Download this disaster assistance information for those affected by the tornados that struck our region. Please disseminate widely to make sure those affected get the information and help they need to get their lives back on track.

Yesterday, hundreds, if not thousands, of our friends and neighbors suffered life-changing setbacks as a result of the tornados that devastated our region. To help ease the financial burden on these unfortunate families, the Pioneer Valley AFL-CIO's charitable organization, the Union Community Fund, is launching a special Tornado Disaster Relief effort.

We hope you and your union will consider a generous donation to our fund our efforts to help our neighbors in this time of need. We encourage you to also please encourage your members to pass the hat and take up a collection at work.

Checks should be made out to the "Union Community Fund" and sent to:

Union Community Fund
640 Page Blvd.
Springfield, MA 01104

Thank you for your support in this important campaign! 

Tracy Posuky, school bus driver and union steward for many years at First student's Palmer, Massachusetts terminal, was fired by the company after an accident that took place on March 15, 2010.

On Monday, September 20th, approximately three hundred Springfield public school cafeteria workers will soon have a better job thanks to a new three year contract with their employer, Sodexo. Workers ratified the contract at Springfield’s Central High School by an overwhelming majority, with only one worker voting to reject the deal.

See pictures from the meeting

The 5th Annual UFCW Local 1459 Charity Golf Tournament was a hit once again this year. On Wednesday, September 1st, about 140 golfers were on the links at the Tekoa Country Club in Westfield, MA for the 11 a.m. shotgun, and played through to a great dinner.

Golf tournament photos

View photos from the steward's seminar here

UFCW Local 1459 stewards from across Western Massachusetts gathered on Tuesday at the annual steward's seminar to learn and share knowledge about the art of good stewardship. This year's seminar was very well attended. Stewards are critical to helping members ensure employers live up to the terms of the contract and in helping to mobilize and educate members.

With all eyes focused on the sagging economy and the November 4th Presidential Election, Massachusetts voters voted 70% to defeat the ballot initiative that would have eliminated the state personal income tax taking 12.7 billion-nearly 40%- out of the state budget, driving up local property taxes and leading to drastic cuts in services. 

This past Thursday, July 24, 2008, roughly 150 Department of Public Works for the city of Springfield, Massachusetts voted overwhelmingly to merge their association with UFCW Local 1459.  Covering all non-supervisory positions, our newest members collect trash, recycling, yard waste, bulk pickup, fix roads, storm drains, catch basins, sweep city streets, maintain city parks, plant and maintain trees and flowers, amongst other duties.

On Friday, August 22, 2008, Palmer school bus drivers employed by First Student ratified their very first contract with a unanimous vote.  Although these drivers had formed an independent association several years ago, they found that belonging to a large union offered much more bargaining table strength and resources than they could muster by themselves.   UFCW Local 1459 Secretary-Treasurer Dan Clifford, working with stewards Lisa Arnold and Tracey Povosky, negotiated a fine first contract, with wage and benefit increases along with many working condition protections.

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