Michael was more than just our attorney for over 35 years; he was a huge part of our UFCW family. Personally, he was my mentor and my very dear friend. He was such an extraordinary person with a unique combination of personality traits that made him the one and only Michael Four.

I first met Michael in the late 80’s when I was a law student clerking at Schwartz, Steinsapir, Dohrmann & Sommers. For the 6 years that I worked at SSDS as a law clerk and associate, Michael was the best boss without exception (no offense to the other SSDS attorneys all of whom I love). His direct style, supportive nature and approachability made it easy for a young associate to ask questions, debate ideas and strategies and come to a thorough understanding of the task at hand. This made it so Michael rarely had to make corrections to my work although, according to him, he always had to find at least one thing to correct on every brief I wrote so he could justify signing his name to it.

Michael was a dedicated and steadfast advocate for working people. Our union representatives always requested Michael to handle their discipline arbitrations because, in the end, win or lose, the members felt the best possible case was presented to the arbitrator. The members especially liked to see their managers squirm under Michael’s cross-examination. Michael has also been the one constant in our industry-wide arbitrations since the early 80’s. His knowledge of our industry history is irreplaceable. Michael was incredibly liked and respected by opposing counsel and all the arbitrators we work with.

Michael always wanted to be in the mix because he truly cared about every development impacting our organization and our members. During our most challenging negotiations, he called frequently for updates and was always available to offer bargaining advice or emotional support. Particularly, during our 2003/2004 strike, which until now was the most difficult time in my career, Michael handled all of the litigation and was still available to take calls whenever anyone needed his support or encouragement. After the strike, Michael worked to recover $70 million for our Ralphs members who were unlawfully locked out.

Over the 30 years I’ve known him, Michael became a very dear friend of mine. We shared a life-long love for the Grateful Dead and went to shows together frequently, including “Fare Thee Well” in Chicago in 2015. We first went to a Dead show together in 1990 and our last show was this last July when Michael was thrilled to be at the show with his sons.

Michael and I also shared a love for our families and constantly up-dated each other about our kids successes and challenges. Michael even brought his mother to Chicago in 2015, not to the Dead show, but so she could visit her family in Chicago. When Michael’s parents moved to Los Angeles, he struggled with the challenges of helping to care for his parents, but he never failed to take them shopping on Saturdays. Michael loved his family. Even though I didn’t spend much time with Michael and Karen together, Michael talked about Karen frequently and I always felt a part of their lives. He spoke proudly about Karen’s career achievements and shared other interesting details about their lives, including their plans to retire in Santa Fe.

Michael’s unique personality included anxieties and some neurotic behaviors but he dealt with them with such an honest and upbeat self-deprecating humor that they were endearing rather than annoying. His intelligence and dedication made him the best attorney while his humility and humor made him fun to work with and a pleasure to be around.

Last week, Michael and I had planned to prepare for an upcoming arbitration after I chaired my first executive board meeting. Rather than coming after the Board meeting, Michael came in the morning to watch me chair the meeting. He said, jokingly, that John wanted him there to make sure I didn’t do anything crazy but I’m sure he was there to share that milestone with me. He genuinely cared about people both personally and professionally. Literally everybody liked Michael. He will be remembered lovingly and profoundly missed by so many.

—Kathy Finn, Secretary-Treasurer, UFCW 770

It is with great regret and sadness that we report the death of Michael Four, a close ally of our movement and a labor law attorney with the firm Schwartz Steinsapir.

Michael spent 37 years fighting tirelessly for the rights of working people, collaborating with our union and others to advance and expand the interests of workers and employees across the country.

He contributed to numerous victories throughout the years, helping hundreds of employees find justice in arbitrations, holding corporate management accountable, and handling large, sweeping projects for our union. He helped win a landmark judgment against Ralphs Grocery that resulted in millions of dollars paid to employees unfairly treated during the 2003-4 lockout and strike.

Although a formidable and steadfast advocate for our families, Michael was best known for his kindness, compassion, and devotion to his family, qualities acknowledged by all who knew him – including those on the other side of the bargaining table.

He is survived by his mother, brother, wife, and two sons.

His insight, optimistic and positive attitude, and commitment to the fight will be missed. While we mourn Michael today, we are sure he would echo the famous quote from Mother Jones: “Pray for the dead, but fight like hell for the living!”

Thank you, Michael. May your name be a blessing.

Condolences for the family and firm can be sent to Margo Feinberg at InlovingmemoryMDFour@ssdslaw.com where they will be compiled into a memory book for the family.

Hey there,

I just sat down from cleaning a pile of dishes up to my ears. The kids have left, the house is quiet. After a long day of family, friends, and (so much) food, I couldn’t let the sun set without sharing my gratitude with you all.

