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]]>Interview with Tom Strysniewicz, Super Bowl LVIII Ticket Raffle Winner
Every year, the NFL Players Association gives UFCW two Super Bowl tickets that we raffle off to our members as a token of our appreciation. In early February, Thomas (Tom) Strysniewicz, UFCW Local 711 worker, was informed that he was the winner. So this past Sunday, while the rest of us were watching the Kansas City Chiefs face off against the San Francisco 49ers from the comfort of a couch, Tom was watching the big game play out live from Allegiant Stadium at Super Bowl LVIII!
After the Chiefs defeated the 49ers in an overtime thriller and the confetti settled, we were able to catch up with Tom and are excited to share our interview about his experience, along with some photos with you all below.
UFCW: Tell us about yourself. Where do you work, and how long have you been a union member?
Tom: I started in the grocery industry back in 2015 here in Las Vegas, NV at Albertsons, where I was trained as a produce clerk. After a few years at Albertsons, I transferred over to Smiths store #346, where I currently reside. I am still in produce and tend the wet rack daily.
UFCW: How did you feel when you found out you were selected to attend the Super Bowl?
Tom: When I received a phone call two weeks ago from my local union office saying I was the winner, I was stunned. Deanne, from my Local informed me my name was chosen out of a hat to be the one to win two tickets to Super Bowl LVIII.
Shocked and in disbelief were probably the two feelings that ran through my mind during that call – immediately followed by insane screaming and jumping for joy!
UFCW: Who did you bring with you?
Tom: I ended up bringing my older brother John with me. He has been a member of our local union for the past 25 years and works in my store in the bakery. He was ecstatic when he found out I had won, and he was coming along with me to experience the game!
UFCW: How was your experience at the Super Bowl? Any surprises or highlights during the game?
Tom: Gameday was everything we could have hoped for and then some! We arrived supporting the San Francisco 49ers and started indulging in all the game day festivities. Lots of drinking, eating, and socializing with other game attendees followed. This was both my brothers and I’s first NFL game, so for it to be the Super Bowl on top of that made it that much more special! We were seated in the 49ers end zone along with a sea of San Francisco fans; we were right at home! The game was insane to say the least! We got to see many celebrities and athletes roaming around the stadium. The game even had a fan streak through the field during gameplay, which we all found hilarious!
The game was a nail-biter down to the last second in overtime. Even though the team we were rooting for lost, it was still a spectacular game that my brother and I won’t ever forget! We are both beyond grateful to have gotten the opportunity to experience such a spectacle!
UFCW: What was your favorite part of the halftime show?
Tom: The halftime performance with Usher was fantastic! Everything you would expect from a performance put on by a superstar and had all the glitz of a Las Vegas show in a 13-minute performance. He had us all on our feet, bobbing our heads to the music, and enjoying the atmosphere.
UFCW: Besides winning the Super Bowl tickets, what do you consider to be the most rewarding aspects of being a member of our union?
Tom: This wouldn’t have been possible had it not been for UFCW and the way it supports its members. That is what I would consider the most rewarding aspect of being in the union – having the support and backing of the UFCW and knowing that they are fighting daily on my behalf so that I can have a better chance at a great working environment and a better future for my family and I.
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]]>The post UFCW Cannabis Business Fundamentals Program appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>For years, UFCW has been proud to help lead the development and stabilization of the emerging cannabis industry with innovative campaigns to represent thousands of cannabis workers across the United States.
From dispensaries, labs, delivery services, and kitchens, to manufacturing, processing, grow facilities and more, UFCW helps workers secure the great benefits of a union contract.
The median salary for cannabis workers is 10.7% higher than the median salary in the United States
Cannabis job growth is expected to average 21% year through 2022.
As part of UFCW’s commitment to build a successful industry with a thriving, diverse, and skilled workforce, UFCW members can now earn a free online Cannabis Business Fundamentals Certificate through our Free College Benefit Program.
This program is fully online and consists of the following topics:
- Introduction to Cannabis
- Cannabis Law and Policies
- Cannabis Symptom Management
- Cannabis Retail Customer Support
There are over 30 states that have legalized medical marijuana and, each year, more states are legalizing it for recreational use. As this industry continues to expand, UFCW – the Cannabis Workers’ Union – in partnership with Eastern Gateway Community College (EGCC) are here to kick off your career in this emerging sector!
There’s a growing need for skilled technicians and specialists who can enter this exciting field as:
- Dispensary staff
- Product managers
- Marketing/sales associates.
- And more!
This certificate is embedded in EGCC’s Business Management degree and will best position students for gainful employment in a dispensary and provide a jumping-off point into more advanced study in horticulture, pharmacology, and other advanced topics.
UFCW members and qualifying family members are eligible to enroll in the program.
To take advantage of this benefit, you will need to apply to Eastern Gateway Community College.
For more information or additional support, please call at 888-590-9009.
