voice of 1360 spring 2013

LOCAL 1360The Voice of

United Food & Commercial Workers Union Vol. 15 No. 1 Spring 2013

Notice of Nominations!

Important Information For Purchasing a Home

Garden State FCU is Open!

Are your Lungs Healthy?

And Much More!

The President’s MessageBy Sam Ferraino

I would like to start off by talking about the state of Local 1360 and looking forward into 2013.

During these difficult economic times many are looking for ways to reduce their financial burdens. We at the Union have also had to take measures to cut costs. We have recently set up a committee to review all consultant fees and bills, and have renegotiated all of these fees at a much lower rate. One way we are reducing costs is to limit the number of VOICE magazines that we will be sending out to our members. We are currently working with our media consultant to begin placing the magazine on our website, which will save the high cost of mailing. We will keep you up to date as to when we will be launching the website magazine. Another measure to reduce costs has been that there have been no salary increases for all Union officers and staff since 2010. These measures allow us to keep costs stable to our members while still maintaining the high standards of service that our members have become accustomed to.

As we go to print, I am sure many of you know that the Mantua Acme store has closed. Members have been placed, by seniority, in other locations. The remaining three Superfresh stores in our jurisdiction closed this past January. Unfortunately, those members who lost their jobs had no stores to move to, but we did work hard to place members who wanted to stay in the industry at other Local 1360 represented bargaining units.

On a brighter note, we have met with representatives of Cerberus, the group that is purchasing the ACME stores, to discuss plans the company has for moving forward. Although they could not get into specifics because they have not yet completed the purchase of the stores, they did give us an overview of their plans. Their plan is to lower prices, improve the grade of meat and produce the stores carry and to add thirty percent more staffing at the stores. Additional staffing means that there will be more hours for our members. We of course could not

get into any discussions in regards to the contract at this time, as again, Cerberus does not yet own the company. It is our belief that if ACME continued with their current ownership (Supervalu) they would have continued on a downward spiral and gone out of business closing all of their locations. If Cerberus acts on the plans they discussed, we believe they can turn ACME around which would be beneficial to our members and their families.

In organizing, I am proud to say that we have organized almost as many members as we have recently lost. We have shifted to an organizing mentality. We are as always looking to increase our membership, which is beneficial to us all.

It is important, in a time when many people are hostile towards Unions, that we all speak proudly of who we are and what we represent. If we did not have the Union today, our standard of living would be greatly reduced. We are Union ProUd. You need, in your everyday life, to let family, friends and anybody else you come in contact with know about Unionism. We have to get our non-Union competitors to understand this. Talk up the Union and attitudes will start to change. Those changes can benefit us all. All movements start from the bottom up. Your positive attitude and conversations are a grass roots movement that can start the ball rolling.

In closing, please read about all negotiations and should you have any questions, please reach out to your Union representative.

as always, you are what make our Union strong. Thank you for all of your support.

Table of Contents

Secretary-Treasurer’s Servicing Director’s Report 2

Political and Legislative Report 3

Negotiations Update 4

Organizing Director’s Report 4

Weingarten Rights 5

Union Representative Reports 6-9

Members’ Updates 10

Wal-Mart Article 11

Member Spotlights 12-14

Scholarship Fund 15

UFCW Health and Welfare Fund 16-17

Legal Article 18-19

Going Green/Notice of Nominations 20

Garden State Federal Credit Union 21

Benefits Reminders 22-23

PUBLISHED BY: United Food & Commercial Workers Local Union 1360. Chartered in 1939 by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. AFL-CIO.PUBLISHED QUARTERLY: Volume 15. Number 01. Third Class Postage Paid in Bellmawr, NJ.EDITORIAL OFFICE: Local 1360, 400 Commerce Lane, West Berlin, New Jersey, 08091. Phone: 856-767-4001 or toll free at 1-888-YES-1360.PRESIDENT & EDITOR: Sam Ferraino, JR. - [email protected] TREASURER: Peg Michalowski - [email protected]: Sue Michielli - [email protected] BOARD: Cookie Conway, Paul Cortesini, Brian Covely, Linda Doherty, Vince Germani, Robert Hollinger, Ruby Jones, Tom Jones, Rudy Margiotti, Frank Pagano, Helen Polizzi Ireland, Gregory Quagliato, Paul Prosser, Denise Scheuerman, Saylor WinslowPUBLICATIONS CONSULTANTS: AVC Pictures, LLCWEBSITE: www.UFCW1360.info

Grievance AmountGrievance amount from January 1, 2013 to

February 28, 2013 is $27,442.33 in back pay and financial settlements from grievances filed by the Union It pays to belong to UFCW Local 1360

General Membership MeetingMonday, May 20, 2013, 7:00 p.m.

at the Ramada Inn, 1083 Route 206 North, Bordentown NJWednesday, September 25, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at Local 1360

Tuesday, November 26, 2013, 7:00 p.m. at Local 1360Tuesday, January 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m. at Local 1360

TeRRI LACeRRA executive Administrative Assistant/Office Manager

DONNA HALe Administrative Assistant

DONALD SCOTT Head of Maintenance and Repair

LISA JOHNSON Administrative Assistant/Membership Research Department

Notice of NominationsTo: All Members of UFCW Local 1360Nomination meetings for Local 1360 Delegates to the UFCW International Convention to be held August 12 – August 14, 2013, will take place as follows:

Date: Wednesday, April 24, 2013Times: 10:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.Place: UFCW, Local 1360 Union Hall, 400 Commerce Lane, West Berlin, NJ 08091Dear Member:At the above meetings there will be a vote on the Executive Board’s recommendation not to send the allotted 13 delegates to the UFCW International Convention (Pursuant to the International’s Constitution, the President and Secretary-Treasurer will attend as 2 delegates, by virtue of election to office). If this motion is approved, there will be no need for nominations.

Eligibility Requirements for Delegates: Must be an active member of Local 1360 who has been an active member of the UFCW, or who had been a member of another organization merged with or chartered by the UFCW Local Union, for a continuous aggregate since November 2011.

Secretary-Treasurer’s Servicing Director’s ReportPeg Michalowski Secretary-Treasurer/Servicing Director

We have so many contracts expiring in 2013 that we expect to be in overdrive for the better part of the year. We will work through the challenges of negotiating health care under the new Health Care Act. Even bigger challenges will come with struggling employers who are able to show us that they have a recovery plan in place. As we saw with A&P/Superfresh, even when given the tools

to right the ship, it doesn’t work if the captain doesn’t change his course.

Everyday more and more non-Union competition moves into our area and takes another bite out of our Union stores and Union jobs. Whether shopping or out at social gatherings, every member should speak positively about the Union whenever possible. As the outside competition grows, our contracts get harder and harder to protect. If you have spoken to someone who is non-Union and they are interested in talking about the benefits of belonging to a Union, please arrange for them to meet with your Union representative.

We knew Acme (Supervalu) was in trouble and unfortunately they have made some very poor choices for many years, long before Supervalu bought them. When they were purchased, they put the right people in place to turn the company around, but didn’t let them make the short-term tough changes that were necessary for long-term success. With the recent purchase of Acme by Cerberus, the future of this company still remains to be seen. From what we have heard from this company, they want to do the right things to attempt to fix the wrong paths that have been taken over the years. They are planning on allowing the employees to be more involved in decision-making for their departments. They also plan to allow store directors to be more of a director than a puppet. They’ve also indicated that they will address the pricing issues and be more competitive. We hope to have a good working relationship with

the new company and jointly move forward to grow Acme markets once again.

We have a couple of independents that are struggling or going under because of the growing competition. The last few years of economic hardships have caused people to cut back on the extras when grocery shopping, which has affected these independents. With everyone from CVS to Home Depot selling groceries, it is an extremely competitive market and only the strong and progressive will survive.

In our public sector we also face many of the same challenges such as budget cuts and the threat of layoffs. The job market is limited and so are the funds for good paying jobs. It is a vicious cycle. If people can’t get significant raises they can’t spend, if they don’t spend there are no additional funds, if there are no funds, there are no raises and so on and so forth.

Even our nursing homes and rehab facilities are feeling the pain of a tough economy. Most of the residents in these facilities are there because of Medicare or Medicaid. These are two programs that the republicans would love to crush and leave our elderly or low-income citizens out in the street.

Now is just as important as in the 1930’s for Unions to grow and strengthen. It is a fact that when Unions are growing and vibrant, so is the economy and the middle class. It is very discouraging to hear a thirty or forty-year member say the Union doesn’t do anything for me. That same Union member has enjoyed things like decent wages to raise their family on, health care that they didn’t pay for, paid vacations, personal days, and job security through the grievance procedure, just to mention a few. My point is that a comment like that is just ignorant. Comments like this are usually from someone who has never been even remotely involved in their Union or someone who only still has a job because of the Union.

