Quarterly Area Meetings Available Online
Beginning in November of last year, UFCW Local 1059 has recorded and posted the content of the Union's quarterly area meetings. These meetings are open to all members, and President Mike Nichols believes it is important to share the information from these meetings—even if travel or scheduling prevents members from attending the meeting in person.
Every year, Local 1059 offers area meetings throughout the state to update stewards and rank-and-file members about what is going on in their Union. These eight meetings happen during the first two weeks of February, May, September, and November.
During these meetings, Union staff report on their departments and discuss upcoming Union events and benefits. For instance, in May's meetings, President Nichols discussed benefits such as the many education scholarships offered to UFCW Local 1059 members through the Local Union, the International Union's Charity Foundation, and new full-tuition scholarships being offered to UFCW members attending Franklin University.
These meetings are also an opportunity to talk about recent and upcoming Union events. The summer months are especially busy months with Union events, including discount tickets to Columbus sporting events, the Columbus Pride March, and a new trip offered in August where members can join a 3-day/2-night night trip to Kentucky and visit UFCW represented bourbon distilleries.
President Nichols continues his report with a look at upcoming negotiations at Local 1059 and throughout the region. Negotiations and employer updates can help members understand the recent bargaining details from workers in other cities and states as well as gaining context for changes happening in the industries in which we work.
The final section of President Nichols's report covers community work the Local Union supports. At May's meeting, Mike updated members on the good work being done through the Stamp Out Hunger food drive, Mansfield's Bike-a-palooza event, and the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K, which members can join at no cost.
Each Local Union Director also provides updates from their department. Secretary-Treasurer Jason Kaseman provides updates on the electoral and government action affecting members and their work. Service Director Cara McKnight provides the grievance report. Communications Director Lloyd Blake provides retirement and insurance information. Organizing Director Mark Dersom reports on the Local's organizing campaigns.
To view the video for May's meeting, log in to ufcw1059.org/membersarea and navigate to the "Documents" page.