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]]>The post UFCW Charity Foundation now receiving applications for 2020 scholarship appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>Every year the UFCW Charity Foundation scholarship program offers scholarships to UFCW members or their immediate family members who want to further their education and demonstrate a commitment to their communities and to UFCW values. Since 1958, the fund has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships.*
Past winners have gone on to make significant contributions to society and to the UFCW – entering a range of fields including public service, medicine, law, business and teaching. Many have returned to the UFCW as staffers, organizers, and community activists who contribute to our mission.
*UFCW-employed officers and staff, and their immediate families are not eligible for this program.
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]]>The post Union members get 20% at UFCW-represented “Union Vitamins” appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>In 2016, the men and women of Union Vitamins in Clearwater, Fla., made history when they started a union at their work through UFCW Local 1625 and became the first union-made vitamin manufacturer in the country. Union Vitamins workers produce vitamins and health supplements, including: vitamin C, vitamin E, calcium, omega 3 pure fish oil, multi-vitamins and other products.
Trying to stick to that New Years resolution to work out but finding with the winter weather that you’re a little stiff? The “Limber Up” or “Cherry C80” supplements might be perfect for you. Or perhaps you are looking for something to help with that new diet, in which case you might want something like their Garcinia Cambogia supplement, which some studies have suggested might help with fat loss and boosting serotonin levels. Whatever your health goals, you can rest easy knowing that what you are putting into your body was created by union workers with quality in mind.
“We created Union Vitamins to ensure our family atmosphere will remain in place here, and to ensure that all employees are always treated with fairness,”said Jim Harper, president of Union Vitamins. “Union Vitamins will demonstrate to other corporations how they can become union, make quality products, beat foreign competition, and maintain healthy profitability. Union Vitamins is an industry role model for value, efficiency and good health, all under the banner of union workers.”
“Why buy nonunion-made products when one can buy 100 percent pure union-made vitamins and supplements that save you time and money?” added Harper.
Customers have also recognized the high quality of the products. In a Yelp review, one customer noted:
“I had the pleasure of touring the facility and meeting most of the team I am very impressed and I am so excited to learn more about the various products offered. I love that this is a local business, that operates with very high standards and offers great quality products.
I am a bug magnet!!! Ask any of my friends. I have now tried the Cinnaturals B-Off bug repellent and have found it to actually keep most of the bugs away from me. (I say most because I am one of those individuals who will get bit in the areas I missed with bug sprays and through my clothing. I went into the rainforest with this and it helped with the mosquitos.”
“We are excited and pleased that UFCW Local 1625 has partnered with Union Vitamins, a company that produces the finest vitamins in the world,” said UFCW Local 1625 President Ed Chambers. “We are proud to report that these vitamins are 100 percent union-made. We look forward to growing together and helping our members prosper in this new venture.”
Union members can receive 20% off their order when they use the code “UFCW20A”
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]]>The post Apply for the 2020 Union Plus Scholarship appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>Since 1991, the Union Plus Scholarship Program has awarded more than $4.5 million to students of union families. Over 3,000 union families have benefited from the program.
Application deadline: 12:00pm (noon, Eastern Time), Friday, January 31, 2020
This program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation, which is sponsored by Union Privilege.
Award amounts: $500 to $4,000. These one-time cash awards are for study beginning in the Fall of 2020. Students may re-apply each year.
Eligibility
Current and retired members of participating unions, their spouses and their dependent children (as defined by IRS regulations). At least one year of continuous union membership by the applicant, applicant’s spouse or parent (if applicant is a dependent). The one year membership minimum must be satisfied by May 31 of the scholarship year. See more details on eligibility in the tab below.
Evaluation Criteria
This is a competitive scholarship. Applicants are evaluated according to academic ability, social awareness, financial need and appreciation of labor. A GPA of 3.0 or higher is recommended. The required essays can account for up to half your total score. Scholarship applicants are judged by a committee of impartial post-secondary educators.
Award date: May 31, 2020. During the first week of June 2020 award recipients will be notified by postal mail, and all applicants will be sent email notification.
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]]>The post 2019 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship Winners appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>Every year, the UFCW Charity Foundation scholarship program offers scholarships to UFCW members or their immediate family members who want to further their education and demonstrate a commitment to their communities and to UFCW values. The fund has distributed more than $2 million in scholarships since 1958.
Past winners have gone on to make significant contributions to society and to the UFCW – entering a range of fields, including public service, medicine, law, business and teaching. Many have returned to the UFCW as staffers, organizers, and community activists who contribute to our mission.
Congratulations to the 2019 UFCW Charity Foundation Scholarship winners and good luck with your classes!
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]]>The post 20% off custom stationary, photo gifts, holiday cards and more appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>UFCW members are eligible for a wide range of discounts. To verify your membership and gain access to our discount portal, please visit the UFCW Lifemart Discount Program website.