Remember that the “Union” is only as strong as its members, so what have YOU done for YOUR Union lately?

Political and Legislative ReportSue Michielli Political and Legislative Director

A new minimum wage bill was sponsored in the Senate by Senate President, Steve Sweeney (Iron Workers), and Majority Leader, Lou Greenwald, in the assembly. The bill aimed to raise the states minimum wage from $7.25 an hour to $8.50 an hour. The bill would also have allowed for annual increases that are consistent with the Consumer Price Index. This legislation

passed both houses, but was then conditionally vetoed by the Governor at the end of January 2013.

The Governor has presented his own plan, which proposes a $1 phase in over three years, along with an increase in the Earned Income Credit.

There is yet another proposal that is still on the table which would allow for the minimum wage increase to be approved by New Jersey voters in the form of a constitutional amendment on the ballot this fall.

“Governor Christie has again failed hard-working New Jerseyans,” said Oliver (D-Essex). “This conditional veto is unacceptable. Any proposal that lacks annual adjustments to ensure wages keep pace with the economy is not a real solution. Governor Christie’s callous action leaves us no choice but to send this matter to the voters.”

Sweeney added that putting the question to voters is the only way to depoliticize the issue. “(Christie’s) action shows that he believes politics and politicians need to remain part of the process on minimum wage. I think they need to be removed from it entirely,” he said.

New Jersey’s minimum wage is currently $7.25 an hour -- the lowest allowed by federal law.

Sweeney and Oliver’s ballot measure, which still needs final legislative approval, would ask voters if they’d like to increase the state’s minimum wage from $7.25 to $8.25 and tie future increases to the Consumer Price Index. It can be placed on the ballot in November without Christie’s signature.

Raising the minimum wage is a way to give the New Jersey’s working families something to truly be thankful for: a strong minimum wage increase that can help lift these struggling families out of poverty.

A coalition of low-wage workers, faith leaders, anti-poverty groups and other organizations suggests New Jersey enact a substantial wage increase with automatic annual adjustments tied to cost-of-living increases. This will prevent New Jersey’s most vulnerable workers from falling behind again as they have in recent years, when wages have stagnated despite skyrocketing prices for food, heat, gasoline, transportation and other essentials. Over the past four decades, the real purchasing power of the minimum wage has eroded by nearly one-third. For example, the federal minimum wage would currently be over $10 an hour had it kept pace with inflation since 1968.

“If we are serious about giving everyone a shot at rising to the middle class and achieving the American Dream, then we need to quickly advance a meaningful wage increase that keeps pace with the ever-rising cost of living,” New Jersey Policy Perspective senior policy analyst Raymond Castro says. “Given the alarming 24 percent increase in adults and children living in poverty in New Jersey since the Great Recession began, this is not only an economic necessity, it is a moral imperative.”

A New Jersey worker earning the minimum wage of $7.25 per hour who works full time brings home under $15,000 a year, not nearly enough to survive – much less succeed – in high-cost New Jersey. Many of these low-wage workers are forced to rely on public benefits like food stamps, general assistance and subsidized housing just to fulfill the basic needs of food, clothing and shelter.

“Today’s minimum wage law keeps poor people poor. This is a moral issue,” says Rev. Sara Lilja, director of Lutheran Office of Governmental Ministry in New Jersey. “When we talk about the injustice of poverty, our state leaders need to understand that only a strong minimum wage policy that increases as living expenses increase will eliminate the cycle of poverty in this state.”

Increasing the minimum wage without incorporating regular cost-of-living adjustments can’t alone lift people out of poverty because the wage’s value would erode in the future as the cost of living rises. New Jersey’s leaders should tie any wage increase to the Consumer Price Index while enabling the Legislature to revisit the level at which the wage is set.

“New Jersey has the second highest foreclosure rate in the nation and is moving toward a 10 percent unemployment rate. It is time to provide working families in New Jersey with direct relief,” Trina Scordo, executive director of NJ Communities United, says. “As housing, food and clothing costs continue to increase, working families lose ground. Raising the minimum wage to $8.25 is a step in the right direction – but more importantly the increase must take into account increasing costs of living.”

A strong minimum wage increase would provide a crucial leg up for New Jersey’s working families while also providing a real boost to the state’s ailing economy. If the wage were increased to $8.50, for example, overall economic activity would increase by $278 million and the equivalent of 2,420 new full-time jobs would be created – in the first year alone, according to the Economic Policy Institute.

I believe that this is an important issue that we the working class are fighting for. Please let your elected officials know that you support raising the minimum wage and should the vote come to the people, support it. I would like to thank Yarrow Williams-Cole for allowing us to use much of his article to present the facts to our members.

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Organizing Directors Report

It is hard to believe the year is one-third over, but the organizing department at Local 1360 is proud to report that 58 workers at IFCO Pallet Company in Florence, New Jersey,

decided that they wanted UFCW Local 1360 to help them in their quest to make IFCO a better place to work. Instead of listening to the cries of this hard working group of workers, IFCO chose to take a hard anti-Union approach and put on a typical campaign filled with lies and half truths about what a Union is and how it works in the lives of its members. They simply cannot grasp that the Union is not about a few individuals getting all the benefits. The Union is actually about everyone working hard to make the company they work for more prosperous and then everyone sharing in that prosperity. Union workers are the most productive workers on the planet. As

we move forward and continue to dig our way out of the financial mess that has left too many without jobs, underemployed, or with no prospect of any job at all, we know that it will be Unionized workers who will lead the way out of this recession.

The Organizing Department is continuing to seek out workers in all areas of our workforce such as Medical Care, Township, and Retail etc. Workers who have been abused and disrespected at their workplace, we will offer them a chance to enjoy what Union members enjoy. We want to offer them the same rights we have, due to our resolve to stand together, fight, and win benefits through bargaining for fair contracts.

By Chuck VanArtsdalen, Organizing Director

Negotiations Update

Ratified Contracts

Healthcare Services, Dietary – ratified 9/17/12

Healthcare Services, Housekeeping & Laundry – ratified 9/17/12

Monroe Township – ratified 10/25/12

Ammons/Mullica Hill Shop Rite – ratified 11/5/12

Aramark – ratified 11/9/12

CCMUA NSEA – ratified 11/28/12

GCIA Finance Department – ratified 12/19/12

Mt. Laurel Nursing Home – ratified 1/29/13

Cherry Hill AristaCare Nursing Home – ratified 2/8/13Borough of Glassboro-Mechanics, Highway, and Record Department - ratified 3/12/13

First Contracts:

Camden Redevelopment Agency

Negotiating:

Borough of LindenwoldShady Lane Child Development Center Teachers and Teacher’s Aides (2 contract)Cherry Hill Library – The Administrator for the Library’s last day of work was December 21, 2012. Local 1360 is waiting for the Library to come back with a proposal that is reasonable to the membership. The Library hired a new administrator and we are waiting for dates for negotiations.Camden County Prosecutor’s Office – The County has hired an attorney who has brought many new obstacles in negotiations. We are committed to bringing back to the membership an agreement that both parties can agree to.

Tim Terifay

It Is Your Right And Responsibility To Make Sure You Are Enrolled In Our UnionFor your convenience, your dues can be deducted directly from your paycheck by the company, with your application. It is NOT the company’s responsibility to deduct your dues or initiation fees. If you are in question of your membership status, please call us at 1-888-YES-1360.

BYLAWS OF U.F.C.W. LOCAL 1360

ARTICLE IV – MEMBERSHIP – Section A:

All persons engaged in work within the trade and geographical jurisdiction of this Local Union shall be eligible for membership subject to the provisions of these Bylaws and the constitution and the laws of the International Union.

ARTICLE XI – INITIATION FEES AND DUES – Section B:

1. Dues shall be due and payable on or before the first day of the month for which they are due. An applicant for membership shall pay an initiation or reinstatement fee, plus the current month’s dues and assessments.

2. Any member two calendar months in arrears for dues or fees to the Local Union shall stand suspended if same are not paid on or before the first day of the third month. The responsibility for maintaining membership in good standing rests with the member; suspension therefore, when it occurs, is the voluntary act of the member involved.

