ad being run in Pennsylvania to build support for health care reform.

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Our 44th President !!!!

Thanks to the many Local 1776 members who contributed to and voted for a great election victory for working families on Nov. 4, 2008!

Click here for President Obama's election night acceptance speech.

Click here to view President Obama's swearing-in ceremony and Inaugural speech before more than two million people in Washington, DC.

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Welcome to Local 1776's Register-to-Vote Headquarters

If you're not registered to vote, or if you've moved or changed your name, you can register now for the November 2009 General Election.  Visit you state site below to get a downloadable form, including instructions on where to mail the form.

Pennsylvania (for more information in PA call toll free 1-877-868-3772)

New Jersey          Delaware          New York

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Young is AFL-CIO's "Labor Leader of the Week"

Click here to view video of Young on the importance of Labor 2008

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Health Industry Preparedness:  The UFCW was one of several unions that took part in a national survey of the health care industry's prepaeredness for an epidemic.  Visit here for the April 2009 report.

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Special note: On Monday night, May 19, Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV made a return appearance on WFMZ-TV, Channel 69 to debate State Sen. Rob Wonderling over the Senator's proposal to privatize Pennsylvania's Wine and Spirit Shops. Click below.



1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV Explains PLCB Training
Reacting to the Reading Eagle's mischaracterization of the professional training program proposed for store clerks and managers by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board, Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV points out that the training is similar to programs conducted by every leading retailer.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
1776 Members at Citterio USA Approve New Contract
Local 1776 members at Citterio USA -- producer of top-quality packaged meats in Freeland, PA for leading restaurants and retail stores -- overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year pact with the company.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Latest Edition of UFCW International's 'On Point'
Visit the Acrobat file below for the most recent issue of the UFCW International's biweekly publication, On Point.

