Abraham Wangnoo

Articles by Abraham Wangnoo

Local 1189 and the negotiating committee has met with the Employer twice so far to discuss initial proposals submitted by members and explain their intent. Although nothing has been agreed to yet, there are six bargaining dates scheduled between now and the end of March. We hope to see some tentative agreements soon. Major issues discussed include classification of employees, pay, scheduling, benefits, seniority, just cause, grievance and arbitration, attendance policy, board representation and issues specific to the retail store.

Wedge Community Co-Op Workers Vote Union YES!

November 16th, 2015

Abraham Wangnoo

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Congratulations to the workers at the Wedge Co-op on their successful drive to become a union workplace! On Monday, November 16, 2015 workers at the Wedge Community Co-Op voted overwhelmingly, 76-31, in favor of joining UFCW Local 1189. Over 70 percent of voters cast their ballot in favor of becoming Union members. Many of the workers involved in the representation election believe that unionizing and having a collective voice in the workplace fit into the core values and principles of the co-op community. Many co-op shareholder/member consumers identify as “values” shoppers, not value

Lyndale Wedge Workers File for Union Election

October 30th, 2015

Abraham Wangnoo

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On October 22, 2015 the workers at the Wedge served management with a copy of the petition and filed with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) requesting that they conduct a Union Election. The petition was filed after a significant number of Wedge workers signed authorization cards expressing interest in Union representation by UFCW Local 1189. The Union represents workers at the Wedge’s Co-Op Partners Warehouse. Employees organized around a number of issues including a major rise in “corporate culture,” lack of equal opportunity, and favoritism.

Wedge Warehouse Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify New Agreement

October 28th, 2015

Abraham Wangnoo

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Workers at the Wedge's Co-Op Partners Warehouse overwhelmingly ratified a new three-year agreement guaranteeing wage increases for all employees each year of the contract, improvements in the sick policy, driver premiums and the creation of a new premium position. In ratifying this contract- only their second one since forming their union- members expressed their sense of optimism, knowing that they have a voice at work and security for their family's future.

Tentative Agreement Reached with CPW

October 15th, 2015

Abraham Wangnoo

After three bargaining sessions, a tentative agreement has been reached with CoOp Partners Warehouse. Highlights of the agreement include: Equalized progressions in scales, Increased top rate of pay, Employees allowed to use up to 3 sick days with no points penalty, New premium position, Increase to driver premium, Shorter progression to top wage, improvements to top of scale wages. Voting will take place on October 28, 2015.