U.F.C.W. LOCAL 1360 ~ 400 Commerce Lane & Rt. 73 – W. Berlin, New Jersey 08091-9253 ~ 1-888-YES-1360 – 1-856-767-4001

Weingarten Rights: Know Your Rights at Work!One of the Union Shop Steward’s most important jobs is to prevent threats and intimidation by management. Nowhere is this more important than in closed-door meetings where supervisors or guards, often trained in interrogation techniques, will try to scare or intimidate employees, or force them to confess to wrongdoing.

In a case called NLRB v. J Weingarten Inc., the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that employees have the right to have a Union Representative present during investigatory interviews. These “Weingarten Rights” or Weingarten Rules”, named after the Supreme Court Case, are among the most valuable protections Union employees have.

Weingarten Rules

Under the Weingarten case, all employees have the right to Union representation when they reasonably believe that an investigatory interview is about to take place. ‘Investigatory interviews’ occur when a supervisor, guard, or other company official questions a worker to try and obtain information which could be used by the company to discipline the worker, or when employees are asked to defend their conduct. If the company breaks any of the following rules, it breaks the law.

Rule 1: If you think you will be asked questions that will lead to discipline, and if the company automatically lets the Union Shop Steward attend the meeting, you must make a clear request for Union representation before or during the interview. You cannot be punished for making this request.

However, the company does not have to inform employees of their ‘Weingarten rights.’ You may be familiar with ‘Miranda warnings’ police have to give in criminal cases. This is different - employees have ‘Miranda’ rights on the job.

Be sure to ask for a Shop Steward or Union Representative if one isn’t there at the meeting already.

Rule 2: After you make a request for Union representation, the company can do one of the following things:

• Grant the request and delay questioning until the Union representative arrives and has a chance to consult privately with the employee; or

• Deny the request and end the interview immediately; or

• Give the employee a chance of (a) having the interview without representation or (b) ending the interview.

Rule 3: If the company denies the request for Union representation, but continues to ask questions, it commits an unfair labor practice and you have the right to refuse to answer. The company cannot discipline you for refusing to answer under these circumstances. (You cannot get up and leave the meeting though until the employer permits you to leave.)

Weingarten rights apply to all employees represented by the Union, whether probationary or permanent. If you do not request representation, the company has the right to do the interview without the Shop Steward present, and to use the information it obtains in any way it sees fit.

Your request to be represented by the Union should be in the following form:

“If this discussion could in any way lead to my being disciplined or terminated, or affect my personal working conditions, I request that my Union Representative, officer, or Shop Steward be present at the meeting. Without representation, I choose not to answer any questions.”

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If they don’t belong to you, you can’t use them. These coupons are easily traceable. You will be terminated.

Price plus or Employee Discount Cards – only use these cards on your own purchases. Don’t use it for a customer if they forgot their card of if you are trying to speed up the check out line. If there is a problem with a customer’s card, ask for help. Don’t use your card to speed up the process.

Customer Complaints – If you are having a problem with a customer, ask for help. Get the front-end runner or someone from management to handle the customer. They get paid to handle problems. Allow them to do their job. This is a battle you will never win, no matter how right you may be.

In today’s economy, jobs are few and far between. Be smart. Go to work, be on time, do your job, and go home. Follow this simple theory and you shouldn’t have any problems.

Union Representative Helen Polizzi Reports

When it’s time for me to write an article for you, I find myself repeating warnings to help you from getting written up or fired. I don’t like re-writing,

but it seems as though some of you aren’t taking the warning.

There were many terminations for time and attendance during the holiday

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Union Representative

Union Representative Maryann Oswald Reports

Not to sound like a broken record, but please refrain from using your cell phone while on the clock! This can get you fired. Ask yourself if that phone call is worth your job. If there

is an emergency, do like we did before cell phones and have your family member call the store line to contact you.

We have unfortunately seen some of our members disciplined for misuse of coupons. Please follow all company policies concerning the use of coupons. Again, ask yourself if your job is worth it.

We have many contracts expiring this year. We will be bringing proposals to your store soon so we can begin this process.

Please keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers.

Union RepresentativeSaylor Winslow Reports

Now that we are well into the New Year, we have to go over some of the issues that led to our members being suspended or terminated in 2012. I am

going to review these problems in the hope they will not continue to reappear in 2013. If you follow these simple rules, you won’t experience any issues.

Time and Attendance – You must get your schedule every week and follow it. Some workers memorize their schedules, which leaves room for mistake. Copy your schedule down, so there will be no errors. Do not assume your schedule will be the same every week. Remember that even if you have made a request of some sort, don’t assume your requests have been honored until you see the schedule. If there is a problem with your schedule, contact your supervisor immediately. Be on time. Know your company’s policy on calling out. Most of all, if you can’t get to work, make sure you call and speak to the person in charge. Don’t leave a message with whoever answers the phone and assume the message will be relayed to management. Don’t let a simple mistake cost you your job.

Cell Phone Use – You can only use your cell phone when you are off the clock on your own time. If you have special circumstances regarding your family, make management aware. Always have the school, childcare, or family member contact the store or whatever facility you work at and let them know there is a problem.

Texting – Texting should be done on your own time. Refrain from even pulling your phone out to look at a text you may receive while working. If at all possible, leave your phone in your locker (if your company provides them) or in your car. If you get caught texting or making calls on company time, you can be terminated.

Catalina Coupons – If a customer tries to give you their coupons, or just forgets to take the coupons, throw them away.

Reports From Out in the Field

Union Representative Tom Zola Reports

Greetings everyone! During the course of the past three or four months, I noticed a rise in the number of register violations that I had to deal with. Once again, the majority of the violations that I’ve

seen were the misuse of Club Cards and Catalina Coupons. Folks, I can’t put it in any simpler terms: If a customer does not have their own club card, you may NOT use your own personal card for them! Follow your company’s policy in dealing with this. Next, you may only redeem Catalina coupons that have been generated by your own card and purchase! Any coupons that are left at the register, you find on the floor, or are given to you, must be destroyed. There is no gray area here. Do yourself a favor and don’t risk your job for a free turkey or a one-dollar coupon.

Lastly, I ask all of you to please learn who your Shop Stewards are at your location, and utilize them! They are caring, knowledgeable, and are there to offer guidance, information, and advice on any number of work related issues. The Stewards volunteer their time and efforts with no monetary gain. So please, if you don’t know your Shop Steward(s), find out who they are and take advantage of their services when needed.

Thank you all and I’ll see you in the stores.

Union Representative Lyle Haynes Reports

ACME Markets: Contract Negotiations will be starting soon, since your contract is expiring in April. We have been distributing surveys for you to fill out so we know what is important to you in your contract.

Remember, for scheduling issues, you must inform the Store Manager within 48 hours after the schedule is posted. Do not complain to the scheduler, as the Store Manager has final approval of schedules prior to being posted.

Shop Rite: Start making notes on what you would like changed or adjusted in your contract, which is expiring at the end of August.

Continuing Issues

CELL PHONES: While you are working, keep cell phones in your car or your locker!

ATTENDANCE ISSUES: Lateness’s such as late to work, late or overstayed breaks, leaving early before the end of a shift(early quits/incomplete shifts), have become an issue . If you are sent home or asked if you want to leave early, that cannot be held against you! Keep documentation on dates when this happens in case we need to dispute a date on the company’s documentation.

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season. Unless it’s an unforeseen emergency, you must make every effort to get to work on time. Cell phones, as much as they have become a part of our daily lives, are a big part of terminations. Coupon or store discount cards were another problem. Free turkeys, hams, or whatever points accumulated by misusing your discount cards, aren’t worth losing your job. With all the tragedies going on in the world, there is zero tolerance for any kind of physical abuse, verbal abuse, or threats. Your workplace is a job and you need to treat it as such. Please be careful of people and things around you, and be safe.

To our members at Super Fresh, it’s the end of a long relationship with most of you. I am glad that I was able to get to know you and be your Union Representative. There have been a lot of happy, sad, and uncertain times over the years. We’ve worked through too many rumors to count about the company and this for you, I am sure, has been a long roller coaster ride. I just wish that there was a better outcome for you in the end. Many emotions have been felt at the closings of stores. A few members told me they worked together since high school and have been to each other’s weddings, funerals, divorces, child births, births of grandchildren, and worked with co-workers’ grand children when they grew up. It’s amazing to hear about so many generations working together. We wish all of you the best. Know that you will be missed!

Reports From Out in the Field - continued

Union Representative Terri Dunnet Reports

Hi everyone! It has been a while since our last report.

Let me start out by saying that my heart aches every time I see pictures of the devastation that hit our state by Hurricane Sandy. I feel fortunate that my

family and home were not affected by it, but for those of you who were, I hope you are on the way to recovery and I know that each one of us here at Local 1360 wish you well.