Vistaprint
20% Off
Get 20% off your cart!
Vistaprint offers a wide range of quality products including business cards, photo gifts, stationery, stickers and more… at affordable prices!
With design tools suited to every skill level and need, Vistaprint allows you to create the customized materials you need to get your message across.
Take 20% off your order!
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]]>The post Discounts on Award Winning Home Security appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>UFCW members can get a free home security camera + 2 months of 24/7 monitoring when they register for discounts through the UFCW Lifemart Discount Program.
In 2006, young electrical engineer Chad Laurans started SimpliSafe at his kitchen counter. Today his company protects more than 3 million people.
SimpliSafe has won Editors’ Choice from both CNET and PCMag (3/28/18). The Verge calls it “the best home security system” out there. And it protects your whole home 24/7—with no contract.
The UFCW Lifemart Discount Program gives UFCW members free access to a wide range of savings- from movie tickets to theme parks and more!
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]]>The post Discounts on PCs, printers, and more for UFCW members appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>As a member of our UFCW family, not only do you get a contract that provides important benefits, like job security and quality, affordable health care—you are also eligible for a number of exclusive discount programs.
HP
Save up to 35% or more on a full assortment of PCs, printers and accessories and more through the HP Employee Purchase program. Not just for Hewlett Packard employees, all you need is a special company code, which you can access by logging into the UFCW Discount Portal and searching for “HP.”
Lenovo
Shop Lenovo’s Back to School sale and save up to 76% on tools that make the grade like Think, Idea, and Lenovo branded PCs for your rising student. Door busters deals with additional savings will be available so check back often. Discount code available in the UFCW Discount Portal by searching for “Lenovo.”
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]]>The post Apply for the 2020 Union Plus Scholarship Today – These Five UFCW Members and Family Members Did, and Won! appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
]]>The 2019 Union Plus Scholarship awards were recently announced, including five members and family members of our UFCW union.
This year’s UFCW winners are:
Payton Amend of Soper, Oklahoma. Amend, whose father, David Amend, is a member of UFCW Local 540, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Payton is an occupational safety and health major at Southeastern Oklahoma State University (SOSU). She expects to graduate in 2021 and hopes to be an advocate for employee safety. Payton was 2018 salutatorian at Soper High School (SHS) in Oklahoma. While at SHS she concurrently took courses at Murray State College and Eastern Oklahoma State College. Payton is a ranch hand on a southeastern Oklahoma ranch and maintains her own small herd of cows and goats. Her father, who has nearly two decades of union membership and is also a former member of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers’ International Union (BCTGM), has spoken often of times when the union has supported members at local plants, including efforts like negotiating benefits and fair pay. “Companies know that unions like UFCW are mighty organizations that look out for the best interests of their members,” Payton said. “Being a union member means a lot for my dad. His grandparents and father were also union members, and it’s an honored family tradition.”
Guadalupe Godinez of Chicago. Godinez, whose mother, Silvia Godinez, is a member of UFCW Local 1546, has been awarded a $4,000 scholarship.
Marisol Gomez Marrufo of Muleshoe, Texas. Gomez Marrufo, whose father, Carlos Perea, and mother, Christina Perea, are members of UFCW Local 540, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Marisol is a 2019 graduate of Lazbuddie [Texas] High School (LHS). She plans to major in nursing when she starts college this fall and hopes to work with underserved people at a rural health clinic. While in high school, she took dual-credit courses at nearby South Plains College. Marisol said UFCW has greatly impacted her life and that she was especially thankful for her parents’ union membership when her sister sustained a knee injury two years ago. “My parents were able to take the necessary steps to ensure a full recovery due to the medical insurance offered through UFCW,” Marisol said. “I am thankful for the many roles UFCW plays in my life, without which I would not have been afforded the many opportunities that I have throughout my life.”
Brittany Martinez of Granville, Ohio. Martinez, who is a member of UFCW Local 1059, has been awarded a $3,500 scholarship.
Julia Walli of Lombard, Illinois. Walli, whose mother, Jennifer Walli, is a member of UFCW Local 881, has been awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
The Union Plus Scholarship Program, now in its 28th year, awards scholarships based on outstanding academic achievement, personal character, financial need, and commitment to the values of organized labor. The program is offered through the Union Plus Education Foundation.
Union Plus Scholarship awards are granted to students attending a two-year college, four-year college, graduate school, or recognized technical or trade school. The selection process is very competitive, and this year over 7,100 applications were received from 65 unions and all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and two U.S. territories, representing an almost 20% increase in applications from 2018.
The new 2020 application for the Union Plus scholarship is now available.
The application is entirely online, allowing students to complete their application over time and save their responses.
Learn More about the Union Plus Scholarship and eligibility here.
The post Apply for the 2020 Union Plus Scholarship Today – These Five UFCW Members and Family Members Did, and Won! appeared first on The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union.
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