   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
1776 Citterio Team Meets with Citterio Workers in Italy
The Local's members and staff built relations with Citterio's Italian workers and learned about production, the ways of bargaining and the terms of collective agreements that might be applied at the 1776 shop in Freeland, PA.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
In Spite of Smear Ads, Poll Shows Strong Continued Support for EFCA
Even though the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has been hammering the Employee Free Choice Act with a national anti-union advertising campign, a new poll shows that the Amercan public understands and strongly supports the need for passage of the Employee Free Choice Act.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
1776's Samantha Miskevich (Acme) Takes Part in Change to Win Post-Election News Conference
Local 1776 member Samantha Miskevich, one of many members who worked on the big Obama/Biden general election win, traveled to Washington, DC to take part in a post-election news conference assessing the impact of the election results.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Visit here for the latest issue of Dialogue!
Visit the "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" below for the latest issue of Local 1776's magazine, Dialogue -- the February 2009 edition.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
President Young's letter to members: Let's elect the team for working men and women!
"No more lies. No more excuses. It's time to take back America," Young urges members if they encounter hesitations about Barack Obama because of his race. Election day is Tuesday, November 4!
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Hateful Vandals Strike 1776 Billboard and Office in Biglerville
Defacing the Local's Obama-Biden billboard and its office building, spray-painters wrote "Commies" under the cover of night. President Wendell W. Young, IV, said the action was not surprising given the heated rhetoric of the McCain-Palin campaign. Visit here for a complete report by the Hanover Evening Sun.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Economist Sees Obama's Tax Plan as Best for Working Families
A University of Delaware professor studied the tax proposals of both candidates. He concluded that U.S. Sen. Barack Obama "would lower taxes for most Americans," while U.S. Sen. John McCain's tax breaks would go to the most affluent Americans -- those who least newed them. The finding is just one more example of the McCain campaign's consistent distortion of Barack Obama's record.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Employee Free Choice -- A Fair Chance for American Workers
The Employee Free Choice Act truely would be a Marshall Plan for American working men and women. Once they freely choose a union, their employer would have to recognize that decision. No more stalling. And no more stalling in negotiating a contract.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Young Outlines Standards for Financial Bailout
In a letter to Pennsylvania's two U.S. Senators and every U.S. House member in Local 1776's jurisdiction, 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV outlined the minimal standards necessary in the federal government's plan to bail out Wall Street from the current financial crisis -- including the need for Congressional oversight, protection for owners at risk of losing their homes, protection for workers' pensions, and limits on compensation for the financial executives that created the crisis.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
State Rep. in Alaska Says Palin Selection is a 'Big, Big Risk'
Alaska State Rep. Mike Doogan, who says he likes Gov. Sarah Palin and has worked closely with her, says that John McCain has taken a big risk for his campaign and the entire nation in selecting Palin as his running mate.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Here's the August 2008 issue of Dialogue
For the August 2008 edition of UFCW Local 1776's magazine, Dialogue, visit the "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" button below. For previous issues, visit the Communications page on the menu on the left side of this page.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Dialogue Agosto 2008
Haga click aqui para la Agosto 2008 version del Dialogue.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Paintball Outing on Oct. 18th to be Rescheduled
Local 1776's outing for full-scale Paintball at Skirmish USA in Jim Thorpe, PA on Oct. 18 will be rescheduled due to conflicts with voter registration and General Election campaign activities.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski joins Local 1776 in battle to support Scranton Diocese teachers
U.S. Congressman Paul Kanjorski stood side-by-side with members of UFCW Local 1776 and other unions in their rally to demonstrate solidarity with school teachers in the Scranton Diocese.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Union Representatives, Including Local 1776 Members, Greet McCain in Buck County
More than 100 representatives of the area's labor movement, including members of UFCW Local 1776, were on hand to provide some real "straight talk" as John McCain arrived to speak in Bucks County .
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Acme proposal would mean reduced hours, reduced wages, reduced benefits and reduced pensions
After many months the company finally submitted a full proposal. It provides no real wage increase, but instead a meager bonus in the form of a gift card that could be spent only in Acme stores. Click below on "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" for all the details.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Noted New York Times Columnist Praises Obama for Not Resorting to 'Shameful Pandering'
The highly respected Thomas Friedman says that the summer gas tax holiday embraced by John McCain and Hillary Clinton would be bad for the economy, bad for consumers and bad for the environment. For a text version of Friedman's column, visit "read more!" For a PDF version, visit "CHECK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE."
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Obama Wins Endorsements from Leading PA Newspapers
The Philadelphia Inquirer is the latest newspaper in Pennsylvania to endorse Sen. Barack Obama, joining the Philadelphia Daily News, the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Allentown Morning Call and the Scranton Tribune-Times among the state's leading newspapers supporting Obama in the Tuesday, April 22nd primary election.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Barack Obama Visits Greets Shoppers and Meets UFCW Local 1776 Members at East Norriton ShopRite
Presidential candidate U.S. Sen. Barack Obama was greeted by Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV as he visited the East Norriton ShopRite in Montgomery County.
Change to Win Says to Congress: Defeat Columbia Free Trade Agreement
The coalition, which includes the United Food and Commercial Workers, cites the continuing deadly violence in Columbia against union representatives.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Here's the April 2008 issue of Dialouge
For the April 2008 issue of UFCW Local 1776's magazine, The Dialogue, visit the "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" button below. For previous issues, visit the Communications page on the menu on the left side of this page.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Local 1776 Endorses Barack Obama for President
The Executive Board overwhelmingly approved its support for the Senator's candidacy in the Tuesday, April 22 Pennsylvania primary election. For a printable pdf version of the 1776 news release visit "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" below. For a text version visit "read more!"
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
UFCW International Endorses Obama for President!
President Joe Hansen cites Senator Barack Obama as "the best candidate to build a movement to unite our country that will deliver the type of change that is needed – for good jobs, affordable health care, retirement security and worker safety."

   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
The December 2007 Dialogue -- See It Here
For the December 2007 issue of UFCW Local 1776's magazine, Dialogue, visit the "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" button below. For previous issues, visit the Communicaions page on the menu on the left side of this page.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Dialogue Diciembre 2007 en Espanol
Haga click aqui para el Dialogue de Diciembre 2007 en Espanol.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Local 1776 and Local 23 Share Op-Ed Article on PLCB in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Presidents Wendell W. Young, IV and Ronald C. Lenhart co-author an analysis of why schemes to privatize the Pennsylvania Wine and Spirits Shops would put the state's taxpayers and communities at risk.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Harrisburg Patriot-News Focuses on Discussions Between Local 1776 and Rite Aid
The discussions between UFCW Local 1776 and Rite Aid regarding the company's acquisition of the Eckert and Brooks stores was the focus of this article in the Nov. 11, 2007 Harrisburg Patriot-News. Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV and his counterpart at SEIU Local 1199 are quoted extensively. Read the full story by clicking below on "read more!" for a text version or "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE"
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Arbitrator Rules for Local 1776 and Against Acme in '48-Month' Case
The Local's position prevailed in a major case that will mean back pay for hundreds of workers. Visit either button below for full details. "Read More!" will give you a text version. "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBRAT PDF FILE" will give you a pdf of the latest Update to Acme members.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
UFCW International Sues to Stop Workplace Raids
Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV, takes part in Washington, DC news conference announcing a federal lawsuit to block immigration raids that violate constitutional rights and labor law. For details, visit either button below. "read more!" gives you a text version; "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" gives you a pdf version. For a full text of the lawsuit filed by the UFCW International , visit Local 1776's Legal page on the menu on the left side of this page.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Young Re-Elected President of Local 1776
Wendell W. Young, IV was reelected as President of UFCW Local 1776 on July 2, 2007. Also elected were Michele Kessler, of Mountain Top in Luzerne County, as Secretary-Treasurer, and Barbara Johnson, of Reading in Berks County, as Recorder. As a result of the nomination and unanimous election of the Officers, Vice Presidents and Sergeants at Arms of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 at the nomination meetings, there was no full-scale election for Union Officers on July 11, 2007.