All though this has been a fairly mild Winter, it has also has been a terrible Flu season and I know a lot of you including myself (and I had the Flu Shot) were taken ill by one of the Flu viruses. I hope everyone is back to feeling themselves and ready for a cool spring and a hot summer.

I want to say farewell to my Acme stores in Glassboro and Mantua, I know it was hard on the employees there to say goodbye to not only the store, but also to their fellow employees that they worked side by side with for so long. Everyone is in his or her new store now and I ask that they be accepted with no hard feelings. It’s not their fault the stores closed. Believe me, we would all rather have the Glassboro and Mantua Stores up and running.

Also, farewell to the girls who worked at the now closed Continental Baking Outlets (Wonder Bread) in Westville and in Bellmawr. I wish you the best that life has to offer.

On a happier note, I would like to welcome our newest members from the CCMUA in Camden and the GCIA Finance group at Shady Lane. If you have any questions please contact me at 1-888-YES-1360 Ext. 325

My Opinion

I want to tell you that I am upset with some of our members who take it upon themselves to be judge, jury and loss prevention when it comes to things that other members are doing or should I say not doing. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t condone wrong doing, but before you drop a dime to the “hot line” on someone and help to get them fired, why not drop a dime to your Union Representative or go to your Shop Steward and tell them what’s going on so they can address it with the member. Remember you too are a Union member, so act like it! Keep in mind that karma sometimes is not so pleasant. We would simply ask that you treat your co-workers the same consideration, as you would want to be treated. I don’t know of anyone who is pure enough to throw the first stone at others. If you think Management has got your back, think again! We are all replaceable.

Here are a few things to remember, if you are entitled to breaks (which we all are) and lunches:

1. If you have to clock out, make sure you do so. If you are on the honor system, make sure you do not over stay your breaks. You never know when someone else will be watching and may be ready to drop a dime on YOU.

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SCHEDULING ISSUES: Please follow the proper steps if you have a problem with your schedule. Within 72 hours after the schedule has been posted, you must bring your issue to the attention of the Department Manager and Store Director so they can correct the issue. If the issue is not corrected, then go to your Shop Steward and have them address it with the Store Director.

If they cannot fix the issue, they are to contact the Union Representative ASAP to take it to the next level.

All Members

Remember it is your responsibility to know your schedule and report to work on time. Make sure you are punching the time clock properly. If you need to fill out a missed punch form, be honest, do not falsify the time you actually arrived or left. Companies will check the camera to see when you arrived or left to verify information you submitted. If you falsify a document, you could be subject to discipline up to termination!

Looking Forward

Summer is coming and vacation requests are going to be requested for submission for the year. Based on your contract, please get requests in by the date required, or in a timely manner. Make sure you get an approval slip back from Supervision that your vacation request was approved.

In closing, food for thought: “Every job is a self-portrait of the person who did it. Autograph your work with excellence.”

2. It is against Company Policy to leave the work place to purchase something to eat (i.e. go to pizzeria, McDonalds) and then return and clock out. Again, you never know when someone else will be watching you and may be ready to drop that dime to loss prevention on YOU. Companies consider this Stealing Time and you may be fired for it.

3. It is against the Union contract, against company policy and against the law to work through your breaks and/ or lunch period. If you are doing this, please stop before someone drops that dime on YOU. If you think Management has your back on this one too, wrong again!

I have had some people lose their job in the supermarkets for WIC violations, please be careful. Read the WIC coupon before you ring the order to make sure everything matches exactly. If you are in doubt about something on the check call the Front End Manager. If you make a mistake the State of New Jersey will not pay and your Company will be out the money. Do not make any changes on the WIC check and make sure you write the exact total down.

Contract Updates:

Acme Stores: Nothing yet. The new owners do not take over until the end of March. Please make sure you fill out your surveys and return them to your steward.

All Shop Rite Stores: Nothing yet. We will be getting the surveys into the stores as we get closer to expiration.

Shady Lane Child Development Center: We have had some dates but for one reason or another they were cancelled. Hang in there it will get done.

If you have any questions or concerns you can call me at 1-888-YES-1360 Ext.325 or you can e-mail me at [email protected]

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Union Representative Sue Michielli Reports

Negotiations with the Camden County Prosecutors office are ongoing and are very difficult .

By the time you read this Glassboro will have settled.

And this year Woodbury and the CCMUA both will be negotiating.

Union Representative Ruby Jones Reports

I have been servicing many of the Rite Aid stores and have met many new members over the last 6-8 months. If I have missed you on my routine visit! If you would like me to come into your store when you are there, please let me know by calling my office. I will attempt to visit at different times in order to see as many members as I can.

I have been asked numerous times about Leave of Absence information; please review the following to update yourself on this procedure. The entire process is outlined in your contract. Please familiarize yourself with this article along with the rest of your contract.

A leave of absence is required for any absence in excess of seven (7) days. Associates are required to follow the application process set by the Employer and immediately contact the Benefits Department or its designee to request the leave forms. The forms must be completed and promptly returned to the Benefits Department or its designee before any leave can be granted.

Another issue I cannot stress enough is that you do not sign anything but your paycheck. Please do not sign any documentation that could lead to discipline or termination against yourself or a co-worker. Signing anything but your paycheck could possibly cost you your job.

If you are ever called into a meeting with management or loss prevention you have a right to request Union representation. Once you make the request, the meeting is over until your representative can be present. We recommend that you always ask for representation.

If you have any questions please feel free to call me at the Union office at 1-888-931-1360, extension #317. State your name, store number and a phone number that I can reach you at and the nature of your problem. Please be sure to speak clearly.

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To All Retirees:The Retirees Club meets the first Thursday of each month at Local 1360’s Union Hall in West Berlin. We meet for lunch and plan trips and events. This is a great way to keep busy, see old buddies, and make some new friends. We are always looking for new retirees to join our group. Please come out and give it a try!

If you have any questions you can contact me, Clayton Rager, at 856-769-0089

Members’ UpdatesLucille Williams – Zallie Shop Rite #554 Glassboro Lucille was hired at Zallie Shop Rite on February 13, 1984 and recently retired on January 26, 2013. She worked with Zallie Shop Rite for twenty-nine years. Lucille, congratulations and enjoy your retirement!

Ed and Theresa Polis – Eickhoff Shop Rite #517 We would like to congratulate Ed and Theresa Polis on the arrival of their first grandchild. Brayden arrived on November 13, 2012.

We wish Ed and Theresa all the best!

In Sympathy

Margaret Hall passed away on October 29, 2012. We lost one of our beloved members and former Shop Stewards at the Barrington Rite Aid. Margaret retired in 2005.

Heather Rae Moore passed away suddenly on Sat-urday, February 2, 2013. Heather worked at Meadow View Nursing Home, she was a member of UFCW Local 1360 since 2008. Heather dedicated her life to caring for others. She will be missed tremendously.

Andrew M. Bellone Sr. of Newfield, passed away on Tuesday, January 15, 2013, at Cooper University Hospital in Camden.

Andrew was the produce manager for Acme Market in Vineland for more than 30 years and had since retired. Our thought and condolences go out to Andy’s family.

Carol Gonzales of Gloucester City, suddenly passed away on December 3, 2012.

Carol worked for Shop Rite in West Deptford for more than fifteen years as a cashier. She fostered many friendships along the way.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Carol’s family during this most difficult time.

Janice Sims passed away on February 26, 2013. Janice worked for the Acme 7917 store for 5 years. Our condolences go out to Janice’s family.

Michael J. Gilbert passed away on March 8, 2013. Michael was a dedicated baker for Acme Markets in Runnemede for over 30 years. Our thoughts and condolences are with Michael’s family at this time.

Winter 2012 Retirees

Susan Baird

Michael Brancato

Mary Brickner

Johnnie Broussard

Madeline Clark

Joann Copper

Joseph Dixey

Catherine Dobbins

Dianna Ferguson

Donna Flesch

Patricia Gerasimoff

Bruce Hardie

Jessie O James

Martin Knott

Theresa Moan

Richard Moran

Charles Morrell

Nancy Moyer

Troy Nichols

Susan Palmer

Tyrone Potts

Sandra Rodenbeck

Susan Tyler Sawyer

Ernest Schlegel

Alice Smith

Donna Sneddon

Susan Soesbe

Joseph Swierczynski

Charles Van Horn

Joanne Vettese

Wendy Webb

Sharon Wilcox

Ann Marie Witt

Theodore Yeggle

Wal-Mart Report

Hamilton, Mercer County

Currently we are waiting for Wal-Mart to submit an application in Hamilton Township, Mercer County. The proposed 160,000 Sq. ft. Super Center is located at the old Fairground location on Rt. 33. We believe that Wal-Mart is planning to knock down the current building and build a new store from the ground up. There have been two hearings scheduled and postponed as this article is being written. There are township residents who have voiced their opposition to this project and are being represented by council in order to challenge the application once presented to the planning board.

