UFCW Local 1776 KS

Happy Pride Month!

It’s with a heavy heart to share that our union brother, Mike Woodland, from store #512 in Steubenville, OH passed away from Covid-19 complications. May he Res...t In Peace, and may all of his friends and family be surrounded by peace and love during this difficult time. https://usobit.com//michael-p-mike-woodland-july-22-1955/

The labor movement has never had a more dedicated (or louder!) friend. Tony Helfer began his life of unionism as a clerk with Kroger while in school. Mentored... by a fellow member, he became a feisty steward, known for his staunch dedication to preserving the rights of his co-workers. After graduating from college, he joined the staff of UFCW Local 23, where he worked his way to up to eventually being elected Secretary-Treasurer and then President. On his first day as President, he helped lead a march on the Pittsburgh Mayor's office, which resulted in doors being chained shut. This action set the tone for the years of activism that followed. Under Tony's enthusiastic leadership, the sleeping giant that was the Local 23 membership sprang into action, garnering not only good labor agreements for our own members, but paid sick days for workers in Pittsburgh, and participation in labor and civic coalitions that benefited all workers in western PA and the northern panhandle of WV. He led us into the streets, banging drums and speaking out for working people. Tony served on committees and boards with our International Union and was named Allegheny County Labor Council's Man of the Year. His list of accomplishments is noteworthy and lengthy - but today, as he retires as the Recording Secretary of Local 1776KS - we'll call him friend. We celebrate his long career of service, and congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement as we send him off with our very best wishes for a long, happy and healthy life with his beloved Teresa, and the crowd of kids, grandkids and the great-grandson he adores. Thanks for everything, Tony - enjoy! Let's goooooo, Mountaineers!

The Local 1776 family is sad to report that Don McGrogan passed away over the weekend. Don was a longtime staff member at Local 1776 who rose up the ranks to be...come Executive Vice President of UFCW Local 1776 until his retirement in 2019. Don’s leadership helped make us a better a union and his work benefitted thousands of members throughout Local 1776’s jurisdiction. Known as the director of everything, no task was too big or small for Don to lend a helping hand. He worked hard to make sure every employee of Local 1776 had the opportunity to succeed to best benefit our members. He was adored by our staff and members who had the privilege to know him. Don was incredible motivator and a loyal friend, family man and co-worker. He was one of the best the labor movement ever had. We will miss him dearly, and know that the impact he made to help working families will last for years to come. Rest in Power, Don McGrogan. See more

Congratulations to Kroger member Melva Devore on your retirement! Enjoy the time with your family and fishing with your husband!

This week a group of UFCW Local 1776 staff and stewards participated in a webinar with Robyn Robbins from the UFCW International Union and Dr. Lisa Brosseau, an... expert on public health and industrial hygiene on the subject of aerosol transfer of Covid-19. UFCW Local 1776 is committed to educating our union staff and stewards on the best practices and techniques to prevent the transmission of Covid-19. If you're interested in our education and training programs, please contact Marcy Kelly, education coordinator at [email protected]! https://www.cidrap.umn.edu/about-us//lisa-m-brosseau-scd-ci

Happy Veterans Day!

Congratulations to Penn Township Giant Eagle members on your new agreement!

Congratulations to Kroger member Judi Riggs on your retirement!

Local 1776 is deeply saddened by the sudden passing of our sister, Kathy Tarka. After a career with ALCOA in the midwest, Kathy retired to her beloved Pittsburg...h home and took a part-time gig at the Giant Eagle in Bethel Park. She was so excited to join our union and immediately called the hall to volunteer for everything. Over the years she has marched and carried signs, done organizing and political work, was a driver of our food and toy drives, and participated in every community and charitable effort. A friend to all, she always made time to socialize with her nearby union sisters and brothers, and sought out others online where she loved them, their kids and their pets from afar. Kathy was a limitless source of love, generosity, good cheer, and enthusiasm. In fact, she won an award for her enthusiasm as a shop steward. Most recently she was on union leave from her grocery store job to get UFCW members out to vote, especially for Joe Biden, for whom she was enormously passionate. If you haven't voted yet, please do it. For Kathy. With all her heart, she loved UFCW, the Steelers, every dog, and us. Rest easy, sweet sister - we'll take it from here.

Local 1776 is ready to get the vote out! #1u