   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Here's the Lastest Update to Rite Aid Members
Visit "CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE" to read the lastest update to Local 1776's Rite Aid members.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
The Facts About Wal-Mart
Wal-Mart recently launched a multi million-dollar advertising campaign to silence its critics and hide the truth about the company. Visit either button below for the REAL facts about Wal-Mart. (CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE will give you a printable version.)
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Contract Ratified in Southern California!
Monday, July 22 -- All seven local UFCW unions involved in the difficult negotiations with three national giant supermaket chains in Southern California voted yesterday to ratify a new four-year contract, averting a repeat of the nearly five-month lock-out that took place in late 2003 and early 2004. At right, Local 1776 Presdent Wendell W. Young, IV talks with Local 770 members Chris Zazueta (center) and Jackie Gitmed (right) when they visited Greater Philadelphia from Southern California this past May to meet with Local 1776 members and officers. Click either button below for the highlights and details.

   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Wal-Mart Using Unpaid Children as Baggers in Mexico, Newsweek Reports
The magazine details how the company makes more than $1.1 billion a year in profits in Mexico, but yet refuses to pay the minimum wage -- or anything -- to child baggers in its stores. Wal-Mart denies that the children are workers, yet it posts signs in its stores urging customers to tip the youngsters.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Consumers Lose as Dangerous Toys Enter Market from China
The Bush administration has left the top job open at the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission for a year. The result: millions of recalls, the latest being 9 million toys made for Mattel.
Local 1776 Responds to Allentown Morning Call's Editorial Urging Privatization of PLCB
The Monday, June 25 Allentown Morning Call included an editorial endorsing a proposal to privatize the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Later in the week the newspaper ran a response from Wendell W. Young, IV, President of UFCW Local 1776. Visit either button below for the response -- your choice of a PDF or text version.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Empire Kosher Honored by Jewish Labor Committee
June 21, 2007 -- The national Jewish Labor Committee last night honored Empire Kosher as its Company of the Year at a dinner in New York City, citing the firm's progressive and productive relations with its workers. At right, UFCW International President Joe Hansen meets with Empire workers who attended the dinner and Local 1776 staff, headed by Michele Kessler, Secretary-Treasurer and Director of the Local's Northeast and Central Divisions. President Hansen introduced Empire CEO Greg Rosenbaum to the dinner crowd of more than 600 people.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Wal-Mart Being Slammed by 'Shrinkage' -- Meaning Thefts -- the AP Reports
Shoplifting, other thefts and low employee morale are creating significant losses for Wal-Mart, the Associated Press reports. Read the full account by clicking on either button here.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Wal-Mart's Latest Ethics Controversy: Pressuring a Whistleblower?
The magazine Business Week describes how Wal-Mart is forcing a whistleblower to find a new job within the company, or it will have to discuss "next steps."
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Latest Update for Acme Members
Visit the pdf file below ("CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE") for the latest Update for Local 1776's Acme members.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Do You Pay Taxes? If So, You Probably Subsidize Wal-Mart
Read how Wal-Mart has enjoyed more than $200 million in state and local economic development deals just in the past three years while at the same time it shifts health care costs for its workers to taxpayers! Meanwhile, the company reported more than $12 billion in profits in 2006.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
'Sea of 1776 Gold' Greets Governor Ed Rendell
A backdrop of gold-clad Local 1776 members and staff greeted Governor Ed Rendell at a Harrisburg rally to support the Governor's Rx for PA -- his administration's health care reform legislation.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
1776 Members at Hershey's Hazleton Plant Approve Contract Changes
The vote "better positions the candy manufacturing facility as Hershey carries out its global transformation," Young says. At right, Hershey members Marilyn Hartz (left) and Dan Shustack, election tellers, double-check the vote count.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
'Love Mom, Not Wal-Mart,' Local 1776 Says in Mother's Day Campaign
"Moms deserve better" is theme of action in Bucks County. Local 1776's Leslie Guzman (l) and Marcie Fonseca carry the message as members and staff greet shoppers in Bristol.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
President Wendell W. Young, IV Testifies on Health Care Crisis