Cinnaminson Township

In this battle, which has been going on for a few years, the recent conflict we have been faced with is Wal-Mart’s challenge to the state law giving a resident of a municipality the right to protest any action by the governing body, including the planning and zoning board. This is a landmark case, which would change the right of residents of any community in NJ restricting their rights to protest a development being proposed in their community. The intent of the current law gives any resident of a municipality the right to voice their opinion and oppose actions taken by a

planning board. In Cinnaminson, residents of the municipality (also Union members) challenged the approved Wal-Mart application twice over the last four years; both times Wal-Mart had to reapply in front of the planning board delaying their intent to Super Size the current Wal-Mart store in Cinnaminson. We are waiting for the judge’s decision on this case and will report back in future Wal-Mart articles. You can also visit our website for more information.

Woolwich Township

In 2009, a developer applied to the Woolwich Township Joint Land Use Board for a General Development Plan, which contemplated a massive commercial development to be constructed over the course of 20 years. Wal-Mart was identified as one of the retail stores to be constructed on this site. In 2012, the developer returned to the Joint Land Use Board for an amendment to its General Development Plan approval. After conducting a hearing on the application in September 2012, the Board memorialized its decision, granting the amendment in a resolution that was adopted in December 2012. At that point, a lawsuit was filed in the Superior Court to challenge the Joint Land Use Board’s action. That lawsuit is pending at this time.

Berlin Township

In October 2007 Wal-Mart applied to the Berlin Township Planning Board for additional approvals to the existing store to build a 40,000 square feet expansion. This application was heard over three meeting and given approvals for the expansion. In 2009, the case was litigated to the Superior Court of NJ to challenge the approvals granted to Wal-Mart. The court agreed that certain procedural errors had occurred and remanded Wal-Mart’s application to the Planning Board. In 2009-2010 this application was once again approved. The next appeal was filed in the Appellate Division of the Superior Court of NJ, which affirmed the Trial court decision in January 2011. That brings us to 2012-2013, where Wal-Mart has started to expand its existing store. This is one of the few battles we were unable to win in the appeal process.

Lumberton Township

In Lumberton we have been protesting this location since 2009. Since we lost the first attempt to stop this store from being built, Wal-Mart has applied three times to build an expansion to this store and make it a Super Center. Each time Wal-Mart applied at the Joint Land Use Board, the township approved their application. We followed up challenging the approval on both procedural and substantive grounds. Since that time we have challenged approvals to this site three times, winning in each of our challenges. Most recently, Wal-Mart had filed a Motion for Reconsideration of the last decision in the Superior Court of NJ. In late February, the Superior Court ruled to uphold the prior decision, forcing Wal-Mart to present a new application. This means they would have to re-apply again if they still want to expand the Lumberton Wal-Mart store. We will keep in touch as the battle rages on.

By Gregory Quagliato, Education and Research Department Director

Kimberly Bateman - Meadowview Nursing HomeKimberly Bateman works at Meadowview Nursing Home in Williamstown. She was born in Philadelphia and raised in Glassboro.

Kim is a single mom and does a great job with her four children. She has three sons and one daughter: Waydale 21, Divante 18, Marquan 16 and Kymmauni 8. She also has three grandchildren, including a new baby girl, Paeton, born on December 7, 2012, nineteen-month-old Jaedon, and little Kayne, their angel in heaven.

Kim has been a CNA since 1987. She loves taking care of people, especially the elderly. Kim is also a community care provider. She takes care of people in her home so they can get the proper care needed. She takes care of one client at a time and that person becomes part of the Bateman family for however long needed. We have only known Kim for a couple of years, but we can see that she truly has it in her heart to do the right thing. Kim is also pro-Union and has said, “I am glad that we have the Union, it was very necessary”. Kim will tell you the most important thing at work is patient care and she means it from her heart. We asked her to tell us something she wants people to know about her, and she said, “I love people! I love my family and I love having family”.

Thanks Kim for your dedication and service to your Union!

Member Spotlights!

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Joe Seifert - ACME #7979Joe Seifert has been working at ACME for 8 years. He has been a Shop Steward for the past 2 years.

Anyone who is friends with Joe knows what a great friend he is. He is always there to lend a helping hand. Joe also loves playing video games. He is huge sports fan and loves to watch his favorite teams the New York Giants and New York Mets.

Thank you Joe for your hard work and dedication.

Steve Milosh - ACME # 7994 We would like to thank Steve for stepping up and accepting the position of Shop Steward in his store. Steve is well respected among his coworkers and will be a welcome addition to our Union Representation in the store. Steve has been with Acme for 30 years in various positions. Steve is married and has a son who is now in his senior year of high school. Steve is also an avid hockey fan and is really happy they are back playing Hockey again after the strike.

Thanks for your service to our members and your Local!

Doug Hines – Acme #7973 – Burlington New JerseyDoug has worked for ACME for thirty-three years, and is currently the receiver at 7973. He has been Shop Steward for two years.

Doug is married and has four grown children: three daughters and a son. Doug is also a big sports fan and supports all Philadelphia teams. Doug and his wife enjoy traveling.

Thank you, Doug, for your service to the Union!

Thomas Rementer – Borough of GlassboroThomas has been with the Borough of Glassboro since 2006. He is a Driver/Labor which includes driving trash trucks, dump trucks, trash and recycle pick-ups.

Tom has a daughter and a son, Tom Jr. and Nicole. Tom has been married to his wife Carole for nineteen years.

His hobbies include coaching football, wrestling, soccer and baseball.

Thank you Thomas for your hard work!

Member Spotlights!

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Member Spotlights!

Michael Miduski – Zallie Shop Rite #554Michael started working for Shop Rite of Laurel Hill back in 1988 when he was 16 years old. He now works as a Produce Clerk in the Glassboro Store.

Michael lives in Deptford with his wife Melanie and his two 9 year old sons, Peter and Ian.

He has always enjoyed music and played bass guitar in a band since he was 14 years old.

Mike is very active in events for Autism Awareness. He likes to make wine just like his grandfather did and he loves to spend good quality time with his family. Mike also has a BA Degree in Environmental Sciences.

On a personal note, I (Terri Dunnet) first met Mike when he was 9 years old and would come shopping at the Laurel Hill store with his Mother and Grandmother. I also worked side by side with Mike as produce clerks. Working in the store I got to know his family well and I know that they are so proud of the man that Michael as become.

Mike, thank you for being a good Union Brother!

Loraine Galiazzi – Rite Aid #687 OaklynLoraine has worked for the Oaklyn Rite Aid store for twenty-eight years. Loraine has not missed one day of work in all of those twenty-eight years! For many years, Loraine worked as a teacher along with working for Rite Aid. During her teaching career, Loraine taught the Honorable Dana Redd, Mayor of Camden.

Loraine and her husband raised three sons in the city of Camden and they grew up to be very productive men in the community. She also has seven grandchildren.

Loraine loves the Lord, her family, her neighborhood, and her neighbors.

Thank you, Loraine, for your many years of service to Rite Aid and as a member of Local 1360!

Judy Levy - Shop-Rite #523 - MarltonJudy Levy has worked for the Ravitz Shop-Rite for the last five years. Judy works in the bakery department and is a friend to everyone in the store.

In Judy’s spare time, she enjoys walking.

Thank you, Judy, for your dedication to Local 1360!

UFCW Local 1360 Scholarship Application - 2013The following application must be accompanied by a copy of your grades for 2012/2013 and an essay giving the reasons why you feel you should be selected to receive a scholarship award (see article on this page for more details about the essay requirements). Applications, which do NOT include all three items, will NOT be accepted.

Deadline for submitting ALL of the required documents is April 30, 2013. Good luck!

Scholarship FundThe Scholarship Fund of UFCW Local 1360 is now accepting applications for the 2013/2014 academic year. Deadline:

All applications and required documentation must be received by UFCW Local 1360 Scholarship Fund Committee at the address listed below no later than 4 P.M., Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

In order to qualify for a UFCW Local 1360 scholarship award, you must be a high school graduate planning to continue your education at a college or technical, trade, vocational, or beauty school. In addition, you must be either a Local 1360 member in good standing yourself, or the spouse or dependent child of a member in good standing.

