History

The history of UFCW Local 135 stretches back more than 120 years.

In 1903, the Amalgamated Meat Cutters and Butcher Workmen of North America, Local 229, also known as the Meat Cutters Union, became affiliated with the San Diego Federated Trades and Labor Council. Fourteen years later, in 1917, the Retail Clerks also organized and joined the Labor Council.

One of the most influential leaders in our history was Max Osslo, who became Secretary and Business Manager of Meat Cutters Local 229 in 1936. For 46 years, he built one of the most respected and influential local unions in the country. Brother Max was instrumental in creating apprenticeship programs for meat cutters, slaughterhouse workers, and others in the industry.

The modern era of the Retail Clerks Union in San Diego began in 1943 when International Representative Samuel Meyers launched an organizing campaign for grocery clerks. Just one year later, Retail Clerks Local 1222 received its charter from the International Union.

In 1979, two proud unions, the Retail Clerks International Association and the Amalgamated Meat Cutters, merged to create the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union. The Barbers and Beauticians Union also joined the new organization, bringing together workers from multiple industries under one union.

It wasn’t until eight years later, in January 1986, when the members of UFCW Local 1222 and Meat Cutters Local 229 voted to merge locally, creating UFCW Local 135. That merger united grocery clerks, meat cutters, and other workers into one stronger organization with one collective voice.

UFCW Local 135 isn’t just an organization, it’s all of us. Every member who stands together to improve wages, benefits, working conditions, and respect on the job. Our members are part of a history that has been built by generations of working people standing together.

Today, under the leadership of President Todd Walters, Secretary-Treasurer Grant Tom, and Recorder Maribel McKinze, UFCW Local 135 represents more than 11,000 workers across San Diego and Imperial Counties, along with thousands of retired members.

Our union represents workers in a wide range of industries, including grocery and retail, pharmacy, labs and dental, meat processing, casino service, and cannabis. While the industries have changed and expanded over the years, our mission remains the same: bringing workers together to improve their lives through the strength of collective action.