We are in unprecedented times with the COVID-19 outbreak and the leadership and staff at your union are dedicated to continuing to serve you. You are doing hard work under stressful conditions and you deserve to have your union working just as hard on your behalf.
Your Union is still working and all departments are performing their vital functions. Due to Governor Newsom ordering Californians to “stay at home” UFCW Local 135’s offices in Mission Valley and San Marcos will be closed to foot traffic. Though our doors may be closed, our staff will still be working behind them helping members over the phone. Every department plans to continue servicing the needs of the membership throughout this crisis.
We have taken measures to maintain the health of our staff, as they are important in the process of supporting the operations of all “Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.” The trust funds are operating the same way, in an effort to keep all the pension and healthcare operations moving for all UFCW members.
The leadership and staff at UFCW Local 135 are committed to continuing to service our members and retirees. We understand that many of you are on the frontlines of this health scare serving the public. And we plan to continue serving you. We’re just a phone call away.
If you have any questions do not hesitate to call the office Monday through Friday from 8am until 5pm (staff has lunch from 12-1pm). We will be available to conduct all union business over the phone. The main phone number is (619) 298-7772.
Insurance & Pension Department: Extension 8.
Membership Department: Extension 6.
Grievance & Contract Department: Extension 9.
Reps can be reached at their office number or extension 126.
Layoff Update:
Hundreds of UFCW Local 135 members are unemployed due to their bargaining units being shut down or restricted. These include the workers at Viejas, Central Meat, airport retail workers, and our dental offices. Our hearts go out to all of them. If you have been laid off contact your Rep. They will share what resources are available to you.
Do you know a member of UFCW Local 135 that might be in need? UFCW Local 135 has set up a crisis hotline for members that could use some help with food, filing for government services, and other resources. Please call (619) 298-7772 extension 160.
Union Dental Offices and Medical Update:
Our union dental offices are following the California Dental Association’s strong recommendation to “suspend all in-person dental care with the exception of emergency treatment, until further notice.” Our dental offices are open for emergency treatment as outlined by the CDA. If you have a dental emergency please contact one of the following offices:
Bonita Dental
5050 Bonita Rd, Bonita, CA 91902 – (619) 267-2115
Family Dental of San Marcos
250 S Pacific St #100, San Marcos, CA 92078 – (760) 597-9999
Rancho Del Oro Dental Group
815 College Blvd #106, Oceanside, CA 92057 – (760) 231-5522
San Diego Dental Group
7557 El Cajon Blvd. Suite C, La Mesa, CA 91942 – (619) 464-4242
Sorrento Valley Perfect Smile
5830 Oberlin Dr Suite 105, San Diego, CA 92121 – (858) 546-1199
Due to similar restrictions, getting appointments for psychiatric treatment when using E-MAP has been very difficult. Please continue trying and/or contact our benefits department for help.
Recognition
We would like to recognize our members who are on the frontlines of this pandemic continuing to serve the public. The health professionals at Kaiser Permanente and those at our union pharmacies at CVS, Rite Aid, and in the grocery stores that are giving much needed care during this troubling time. We thank you. All of you provide a major service to our community at large. We recognize that you are scared, stressed, overworked, and without the proper equipment to protect you while on the job. But you persevere and still show up and do your job to the best of your ability. Your union leadership and the public thanks you.
Pay Increases
The leadership of all of the Southern California UFCW’s have been in talks with all of our bargaining units to discuss temporary wage increases for our members. We are continuing to communicate with the companies to ensure that our members receive just compensation for the hard work they are doing during this difficult time. We are still negotiating, but here is what we have been able to get, so far, for our members.
Vons and Albertsons have agreed to raise wages temporarily for its Southern California employees by $2 an hour. This temporary increase started with the March 15 pay period and will go through March 28. And perhaps further if this crisis continues.
Stater Bros. Markets has agreed to a $2 an hour wage increase starting Monday, March 23 and going for four weeks.
Ralphs and Food 4 Less members will receive Associate Appreciation Pay. All Associates employed as of March 1, 2020 will receive $300 for full time and $150 for part time. Associate Appreciation Pay will be paid out on April 3, 2020.
Gelson’s has agreed to a $2 an hour wage increase to all Associates employed as of March 1, 2020 starting Monday, March 23 and going through April 19. They will also provide lunch on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays and water everyday.
Rite Aid will be implementing a $2 an hour wage increase effective March 15 to March 31 for clerks and pharmacy techs. The employee discount will also be increasing from 20% to 35%.
Cannabis dispensary March and Ash is paying their hourly employees an extra $2 an hour for at least the next four weeks.
We continue to have conversations with our bargaining units including Kaiser Permanente and CVS and will announce any changes on our website and various media platforms. Please follow UFCW Local 135 on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and on our free mobile app that can be downloaded in the App Store or Google Play.
We understand that we are in uncharted territory when it comes to this scary virus. But we won’t let that stop us from doing the work that is necessary on behalf of our members. We are here and we are committed to serving you through this crisis. Thank you for all that you do. Call us if you need anything.
In solidarity,
Todd Walters – President
Grant Tom – Secretary-Treasurer
Maribel Mckinze – Recorder