UFCW Local 1360 Scholarship fund awards are to be used for tuition, books, school fees, and /or boarding fees. You may apply even if you have previously won a Local 1360 scholarship as long as you meet the requirements, and write your essay based on the required topics for “Previous Winners” set forth below.

For all applicants, please fill out the application on this page, submit it with a copy of your grades for the current school year (2012-2013), and any community service or other humanitarian activities you may be involved with and submit your essay as required below:

First-Time and Non Winners of Local 1360 Scholarships:

Essays should be a minimum of 400 words and maximum of 500 words, and should include the following information:

• Give the reason why you should be selected to receive a scholarship award.

• Describe you school activities, including any extracurricular activities in which you are involved.

• Why is the labor movement in general or UFCW Local 1360 in particular, important to you and your family or community?

• What has being associated with Local 1360 meant to you and your family?

• Mention any Union activities in which you may have been involved.

Previous Winners of Local 1360 Scholarships:

Essays should be a minimum of 400 words and maximum of 500 words, and should include the following information:

Give the reason why you should be selected to receive another scholarship award.

• How has previously receiving this scholarship benefitted you and your family?

• How will this scholarship help you meet your educational and career goals, and what part has the Union played in your education and career goals?

• If someone told you that Unions are unnecessary for today’s environment, how would you refute that statement and why?

In order to receive the scholarship, award winners must provide proof of admittance to the designated college or school they will be attending for the 2013/2014 school years. Also, absent extraordinary circumstances, in order to receive the scholarship it is a requirement that the winners attend the UFCW Local 1360 scholarship awards ceremony. Winners of the scholarship award will be notified by mail prior to the awards ceremony, which is normally held in June. The names of the winners will be posted in a later issue of this newspaper, the Voice of Local 1360.

PLEASE NOTE: Applications which do NOT include all three items - the completed application form, copy of your 2013/2014 grades, AND the essay described above - will NOT be accepted.

Remember, the deadline for submitting the application and required documents to the Scholarship Fund Committee at the address below is 4 P.M., Tuesday, April 30, 2013.

We encourage all who are eligible to apply to:

Scholarship Fund CommitteeUnited Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1360400 Commerce Lane and Route 73West Berlin New Jersey 08091-9253

of UFCW Loca l 1360

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Last Name First Name Middle Initial

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Street Address

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________City State Zip Code Phone # ( )

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Relationship to Member Employer or Member’s Employer

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________Grade or Level of Education (2012-2013 school year) Name of School Attending in 2013-2014

Lung HealthARE YOU AT RISK FOR LUNG CANCER?

Smoking is by far the most important risk factor, causing 80-85% of lung cancer in the United States.

Tobacco is the leading cause of preventable illness and death in the United States. There is NO risk-free level of tobacco smoke. All tobacco (cigarettes, pipes, cigars, marijuana, etc.) contain nicotine and other cancer-causing substances. It is a mix of more than 7,000 chemicals, which cause changes in cells than can lead to cancer. Other risk factors that can lead to lung cancer include radon or asbestos exposure, second hand smoke, active military service, environmental exposure, and family history.

Current and former smokers are at an increased risk for lung cancer and may not know it. There are usually no signs or early symptoms of lung cancer.

Lung cancer, like other cancers, is most curable when it is found early and when it is possible to remove the cancer with surgery. When a person has no symptoms and is tested to detect cancer, this process is called a screening.

The UFCW Health and Welfare Fund and Tri-State Health and Welfare Fund are offering 100 FREE LungCam screenings for the first eligible participants and/or eligible spouses. Call the LungCam today at 1-215-662-LIFE (5433) and get this life saving screening.

WHY LUNGCAM:• LungCam (EBCT) delivers 1/3 the radiation compared to multiple slice scanners. (MSCT)• Images are acquired in 100 milliseconds; MSCT images are acquired in 300 to 500 milliseconds meaning they have less accurate

resolution.• Can detect cancer, asbestosis, and other diseases of the lung at their earliest stages.• Open machine• Get results – know your risk!

LungCam is a Service Provided in Collaboration with University of Pennsylvania Health System At Penn Presbyterian Medical Center, 3 Philadelphia Heart Institute, 39th and Market, Philadelphia, PA 19104

215-662-LIFE (5433)

For more information and any questions call the Fund at 1-800-228-7484, ext. 2504.

milliseconds meaning they have less accurate resolution.

Have Your Parties In Style!Our newly refurbished Union Hall is available for rent for holiday and birthday parties, baby and wedding showers, and other festive events. But here’s the really good news - Local 1360 members get a $175 discount! The rental fees for four hours are as follows:

Non-Members Local 1360 Members

Fridays and Saturdays $600 $425Sundays $500 $325Mondays through Thursdays $400 $225

Call TODAY to reserve our hall for your next party!Contact Brian Covely at the Union office at 609-217-1033, to make your reservation.

Pharmacy NetworkAll eligible participants and eligible dependants of the Tri-State Health and Welfare and the UFCW Health and Welfare Funds have prescription benefits through Express Scripts.

Your Express Scripts card can be use at any pharmacy in the Health and Welfare Fund Provider Network. The network includes many of the participating Employer stores, i.e., Acme Markets, Super Fresh, Shop Rite, Stop & Shop, Pathmark, Rite Aid and other independent stores.

The Mail at Retail Drug Program enables you to obtain your mandatory maintenance drugs directly from a store in the Mail at Retail Network: Acme Markets, Super Fresh, Shop Rite, Pathmark, Stop and Shop, and Rite Aid.

The Health and Welfare Fund Pharmacy Network does not include the following pharmacy chains:

CVS, Wal-Mart, K-Mart, Walgreens, Genuardi’s, Target, Costco, BJ’s, Sam’s Club, Weis Supermarkets, Price Chopper, Hannaford Supermarkets, Cost Cutter, and Drug Fair.

If you choose to have a prescription filled at one of these pharmacy chains and pay cash for the prescription, such expenses will not be reimbursed by the Fund.

If you have any questions regarding the pharmacy network, please contact the Fund office at 1-800-228-7484, prompt 4.

This year Local 1360 members will have the opportunity to join the Unions Active Ballot Club or ABC, as it is referred to. Local 1360’s ABC is a way of raising funds to support political candidates and legislation that is favorable to hard working women and men.

The Active Ballot Club is the voluntary, non-partisan political and educational arm of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union. The goal of Local 1360’s ABC is to encourage our members to register and vote to exercise their full rights and responsibilities as citizens. ABC is dedicated to working for democratic practices and good government and to reassuring the highest ethical conduct in government today.

Most of the funds that push for special interest legislation come from the wealthy or power conglomerates. The special interest that these groups push for do not, in most cases, benefit the working people. For that reason it is necessary that we have strong legislation to support our causes. We must raise funds to support those causes and to counter the large amounts of money being raised by anti-worker special interests.

Local 1360’s Active Ballot Club is a weekly contribution and is strictly voluntary, but we ask all of our members to participate and join our Active Ballot Club through this important contribution.

For more information on our Active Ballot Club, please contact Political Director, Susan Michielli at the Union office at 1-888-YES-1360, extension 321.

Active Ballot Club

Buying a home can be an exciting time, especially if you are a first time home buyer. Usually the purchase of a home is a smooth process that moves forward with few obstacles. However, there are times when issues do come up during the home buying process and having a basic understanding of the process can assist you during those times.

The first step in purchasing a house after you have looked at properties with a realtor and found one that you like is to make an offer to purchase the property. It is a good idea to already have been pre-approved by a mortgage company prior to making an offer to purchase a property. Mortgage companies will provide you with a one-page document stating that you have been pre-approved up to a certain amount for a mortgage. This document from a mortgage company will allow the Sellers to take your offer seriously since the Seller can see that you have been pre-approved for a mortgage in the amount necessary to purchase the Seller’s property. After you make an offer to purchase the property, the Seller can either accept your offer, reject your offer or make a counteroffer for a different selling price or different terms. If a counteroffer is made you then have the option of accepting the

counteroffer, rejecting the counteroffer, or making a counteroffer yourself. Once the Buyer and Seller have reached an agreement on the selling price and any other terms, a Contract for Sale is prepared and signed by the Buyer and Seller.

Most Realtors in South Jersey use the same standard form for the Contract for Sale and fill in the individual information for a particular sale on the standard forms. Once both Seller and Buyer have signed the Contract for Sale and received a fully executed copy, i.e., that has been signed by all parties, a three-day attorney review period begins. You begin counting the three-day review period the first full day after both parties have received a fully executed copy of the Contract for Sale. Only business days count as part of the three-day review, and New Jersey law requires the three-day review period so that all Buyers and Sellers have an opportunity to have the Contract for Sale reviewed by an attorney.