He tells State House Majority Policy Committee that responsible employers end up subsidizing their competitors, who are among the richest corporations in the world. At right, Local 1776 Director of Legislatiive and Political Action John Meyerson joins Young at the witness table.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Young Testifies on PLCB's Key Role in Preventing Underage Drinking and Providing State Revenue
Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV testified on April 18, 2007 before the Pennsylvania Senate Majority Policy Committee regarding the role of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB) in preventing drinking by minors and the contributions it makes to the Commonwealth's revenue stream. Access the complete testimony by visiting "Read More" for a text version or "Click Here" for a PDF version.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
'We Stand Together' Is Message as UFCW Locals Face Supermarket Giants
Two veterans of the five-month Southern California lockout in 2003-04 traveled to Philadelphia to deliver a message of unity as their bargaining unit, Local 770 in Los Angeles, continued negotiations with Acme's owner, SuperValu, and as Local 1776 prepared for contract talks with the same owner. At right Local 1776 President Wendell W. Young, IV talks with Local 770's Chris Zazueta (center) and Jacqueline Gitmed (right.)
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Federal Taxes Becoming Less Progressive, New Study Shows
The tax rates on highest incomes are falling, even as their share of pre-tax income is rising, according to a new report by the Washington, DC-based Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Wall Street Journal Says Wal-Mart Eavesdrops on Critics and Shareholders
Investigative report says the company uses high technology to spy on community organizations, employees and consultants. The disclosure came from a former Wal-Mart employee who taped a New York Times reporter's calls -- and then was fired after working for Wal-Mart for 19 years.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Local 1776's Knouse Members Ratify Three-Year Contract
Meeting in Biglerville, members of Local 1776 at Knouse Foods voted to approve a new contract. The pact provides wage increases and improves health benefits. Members sign in (right) at ratification meeting.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
'Put America First,' Labor and Civic Leaders Urge Wal-Mart
They call on the company to stop opposing the 100 percent scanning of cargo containers entering the U.S. At news conference, left to right, are Bill George, President of the Pennsylvania AFL-CIO; John Sweeney, President of the Washington, DC-based AFL-CIO; Sam Ferraino, President of UFCW Local 1360; and Wendell W. Young, IV, President of UFCW Local 1776.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Brown, Ammons and Colligas Members Ratify Pacts; Vote Completes New Contracts for Shop Rite
Local 1776's members at the Brown, Ammons and Colligas Shop Rites in Greater Philadelphia tonight ratified new three-year contracts covering 1,605 workers at 10 stores. Visit either page below (text or PDF version)
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Report to Local 1776 Health Care Members
Visit either page below (text or PDF version) for the March 9, 2007 Local 1776 Report to Health Care Members.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Collins, R&R and Zallie Shop Rite Members Ratify Contract
Local 1776 members at the Collins, R&R and Zallie Shop Rites in Northeast Philadelphia voted by an 8-1 margin to approve a new three-year contract.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
U.S. House Passes Employee Free Choice Act; Battle Moves to the U.S. Senate
On Thursday, March 1, 2007 the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Employee Free Choice Act. The fight now moves to the U.S. Senate. Visit either page here to learn more about why this bill is so important.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
It's Time to Unite at Farmland Industries/National Beef!
Visit here for information on the important effort underway at Farmland Industries/National Beef by UFCW Local 1776 in Hummels Wharf, PA.
   CLICK HERE FOR ACROBAT PDF FILE.
Cargill Members Ratify Four-year Pact
The new contract makes important changes in overtime provisions, and provides increases in wages and pension payments. Visit here to read the 1776 news release about the ratification, and visit the Communications page on the menu on the left to see 1776's Cargill members in the news!
International and Local 1776 Cite 'Postering' of Wal-Mart at its Health Care News Conference
Joe Hansen, Wendell W. Young, IV and national news media point to the "empty gestures" of the company at its Feb. 7th Washington, DC media event.
Breaking News: Court To Wal-Mart: Go to Trial; Biggest Gender Discrimination Case to Move Forward
A Federal appeals court orders Wal-Mart to stand trial on the largest-ever discrimination class-action lawsuit. This national bias case could cover as many as 1.5 million current and former female employees.
President Wendell W. Young, IV Elected Vice President of UFCW International
At right, UFCW International President Joe Hansen and Wendell W. Young, IV, after Young’s election as an International Vice President.

