Member Spotlight - Debbie Rivera

Debbie is a 21 year Kroger employee currently working at Kroger #559 in Garland, TX.

She joined Kroger after moving to Garland from Corpus Christi and proceeded to work in numerous roles at her store, starting as a Front End Cashier, then Self Checkout, Customer Service, Payroll, Receiving and Bakery before moving to the Floral department about 2 years ago.

She described coming to this role after years of helping out during busy holidays like Valentine's Day and Mother's Day.

Debbie describes enjoying her role in the Floral department particularly for the opportunity to express herself artistically. She notes her appreciation for the arts extends to her children but that is not where the similarities end. One of her sons was in need of a job during the pandemic and applied for a job with a Kroger. He currently works in the diary department and like Debbie may find that what started as a job has turned into a career.

Beyond juggling family and career Debbie is also a UFCW Local 1000 Shop Steward at her store. She believes she was selected by her Union Representative for this position in part due to her positive attitude, happy demeanor and being easy to talk to. In fact prior to be being appointed as a Shop Steward fellow members in her store would often come to her with questions. She describes feeling relief upon being appointed as Shop Steward because she knew now she had the support of management when talking to fellow members about working conditions, benefits, questions related to the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) etc.

Not sure what a Shop Steward is? Did you know the reference appears 24 times in the Kroger Collective Bargaining Agreement? New members should be introduced by store management to their Shop Steward within 48 hours of their first day of work as they represent an extension of information and support in the stores, in addition to their assigned Union Representative.

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Project 2025

With the shocking failed assassination attempt of former President Trump coming soon after the debate against President Joe Biden, Americans are once again polarized and searching for answers. UFCW urges all members to peacefully engage in their local communities by voting in every election. We look back at the recent debate and focus on the substance of each man's performances.

President Trump has been associated with 'Project 2025', what some are describing as a conservative manifesto for a 'second American revolution'. Trump's project has many significant implications for labor unions and workers' rights. Here are some key points:

1. **Weakening Workers' Rights**:

- Project 2025 aims to erode the National Labor Relations Board's (NLRB) ability to protect organizing workers.

- It provides strategies for undermining checks and balances, which could threaten workers' ability to unionize and bargain for better wages and conditions.

- The playbook suggests firing key NLRB agency leaders, making it easier to decertify unions, and closing established ways of forming unions.

2. **Company Unions and Misclassification**:

- Project 2025 might make it easier for employers to set up company unions and misclassify workers as independent contractors.

- This could weaken workers' collective bargaining power and limit their ability to advocate for fair treatment.

3. **Resource Allocation**:

- While Project 2025 allocates more government resources to investigate unions and worker centers, it could sap agencies responsible for enforcing workers' safety and rights.

In summary, Trump's Project 2025 poses risks to workers' ability to organize, bargain, and protect their rights.

UFCW members should be aware of these issues when casting their ballots this November!

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