It is important that you have an attorney review the Contract for Sale even if you choose not to have an attorney represent you throughout the entire transaction. An attorney can explain each section of the Contract to you and make recommendations

Tips For Purchasing A HouseBy Laurie M. Higgins, Esq.

if any of the terms are different than you expected or not acceptable to you for any reason. During the three-day attorney review period, you can terminate the Contract for Sale for any reason if you have an attorney write a letter that complies with the Contract providing the Seller with notice that you are terminating the Contract. It is important to note that only an attorney can write a letter terminating the Contract on your behalf during the attorney review period. Frequently during the attorney review period, the Buyer’s attorney may write a letter disapproving the Contract and terminating it on the Buyer’s behalf but offer proposed modifications to the Contract that would make the Contract acceptable to the Buyer. This is a form of negotiations for the specific terms contained in the Contract for Sale.

After the attorney review period, the Contract for Sale will be in its final form, and the Buyer will follow through with several tasks to move the process forward and meet the requirements of the Contract for Sale. The Buyer will need to complete the mortgage application process with a mortgage company because the Contract for Sale will require a mortgage commitment by a certain date. A mortgage commitment is a document provided by the mortgage company providing a final commitment to provide a mortgage to the Buyer, and a mortgage commitment can contain certain conditions that still have to be met leading up to the final settlement. The Buyer will also need to obtain a home inspection of the property within the time frame listed in the Contract for Sale. The Buyer should schedule a home inspection as soon as possible because the inspection must be completed and the report provided to the Seller with any repair requests usually

requested and are negotiable between the Buyer and Seller, but only the types of repairs listed specifically in the Contract for Sale permit the Buyer to terminate the Contract or require that the repairs be completed. Buyers should pay close attention to the home inspection section of the Contract for Sale in order to be sure that the Buyer understands which types of required repairs would allow the Buyer to terminate the Contract. Home inspectors frequently make recommendations for repairs and/or improvements on the property that will not allow the Buyer to terminate the Contract for Sale if the Seller refuses to complete those repairs and/or improvements. If the Buyer carefully reviews the home inspection section of the Contract for Sale, the Buyer will have realistic expectations for repair requests when negotiating with the Seller after all parties have read the Home Inspection Report.

It is also the Buyer’s responsibility to choose a title company and order the necessary title reports and title insurance. Mortgage companies require title reports and title insurance as a condition of obtaining a mortgage, and even if a Buyer is paying cash for a property and not using a mortgage company, it is very important to obtain title reports and title insurance. There are many independent title companies that are not affiliated with real estate agencies or mortgage companies, and a title company is hired by the Buyer to provide services to the Buyer. The title company will run numerous searches to find out if there are any liens

Tips For Purchasing A HouseBy Laurie M. Higgins, Esq.

on the property or if the Seller’s have any judgments against them, all of which would be required to be paid prior to settlement and transferring the Deed to the Buyer. The title company provides title insurance to the Buyer for a fee that ensures that the Seller is providing clear title of the property to the Buyer at the time of settlement. In other words, the title insurance assures the Buyer that there is no other person or entity that has a right to the property that the Buyer is purchasing in that any liens or judgments on the property have been paid in full. The Buyer pays the title company a one time fee at settlement for the title insurance, which will remain in effect as long as the Buyer owns the property.

When the Buyer’s real estate transaction reaches settlement, the Buyer will have many documents from the mortgage company to sign at the closing. The Seller is required to provide a signed Deed at settlement transferring the title of the property from the Seller to the Buyer, and the Deed is then mailed to the county to be recorded. If everything goes as planned, the Buyer will leave settlement with keys to the new house, the Deed transferring property to the Buyer on its way to the County to be recorded, and a mortgage. Certainly the most exciting part is moving into a new home and making it your own. Purchasing a house is a type of matter that is covered by the legal services plan, and the attorneys at Spear Wilderman, P.C., can help you with the process from contract review through to the final settlement.

The attorneys at Spear Wilderman P.C. are available to assist you with drafting a Will and to assist you with other legal issues. You can reach the Cherry Hill office of the firm at the following telephone number: (856) 482-8799. The Tri-State Legal Services Fund and Participating Employers Legal Service Fund provide Union members with legal coverage, in many cases at no cost to you, for many different areas of law. These include estate planning, preparation of wills, matrimonial and family matters, real estate, landlord/tenant disputes, bankruptcy, and municipal court matters to name a few. You are encouraged to call Spear Wilderman at the telephone number listed above if you have any legal questions or legal matters, and you will have an opportunity to speak to an attorney in detail regarding your individual situation. There is never a charge for a telephone consultation.

within ten to fourteen days of the end of the attorney review period. It is important to allow for a few days for the home inspector to draft the report and send it to the Buyer for the Buyer’s review.

Most Contracts for Sale that are used by Realtors in New Jersey allow for certain repairs to be completed on the property depending on the results of the Home Inspection Report. A Buyer should carefully read the section of the Contract for Sale related to the home inspection and repairs in order to be sure that the Buyer understands the particular terms of the Buyer’s specific contract. Frequently, the Contract lists certain types of problems with the property that will allow the Buyer to terminate the Contract for Sale in the event that the Seller will not make the necessary repairs to remedy the problem. The most common issues listed in the Contract for Sale include structural issues, environmental problems, a high level of Radon, a leaking roof, and heater repairs. If the Home Inspection Report shows problems with the property that correspond with the types of repairs listed in the Contract for Sale, the Buyer usually can terminate the Contract for Sale or require that repairs be completed for those specific problems. It is important to note that if the Home Inspection Report indicates that repairs are necessary on the property that are unrelated to the types of repairs listed in the Contract for Sale, the Buyer will not be able to terminate the Contract for Sale based on these other problems with the property. All types of repairs can be

Free Notary Services Available to 1360 Members

Many Local 1360 Union Representatives and Staff are Notaries. If you need to have any papers notarized, you can call the Union hall toll free at 1-888-YES-1360 during office hours and talk to Donna Hale at extension 301 or Terri LaCerra at extension 318, both of whom are notaries.

Other Notaries are Organizer Bob Hollinger, Political & Legislative Director Sue Michielli, Education and Research Department Director Greg Quagliato and Union Representative Helen Polizzi.

If you need free notary services, please don’t hesitate to call. This is just one more reason why it pays to belong to UFCW Local 1360!

UFCW Local 1360 is Going “Green”During the year of 2013, Local 1360 will help the environment by going “Green” with our Voice of 1360.

When we go “Green” the Voice of 1360 will be posted on our website or e-mailed to anyone who provides their e-mail address to the Union. If you would like to provide us with your e-mail address, please call us at 1-888-937-1360 extension #301, or e-mail your e-mail address to [email protected].

Help Local 1360 as we go “Green”. Get the “Voice” either e-mailed or check out our website for the latest edition of our updated newsletter!

www.ufcw1360.org

Welcomes Members of UFCW of America FCU Since the merger approval between UFCW of America FCU and Garden State FCU!

GARDEN STATE FCU OFFERS THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:PAM-Garden State Federal Credit Union has the ultimate in convenience services: You can enjoy "anytime access" to all of your credit Union accounts in a safe and secure environment.

PAT, our Personal Audio Teller gives you access to your credit Union accounts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, using any touch-tone phone and your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

Mobile banking-Now you can access your account with your cell phone by texting or using your phone's internet browser! If you're already signed up for PAM, you can take advantage of this feature!

Account to Account Transfer-transfer funds in and out of your credit Union account via an ACH transaction

Fixed Credit Cards-11.9% APR

Share Branching capabilities- Whether you’re on the road or have moved to another location, you can visit any one of the thousands of CU Service Centers nationwide. Just check our website, www.gardenstatefcu.org to find participating credit Unions where you can make deposits, withdrawals, transfers, loan payments and more to and from your Garden State FCU accounts. You will need to know your account (member) number and show your driver’s license for identification.

Bellmawr Location & Hours

Physical address: 203 e Browning Road, Bellmawr NJ 08031

Mailing address: PO Box 1265, Bellmawr NJ 08031

Phone: 855-340-8602 Fax: 856-931-7520

Monday – Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm & Saturday 8:00am-12:00pm

Moorestown Location & Hours

Physical address: 144 RT 38, Moorestown NJ 08057

Mailing address: PO Box 680, Moorestown NJ 08057

Phone: 800-713-2274 Fax: 856-235-2904

Monday – Friday 7:30am to 6:00pm & Saturday 9:00am-4:00pm

NOT A MEMBER? NOT A PROBLEM! THERE ARE 3 WAYS YOU CAN JOIN.1. Come to our Moorestown or Bellmawr office.