Thanksgiving is more than a holiday or an excuse to sell some turkeys. It’s a chance to reflect back on where we’ve been, where we’re going, but – most importantly – the people who walk with us on our journey.

That means you. I’m thankful to every single person in this union for pouring their blood and sweat into the job every day (with a smile on your face, too). Not only that, you all are going above and beyond to meet the incredible fight we’re in to get democracy – on and off the clock.

I’m thinking of Francis Robateau and Andrea Arhelger and our political volunteers who took their hard-earned days off to walk door to door canvassing. They didn’t let the hot sun of the Simi Valley scare them. The pushed ahead and their tenacity helped flip a seat that’s been in hostile hands for decades.

I’m thinking of Johnathan Fabro and our organizing team who are helping bring safety and security to hundreds of Cannabis members across L.A. County. We’re about to sign a new contract with Med Men – a major moment to show the world that we are here and we’re legit.

I’m thinking of Mary and the thousands of Rite Aid workers and supporters who, when Rite Aid threatened their health care, said: “No way.” Our Boycott Rite Aid campaign brought the company back to the table and took their hands off your benefits.

I’m thinking of all of you who feed your communities – mind, body, and soul – every single day. You keep your neighbors happy and healthy. That’s a powerful thing, and something they’ll never be able to take from us. As long as we continue showing up and giving our all, we’ll keep winning.

The fight is far from over, though. Next month, we begin organizing for our Grocery contract negotiations. Whether you’re a Grocery division member or not, this is your fight. It’s no secret ruthless companies like Amazon want to bring automation to every store. When we hang tough, though, we can get ahead and get more.

They may have the money and the expensive lawyers. We have something better, though: the power of people. We have each other.

Please sign up to volunteer your time and we’ll get you started on how you can pitch in to help get a better deal. For now, Happy Thanksgiving.

VOLUNTEER

And now we go,

John Grant
President, UFCW 770

GEKLAW Workshops

As workers, you’re at risk of getting injured or sick on the job every day. As members, you have access to attorneys from Gordon Edelstein who will make the workers comp process as smooth for you as possible. Come to one or all of our GEKLAW workshops for legal advice and answers to your questions – free of charge.

Understand and exercise your rights under your contract and the law with the help of these workshops.

Get your rights. Get treated.

For more information, call us at 323.923.2119.

 

GEKLAW Office Hours and Locations

Shatto Office – 630 Shatto Place, Los Angeles, CA 90210
Every Wednesday—2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Huntington Park Office – 5400 Pacific Boulevard, Huntington Park, CA 90255
Two Wednesdays each month beginning in December—2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. See dates below.

Camarillo Office – 816 Camarillo Springs Road, Suite H, Camarillo, CA 93012
Every Tuesday—9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

 

Huntington Park Workshop Dates

Month	Dates
December 2018	December 5, December 9
January 2019	January 16, January 30
February 2019	February 13, February 27
March 2019	March 13, March 27
April 2019	April 10, April 24
May 2019	May 8, May 22
June 2019	June 5, June 19
July 2019	July 17, July 31
August 2019	August 14, August 28
September 2019	September 11, September 25
October 2019	October 9, October 23
November 2019	November 6, November 20
December 2019	December 4, December 18

To all our members who are caught in the devastating path of the Hill & Woolsey Fires: we’ve got your back.

Members affected by the fires can apply for assistance starting today, Tuesday, November 13, 2018.

1. Register online http://www.DisasterAssistance.gov.

2. Call 1-800-621-FEMA (3362) or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY) for hearing and speech impaired.

The toll-free telephone numbers will operate from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. (local time) seven days a week until further notice.

Here are other resources for members in need:

Evacuation Centers

Ventura County

Taft Charter High School
5461 Winnetka Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91364

Pierce College
7100 El Rancho Drive, Woodland Hills

California Lutheran University
Gilbert Sport & Fitness Center
130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Los Angeles County

Palisades High School
15777 Bowdoin St, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272

Canoga Park High School
6850 Topanga Canyon Blvd, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Filter Masks

N95 Particulate Filter Masks are available here:

California Lutheran University
130 Overton Court, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

North Oxnard Public Health
2240 East Gonzales Road, Oxnard, CA 93036

South Oxnard Public Health
2500 South C Street, Oxnard, CA 93033

Channel Islands Harbor Master
3900 Pelican Way, Oxnard CA 93035

Las Pasas Family Medical Group
3801 Las Posas, Suite 214, Camarillo 93010

Sierra Vista Family Medical Clinic
2700 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Moorpark Family Medical Clinic
612 Spring Road, Building A, Moorpark CA 93021

Adventist Health Simi Valley
2975 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley, CA 93065

Los Robles Regional Medical Center
215 West Janss Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

St. John’s Pleasant Valley Hospital
2309 Antonio Avenue, Camarillo, CA 93010

St. John’s Regional Medical Center
1600 North Rose Avenue, Oxnard 93036

Counseling

Veterans needing crisis support
Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255

