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Workers at Decatur Cold Storage in Decatur, Alabama, have won a union voice, thanks to an election victory that gave them the benefit of union representation.

Local 1102 members at Whitson’s Culinary ratified a new, three year agreement.  As in most negotiations, the main focus was the cost of health benefits. Prior to this pact, most members had no coverage at all. The strong negotiating committee was able to bargain and implement a Local 1102 health plan providing all members with basic coverage, at no cost, with an option for an upgrade in benefits, with an affordable copay. 

“Health care reform has been a distant dream for generations of working Americans, and while we didn’t achieve everything we wanted in reforming our health care system, we have made large strides in fixing a badly broken system,” said RWDSU President Stuart Appelbaum after last night’s House passage of the health care reform bill. “This legislation will help millions of people, and it shows that when we stick together and make our voices heard, we can make history.”

RWDSU Local 338 members participate in a number of activities to give back to the community, including food drives and breast cancer walks. Now, the local has entered a partnership with Momma’s House, a home for young mothers, aged 17 to 21 years, and their babies. Located in Wantagh, New York, Momma’s House is dedicated to providing young mothers with a safe place to care for their babies, while continuing with their education and vocational training. With guidance and direction, the young mothers learn to independently support themselves and their children.

Local 1102 members employed as cafeteria workers in the Middle Country School District, Long Island, ratified a new four-year contract with their employer. The new contract provides many improvements including increases in wages over the four years of the pact, increases in employer contributions to the health care and pension plans and increases in pay rates for new hires. A new benefit, paid jury duty days will also be implemented.

Petit Jean Poultry workers celebrate their new union contract.