UFCW Members in Wine and Spirits Shops Approve Four-Year Pact
Monday, Jan 22 -- Members of UFCW Locals 1776, 23 and 27 met in ratification meetings throughout the state yesterday and voted by a 1,222 to 18 margin to adopt the pact tentatively agreed to 10 days ago by the shop stewards of the three locals. At right, Local 1776 PLCB member Jim Schlener votes at ratification meeting in Pittston.
Local 1776 Elects Kessler, Johnson
Michele Kessler (left) replaces Herman Wooden, who retires as Secretary-Treasurer; Barbara Johnson (right) takes over as Recorder
Cedarbook Employees, Local 1776 Win PLRB Ruling
20-Year Fight for Recognition Ends With Big Victory for Workers and Union
Labor Marches for Employee Free Choice Act
The AFL-CIO's James Parker reports on the labor march urging the new Congress to act quickly on the Employee Free Choice Act.
Business Week On-Line Assesses Wal-Mart Status
The Magazine cites slipping sales and badly botched PR efforts.
Nobel-Winning Economists Say Boost in Minimum Wage Will Help Economy
A group of 650 leading economists has issued a statement saying that contrary to the claims of those who oppose an increase in the federal minimum wage, an increase would have little impact on jobs and would help bring some low-income workers out of poverty.
Wal-Mart Has Lowest Holiday Sales Growth in Six Years
Company's poor performance contrasts with WakeUpWal-Mart.com's reaching a new high in supporters -- topping 300,000!
WakeUpWalMart.com Calls on Wal-Mart to Renounce New Attack Linking Democrats to Hezbollah Terrorists
The latest attack from the Wal-Mart War Room linked U.S. Senators to Hezbollah terrorists. WakeUpWalMart.com urged the corporation to sever its ties with such irresponsible fear-mongering tactics. Here is the text of WakeUpWalMart's response.
WakeUpWal-Mart.com Bus Tour Stops in Philadelphia
Two events highlighted the third stop on the national 35-city "Change Wal-Mart, Change America" tour. In front of a standing-room only crowd at the Arch Street Friends Meeting House, leaders of the fastest growing peoples' movement in the nation outlined the progress they have made to enlist more than 250,000 people in the drive to make Wal-Mart a responsible corporate citizen. Then, more than 25 UFCW members and participants in the bus tour blanketed the 15th and Market Sts. area of Center City Philadelphia to handbill and sign up commuters for the drive to win a living wage and health care benefits for Wal-Mart workers.
Local 1776 Members Ratify Hanover Contracts
Three-year pacts provide wage increase and preserve health care benefits; also contain 29 percent increase in company's contribution to pension program.
1776 Leads Fight for Big Win on Minimum Wage!
As the final hours of the legislative session dwindled away, a coalition of labor and its allies who represent working men and women in Harrisburg won a lengthy battle to increase the minimum wage in Pennsylvania for the first time since a federal minimum was adjusted in 1997. Local 1776's officers, members and staff played a key role in the final negotiations. At left, Gov. Ed Rendell signs the historic bill. Looking on are, to his left, State Sen. Vincent J. Hughes; to the Governor's right, State Sen. Christina Tartaglione; and in back of Sen. Tartaglione Local 1776 Secretary-Treasurer Herman Wooden and Director of Political and Legislative Action John Meyerson.
Local 1776 Members Ratify Contract with Citterio USA
Members ratified a three-year deal by a 6-1 margin. The pact protects benefits and provides wage increases. At right, Northeast and Central Divisions Director Michele Kessler briefs Local 1776 members on the contract's details.
Berks Heim Members Ratify Contract
Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 have voted by a three to one margin to approve a three-year contract with Berks Heim, the Berks County home, Local 1776 officials report.
Fight the Wal-Mart Health Care Crisis
Earlier this year WakeUpWal-Mart.com released a shocking new study entitled "America Pays, Wal-Mart Saves." Among the key findings was that Pennsylvania is one of the five highest states impacted by Wal-Mart's failure to provide adequate health care benefits for its employees -- costing PA taxpayers nearly $60 million in 2005.
Local 1776: Who We Are and How We Started
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 negotiates outstanding benefits such as full medical care, tuition reimbursements and childcare. The Union enforces contracts with employers to ensure that our members are protected and defended from unjust actions.