MOVING FORWARD

FAIR’s history of nearly 30 years of representing workers is rich with negotiating quality contracts that have improved the lives of our members.

Transitioning from an army of volunteers in the early 1970's, FAIR is now a structured organization with the staff and finances to keep our Union moving forward. Through organizing, staff development, and negotiating quality contracts, FAIR’s membership is larger than ever before in our history and continuing to grow.

As the labor climate around the country changes, FAIR stands ready to deal with these changes and to advocate for our member’s best interests.

With the creation of Change to Win, the unions that FAIR represents will no doubt be refining their agendas. During this time, we understand that job security is a high priority for our members.

With mergers and officers of local unions changing, Collective Bargaining through a FAIR contract ensures security for you and your family.

For more information about FAIR’s history and other topics within our union visit our website at www.yourFAIRunion.org.

At UFCW Local 135 in San Diego, California, Terrence Hunt has been appointed to replace FAIR Vice President Tom Elbert, who was recently promoted out of the bargaining unit. Terrence brings a wealth of information and a strong presence in Southern California where FAIR has had a Vice President for over 15 years. With three locals under contract and organizing efforts in that region, Terrence will help maintain quality representation for our members.

The office clerical at Local 1167 in Bloomington, California, recently ratified a new three year agreement. With the challenges facing Southern California after a 141 day strike three years ago, the members at Local 1167 are happy to be working under a new agreement that will provide wage increases and job security.

Mark Fluharty became a Union Representative for Local 1059 in Columbus, Ohio, in 1991. Prior to his employment with Local 1059, Mark was a Journeyman Meat Cutter for Meijer Stores. Shortly after becoming a representative for the local union, the local organized and became part of FAIR. Mark immediately became a Shop Steward for FAIR. “I believe that working for the UFCW I should be part of the Union I belong to”, stated Mark Fluharty. “I like to help people and that is why I work for the UFCW”. Not long after, Mark was appointed as a Vice President for FAIR and has served in that capacity ever since.

Mark said that he became involved with FAIR because he has always been a labor person and wanted to be part of making FAIR an even better Union. He stated, “We should be represented by a Union in order to work collectively to make our lives better.” Mark further stated that the advantages of having a FAIR contract are being able to bargain with his employer for wages, hours, and working conditions as well as job security.

Mark Fluharty enjoys motorcycling and hunting. He was recently married on New Year’s Eve to his lovely wife, Joan, who works at United Way. Mark has a daughter, Kayla, who is 22 years old.

Mark is looking forward to many more years as a Vice President for FAIR and believes FAIR’s future is bright. He stated, “FAIR has a lot to offer the employees of labor unions and once they see the benefits of being a member of FAIR, FAIR will continue to grow.”

FAIR has produced a video designed to recruit new members by explaining the many benefits of belonging to FAIR.

In the four minute presentation, President John Heise and FAIR members discuss why Union and Trust Fund employees deserve representation on the job and their own Union contract.

During a recent trip to Washington D.C., FAIR and GOA discussed strategies and proposals for the upcoming International contract. President of FAIR, John Heise, and Executive Vice President Steve Marrs met with Danny Serrano, President of GOA, in the first of face-to-face strategy conferences designed to bring both Unions together for the betterment of FAIR and GOA members.

“Our Unions have a proud history”, said Heise. “We have a common goal between us. Working together and showing unity at the bargaining table will be a key to our members obtaining a quality contract.”