Anyone in need
The Ventura County Crisis Team is available at 866-998-2243

American Red Cross
Camarillo Office
836 Calle Plano, Camarillo, CA 93012
805-987-1514

Woodland Hills Blood Donation Center
6338 Variel Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367
1-800-RED-CROSS

Animal Shelters

Ventura County Animal Shelter
600 Aviation Drive, Camarillo, CA 93010
805-388-4258

The Humane Society of Ventura County
401 Bryant Street, Ojai, CA 93023
805-646-6505

Earl Warren Show Grounds
3400 Calle Real, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

Simi Valley Animal Shelter
670 West Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley
805-388-4341

Last night was a win for working people. Across the nation, communities stood up, spoke out, and got heard. Here in California, we took crucial seats, including helping flip CA-25 and elect Katie Hill.

You got the job done, but our work is just beginning. Now we need to hold our new leaders accountable, and remind those re-elected that we’re here and we’re a force to be reckoned with.

Stay involved. Sign-up to be a part of our political team and get updates on ways you can help organize for the next fight.

Join the team

Results

When we show up, we win. Here’s a recap of what you helped accomplish:

Candidate	Status
Governor, Gavin Newsom	WON
Lt. Governor, Ed Hernandez	LOST
Secretary of State, Alex Padilla	WON
Attorney General, Xavier Becerra	WON
Treasurer, Fiona Ma	WON
State Superintendent of Public Instruction, Tony Thurmond	Too close to call
Insurance Commissioner, Ricardo Lara	Too close to call
State Senate, Bob Hertzberg	WON
State Senate, Connie Leyva	WON
State Senate, Mike Eng	LOST
State Senate, Maria Elena Durazo	WON
State Senate, Ben Allen	WON
State Senate, Holly Mitchell	WON
State Senate, Bob Archuleta	WON
U.S. Congress, Katie Hill	WON
U.S. Congress, Judy Chu	WON
U.S. Congress, Adam Schiff	WON
U.S. Congress, Tony Cardenas	WON
U.S. Congress, Brad Sherman	WON
U.S. Congress, Grace Napolitano	WON
U.S. Congress, Ted Lieu	WON
U.S. Congress, Jimmy Gomez	WON
U.S. Congress, Norma Torres	WON
U.S. Congress, Karen Bass	WON
U.S. Congress, Linda Sánchez	WON
U.S. Congress, Gil Cisneros	LOST
U.S. Congress, Lucille Roybal-Allard	WON
U.S. Congress, Maxine Waters	WON
U.S. Congress, Nanette Barragan	WON
U.S. Congress, Alan Lowenthal	WON
State Assembly, Blanca Rubio	WON
State Assembly, Ed Chau	WON
State Assembly, Wendy Carrillo	WON
State Assembly, Freddie Rodriguez	AHEAD
State Assembly, Miguel Santiago	AHEAD
State Assembly, Sydney Kamlager	AHEAD
State Assembly, Ian Calderon	WON
State Assembly, Reggie Jones-Sawyer	AHEAD
State Assembly, Autumn Burke	WON
State Assembly, Anthony Rendon	AHEAD
State Assembly, Mike Gipson	WON
State Assembly, Al Muratsuchi	AHEAD
State Assembly, Patrick O’Donnell	WON
U.S. Senate, Kevin de Leon	LOST

It’s time to get down to business, people. We’re less than one week from the biggest midterm election of our lives. Workers around the country are proving that when we show up, we win. So let’s get out the vote.

Here are two easy ways you can get involved today:

2. Tell Your Employer You Need Time Off to Vote

Reminder: California law provides you up to two hours off to vote if you do not have enough time to do so during non-work hours.

According to the Office of the California Secretary of State:

California Elections Code section 14000 allows workers up to two hours off, without a loss of pay, to vote if they do not have enough time to do so in their non-work hours. The law requires workers to give their employers two working days’ notice before the election if they will need to take time off to vote.

Be sure to give your employers two working days’ notice before the election if you will need time off to vote

Learn more

 

2. Make Your Voting Plan

Find out where to vote, your registration status, and UFCW 770 candidate endorsements so you can make an informed vote on November 6th.

Let’s go

 

3. Get Out the Vote

CA-District 25 is one of the key seats that could flip the House in favor of working people next week. Take an hour out of your day this weekend and make a huge difference for years to come.

I’m In

This is our chance to get heard. Let’s make some noise.

To say we are disappointed with you crossing a picket line and betraying the needs of your fellow union members in their time of need is an understatement.

We are furious. And we have a long memory.

There is no excuse for the union players of the Dodgers to become scabs and cross a legitimate, established picket line, especially one created to protest the massive gap between the financial condition of workers and the customers they serve.

