Our union retirees: Men and women of honor

*Unions honor and care for our retirees. Why?

We care because they are the lifeblood of UFCW Local 135 and some of the most dedicated members in our union.

After decades of hard work, our retirees have moved on to a new stage in their lives, but they still care enough to mentor our younger workers and help in other ways to strengthen the great union they helped build.

Many of us would have left the food and drug industries at an early age if we hadn’t known an older worker or two who inspired us and became our mentors.

*Earned respect, repaid*

These retirees worked in the industry long enough to earn every penny of their pensions and continuing benefits. What’s more, they still contribute to our union in substantial ways. In many cases, they contribute more time and energy than many of our active members do.

Local 135’s outstanding Retiree’s Club is full of people who continue giving back. After many years of service to their union and their employers, they could hang up their aprons, slap their hands and say, “Hasta la vista.” But they don’t do that.

Having built lasting friendships and loyalties, they come together regularly to support each other and to help those who still toil to make a living for themselves and their families.

When we need their help, they walk our picket lines, they manage our food banks and they volunteer for our political and informational campaigns. And they don’t ask for anything in return.

A good example of that literally walked through my door a few weeks ago.
I was sitting in my office when I received a message that one of our retirees named John Clowers wanted to come talk with me. I wasn’t exactly sure what he wanted to talk about. John has always been an active supporter of our union.

John came in and we spoke for a little while before he told me why he had come. He said, “I looked at the calendar and I realized that it has been three years since we signed our latest master food agreement. That must mean that we’re getting ready for negotiations again.”

I confirmed his hunch.

John sat back in his chair, put his hands out and said, “Well, Mickey, here I am. What can I do to help?”

While they deservedly enjoy their retirements, retirees like John don’t forget to help the union that gave them so much. He’s willing to put his time and energy toward aspects of the contract that no longer apply to him to support his union. That’s devotion to the union way of life!

We are taught to respect our elders, and for good reason.

I’m reminded of a quote by George Santayana: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.”

We must remember those who came before us and their hard work and sacrifice. They are the reason we enjoy the good union pay and benefits we have today.