Congratulations to Jeremy’s Market & Meats in O’Fallon Missouri. This market is now a proud Local 88 Employer. They are located in O’Fallon Missouri on Highway P.

Any Local 88 member who volunteers to contribute $1.00 per week to out Active Ballot Club between now and November 2, 2010 will be eligible to win one of four $500.00 American Express gift cards to given out in our region. If you are interested contact your union representative or go to www.voteufcw.org to register. The Active Ballet Club funds political candidates who support labor’s issues and causes.

Dr. Pepper/Snapple has refused to bargain in good faith with our brothers and sisters that work at the Motts Plant. Those workers were forced to strike because the company wanted wage concessions ($1.50/hr) and benefit reductions at a time when the company was profitable and executives received bonuses. Until Dr. Pepper/Snapple goes back to the table and bargains in good faith with the workers at Motts, members are urged to boycott all Dr. Pepper/Snapple/Motts products. Find out more at www.nobadapples.org .

Negotiations are ongoing with Kerry Inc. in order to bring the workers their first union contract.

Congratulations to Angela Telle who works at Shop n Save in the deli. Angela’s essay won her the Colonel Nicholas M. Blassie Scholarship award for 2010. Angela will receive a check for $500.00 to help with the cost of her college education.

Our next meeting is a General Membership meeting scheduled for August 10, 2010. Our CPA, Jack Westerheide, will be here to give a financial report to our membership, Executive Board, and Board of Audit on our local’s finances.

Our next meeting is a shop steward meeting on Monday, September 13, 2010 at our union hall (5730 Elizabeth Avenue). All members are urged to attend. New members must arrive by 7:00 p.m. for new member orientation.