The Dodgers had more than ample notice to find another hotel. Heck, the union even gave them a list of other available hotels. You saw the massive pushback against the scab Yankees when THEY crossed the picket line. The Boston City Council passed a resolution supporting the workers nearly a week before you arrived in Boston. The strike had been going on for nearly a month.

But still you chose to betray the poverty-wage workers who change your sheets and clean up your mess, simply because it was a little bit easier for you.

Well, this is one mess your fellow union members will NOT clean up.

The Major League Baseball Players’ Union benefited from the support of your fellow union members in your time of need. Those making barely minimum wage rallied to your side, helping you secure an average $4.5 million annual salary and job security.

But when it came time to choose between supporting those working people who stood with you and a minor hotel inconvenience, you chose to become scabs.

You seem to easily forget the solidarity of the unions that came before you make your job and salaries possible. Without miners being shot for organizing, without garment workers dying in their factories, without workers starving for months on picket lines – you would still be playing for peanuts.

But when it came time to honor that debt, that heritage, you balked.

Shame on you. Your betrayal will not be forgotten nor easily forgiven.

—John Grant, President, and members of UFCW 770

Today is the 80th anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act, the law that gave us the minimum wage, overtime pay, and the ban on child labor.

The effect of this law on the lives of working people has been historic. As Laura Huizar of the National Employment Law Project writes:

“Prior to the FLSA’s adoption in 1938, countless children, some as young as 5, worked day and night and many risked their lives in dangerous mines, factories, and mills. By 1810, ‘about 2 million school-age children were working 50- to 70- hour weeks.’”

Of course, working conditions and wages were just as back-breaking for adults, who could be forced to work around the clock, every day of the week, without limit.

There were a couple of factors that made the FLSA possible—all of which were powered by people. Crucially, the Supreme Court reversed itself and legalized the minimum wage. Before then, there was this ridiculous idea that workers had a constitutional right to be exploited to the point of injury and death. There was a powerful and well organized labor movement with a champion in the White House—and we’re not talking about FDR.

Frances Perkins was the first woman appointed to the cabinet and the longest serving labor secretary in U.S. history. She was brilliant at working with labor leaders and workers to force the president—who gets all the credit today—to do the right thing. Thanks to that Supreme Court decision and a lot of blood and sweat, the FLSA became law.

As we honor the anniversary of the Fair Labor Standards Act and how far we’ve come, we also have to take a hard look at how much further we have to go. The fact is we’re still struggling for a decent wage. As Huizar also points out, “the current federal minimum wage has been stuck at $7.25 for almost ten years, and almost half (43.7%) of U.S. workers earn under $15 an hour.”

The lessons of the FLSA are clear: No matter how bad it seems (and we’re talking about five-year olds working in factories bad), we can win if we organize and fight to get heard. It was a strong labor movement that made FDR and Congress act. They did it in a single year because working people demanded better.

In just a few days, we’ve got another huge opportunity to get heard. Voting is one small thing you can do now that will make Washington sit up and listen. Commit to vote today and let’s make our own bit of history.

This year, union groups in Missouri—a state not exactly known for being a bastion of workers’ rights—crushed a bill that would have made it harder for unions to attract new members and funding.

It a was a moment to pump our fist in the air and a reminder of what working people can accomplish when we turn up and vote.

That’s why we need to get heard this November and vote. Sign up today to get started.

I WILL VOTE

The legislation Missouri pummeled is widely seen as an existential threat to workers across the country. So-called “right to work” laws are designed to bankrupt unions and leave workers undefended when corporations come around to pick their pockets. So-called “right to work” laws are designed to bankrupt unions and leave workers undefended when corporations come around to pick their pockets. A better name for them might be: “the right to work for less.”

So far, California hasn’t adopted these staunchly anti-worker laws. But that could change: A group called the Freedom Foundation is aiming to shrink union ranks across California, Oregon, and Washington by flooding the media with messages about how employees can stop paying union fees. The group is feeling especially energized after the Supreme Court’s decision to allow millions of public sector workers to stop paying their own union fees.

These anti-labor groups may have money and they may have power, but they can be stopped when working people stand together and say: “Enough.” In Missouri, a small army of rank-and-file union members worked together with activists to collect enough signatures to put a repeal referendum on the ballot that would boot the anti-labor law. Then they knocked on thousands of doors throughout the state to get the votes they needed. In the end, they struck it down by a margin of more than two to one—not bad for a midwestern state that backed Donald Trump all the way.

Workers are under attack in this country, from Cleveland to Columbia to California, but our victory in Missouri shows us how we win.The stakes couldn’t be higher, and organized labor is still on the ropes, but we can get results when working people decide to come together and push back.

By signing our petition and pledging to vote in November, you can help us fight these forces the most effective way possible: at the ballot box. Sign here: http://ufcw770.org/vote/