2. Fill out the application on-line and print it out. Fax or mail it in to us.

3. Call the office and ask for a member application and we will mail it to you.

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND FOR THE FUTURE

Once you become a member, you can always stay a member. If you leave your job for any reason (change jobs, stay home parent, retire, etc) you can keep your account at the Credit Union. That way you can take advantage of the services and loan sales that are offered.

Short Term Disability, Family Leave, or Workers Compensation Info

If you go out on Short Term Disability, Family Leave, or Workers Compensation and your health benefits are provided by Tri-State or Shop Rite Health and Welfare Funds, here’s what you need to know:

Health Benefits:

• Get the forms needed to apply for your particular leave. Your employer should provide you with the proper paperwork to apply for either Short Term Disability or Family Leave. Ask all the questions you have pertaining to these applications directly to your employer or someone designated by your employer who has knowledge of the process you need to follow.

If you are having difficulty with your employer providing the proper paperwork, or they are unable to answer all of your questions, please contact your Union Representative to assist you.

• Contact the benefits office and notify them that you are out on leave so they can provide you with information on how you can maintain your health benefits during a qualified leave. Contact the benefits office at 1-800-228-7484, extension #2512, for Pat O’Reilly.

• Contact the Union office to apply for a withdraw card (if you qualify) at 1-888-937(YES)-1360 extension #301.

• Depending on your individual contract, keeping in touch with your employer is very important. When you pick up your paperwork from the company ask your HR Representative or Store Manager how often you need to keep in touch with the company. If you are unable to get this information from your employer, contact your Union Representative.

Pension Benefits:

• Contact your Pension Fund office if you go out on Short Term Disability, Family Leave, or Workers Compensation. Contacting the Pension Fund office now, while you are still out on leave, will help avoid a conflict with your pension when you are ready to retire. If you don’t know what Pension Fund you are in, contact your Union Representative who will be able to direct you.

UFCW Tri-State Pension – 1-866-928-8329

GEM Group – 1-800-223-7405 extension 514 Dawn

Regional Pension – 1-800-228-7484 extension 2503 Pat Romeo

Did You Know?

If you change your address or phone number, it is your responsibility to notify the Health and Welfare Fund Office. This way you won’t miss important information. Remember, telling Local 1360 or your employer of your new address or phone number does not change the information on file with the Fund.

Please contact us toll free at 1-800-228-7484.

Just a Reminder

When a dependent child is turning 19, the Enrollment Department will send out a dependent child age 26 form. For the child to remain on the participant’s benefits, this form needs to be completed and returned to the Fund Office with a copy of the child’s birth certificate with BOTH parent’s names. This form must be completed every 12 months for the child to remain eligible. Student (college) verification forms are no longer being accepted.

Any questions please call #800-228-7484, prompt 6.

Enrollment Updates

It is important that you give prompt notice to the UFCW Health and Welfare Fund of any change in your address and phone number. Even if you provide these changes to the Union or store you work in, the Fund does not receive them. It is the member’s responsibility to update the Fund with this information. Some other changes the Fund needs to be aware of are: the birth of a child, death of your spouse, marriage, divorce, separation, or if you or any of your dependents obtain or terminate other insurance coverage.

Failure to do so may result in the delay of a payment of a claim at a future date. You may also be held responsible for claims paid in error.

Please call the Fund at 1-800-228-7484, option #6.

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Automobile Accident Injury Claims

If you have been injured in an auto accident – you must file all medical expenses, including prescriptions, and payment for disability, though your automobile insurance carrier.

The Fund will only consider payment of any automobile claim expenses after exhaustion of all automobile insurance available. Then, only up to the stated maximums in certain states may be paid.

The Fund will not pay expenses if you fail to maintain personal injury protection (PIP) though your automobile insurance carrier. Please refer to the Summary Plan Description (SPD) coverage rules related to the particular state in which you reside.

If you ask the Fund to accept responsibility for claims related to an automobile injury, a subrogation form must be filled out and returned to the Fund office within thirty (30) days of this request.

You cannot elect to choose your medical insurance to be primary over your automobile insurance, regardless of what your insurance may tell you. You are responsible for knowing that YOUR health insurer may only provide coverage on a secondary basis.

Any questions please call the Fund office at 1-800-228-7484 ext. 2351.

Staying Healthy with Blue Cross

Did you know, as an Independence Blue Cross member you can take advantage of a wide variety of resources and programs to help maintain your well-being?

PERSONAL HEALTH PROFILE Go online to WWW.IBxPRESS.COM and complete an online lifestyle questionnaire. You will receive a detailed report that identifies your possible health risks and recommendations for lifestyle changes.

Blue Cross offers many healthy Lifestyles programs for making important lifestyle changes.

CONNECTIONS HEALTH PROGRAMS Connections health coaches are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. If you have a chronic health condition or just a health question, call 1-800-ASK-BLUE and speak with a health coach.

Visit IBX on the web at WWW.IBxPRESS.COM to learn more about how the Health Lifestyles Programs can help you.

Get your heart screened today!All eligible participants of the UFCW and the Tri-State Health and Welfare Funds are entitled to a free Heart Cam screening.

The Heart Cam, or Electron Beam Tomography (EBT), is an imag-ing system that is clinically proven to detect the buildup of coronary calcium by taking ultra-fast pictures of your beating heart. It is a simple, painless, fast, and non-invasive test.

With early detection, heart disease can be effectively prevented with lifestyle changes and available medication.

Effective June 1, 2011, eligible spouses are also able to receive a free Heart Cam screening.

Find out your risk of coronary disease. Call the Fund office today for details at 1-800-228-7484, ext. 2504.

UFCW Authorization Form for Political Check-Off

_________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________Signature Date

_________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________

Name - Please Print Social Security Number

I hereby authorize ______________________________ to deduct an amount equivalent to: (CHeCK ONe) 25 50 1 00 2 00

Per pay period from my paycheck to be transmitted to the UFCW Local 1360 Active Ballot Club at such time and in such manner as may be agreed upon by

___________________________________________________ and UFCW Local 1360

EMPLOYER

EMPLOYER

I understand that this authorization is voluntarily made and the amount suggested as a contribution is a guideline and that I may contribute more or less than this amount by any lawful means, other than this checkoff or may refuse to contribute, and that the marketing payments to the UFCW Active Ballot Club is not a condition of membership in the Union or of employment with the employer and that I have a right to refuse to sign this authorization and not contribute to the UFCW ABC without reprisal I understand that my contribution will be used for political purposes, including the support of candidates for federal, state and local office I expressly reserve the right to revoke at any time this authorization in writing Contributions or gifts to the Active Ballot Club are not deductible for federal income tax purposes

Moved lately, or plan to do so?Union Withdrawal Form

If you’ve moved or plan to do so, it’s important that you notify the Local right away so you don’t miss out on any benefits guaranteed by membership.

The BEST way to do it is to complete this form and mail it to:

United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1360400 Commerce LaneWest Berlin, NJ 08091-9253

PLEASE PRINT ALL INFORMATION

Name ________________________________________________

Previous Address _______________________________________

______________________________________________________

New Address __________________________________________

______________________________________________________

New Phone Number ____________________________________

Employer _____________________Location ________________

Social Security Number _________________________________

E-mail Address ________________________________________

This form may be used to withdraw from the UFCW Local 1360 for any of the following reasons:

• You no longer work for the company.

• You are currently out on disability.

• You have retired.

• You are taking leave of absence for at least one (1) whole calendar month.

• You are on family leave for at least one (1) whole calendar month.

Be sure to completely fill in the form and mail to:United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1360400 Commerce LaneWest Berlin, NJ 08091-9253

Dear President Ferraino:I am requesting to withdraw from UFCW Local 1360 for the following reason (please select one of the above options):

Reason for leaving: ______________________________________

Name ________________________________________________

Home address _______________________________________

City/State __________________ Zip ______________________

Last Day Worked _______________________________________

Social Security Number _________________________________

Employed by _________________ Store No. ________________

If you are no longer at your job for any of the above reasons and have not requested a withdraw, return this form to the Union or contact the office immediately either in person, in writing or by telephone. Call (toll free) 1-888-YES-1360 ext. 305.

U.F.C.W Local 1360

400 Commerce Lane

West Berlin, New Jersey 08091-9253

Address Service Requested

voice of 1360 spring 2013

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