On Tuesday June 3rd at Holyoke High School, the Holyoke Cafeteria Association voted overwhelming to merge with UFCW Local 1459.

The President of Local 1459 Scott Macey and Organizer Tyrone Housey met several times in the spring of 2008 with then President of the Holyoke Cafeteria Association, Barbara Smith, about the need for stronger representation with an uncertain economy and looming City wide lay-offs.  Local 1459 attended two separate membership meetings and answered workers questions relative to merging the Association with a more experienced union with greater resources.  Shortly after the merger vote it was announced that seasoned Organizer Tyrone Housey would be the Union Representative of the Holyoke Cafeteria workers.

Local 1459 immediately began meeting with City officials to handle issues relative to the upcoming school year.  Copies of the current contract were handed out to all of the members and Steward elections have been scheduled for September 10^th.

Holyoke Cafeteria workers are the 2^nd Association to merge with Local 1459 this year.  Negotiations for a new improved contract will begin sometime in the spring of 2009.