With local 540 contract due to expire, I have taken an unconventional aproach to a particulat article in our contract. Seems that every contract I look into, has 6th day pay for everyone but our local part-timers. If there are any local 540 or Texas employees here, I ask that you contact the local and tell them it needs changed. Or copy it, sign it , have others sign and fax it to the local. If the local does not feel it is important ( to the members) they will not ask to have it changed.

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Article 3 section 17 of our contract calls for 6^th day pay [ Over time at one and one half (1 I/2) times the employee`s regular straight time rate of pay shall be paid for all work performed on the sixth ( 6<sup>th</sup> ) day of the employee`s work week for full-time employees only ] only to be given to full time employees only. Looking back over past contract, I have found this to be true for at least 15 years. Talking to a veteran union member and one that was with Kroger for 35 years, stated that he believes that has always been that way and that they never pushed the issue because there was never many part time employees in the past and it was a way for them to be able to give the part timers a few extra hours without creating over time. That was back in a time where there was about 90 to 95% full time workers and near nothing on part timers and a lot of them was those college students working during brakes in the school years.

Now what I see is the continued shift, by Kroger, to go more part time workers and with the coming of Obama care, I see more of that happening. Looking at other contract, the sixth day pay goes to all employees except the market members in Local 540. What I am asking is that every market person that believes that this needs to be fixed either call, email , fax or text the local office and let them know that this needs to be changed during our next contract that expires in June. If not then there will be nothing to stop the company from working new hires or anyone classified as part-time 6 days and letting them work a seventh day and escape all overtime. Think of a closer working 5-10 for 6 days and having 30 hours. Now they volunteer to work the seventh day and work 10 hours. They have 40 hours for the week on 7 days and no overtime paid. Will we not start to create a low , over worked class of employees that will get next to nothing or on par with the Wal-Mart wage system? Realizing that this has been over looked for near decades, it is time for our members to have a say in this and let the local know that it needs changed on this contract now and not having it done is unacceptable.

Too many times we all just set and except what is done ( with our contract) and do nothing but complain. Many Times it is always said that the union only takes care of the top paid long term people and forget the rest. Problem is that the part-timers and a few of the others never let their voice be heard and let it slide by never voting on a contract or even caring to know what is in it. I am only asking that those , in the market, at your store, step up and let the local know to have this changed or except or except Wal-mart like working hours and conditions in your market.

laura@ufcw540.org , mark@ufcw540.org

Toll free: 1-800-282-0714

DFW area 214-328-3515

Fax number 214-337-6614

This is your contract and future so make the attempt to make a difference.

Let them know what you think.