Two labor unions for grocery, retail workers agree to merger

DAVE GALLAGHER - THE BELLINGHAM HERALD

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After membership approval last week, two labor unions officially became one on Monday, June 1.

Members of UFCW 21 and 44, both Locals in the United Food and Commercial Workers, agreed to a merger and are now part of UFCW 21. In addition to grocery and retail workers, Local 44 brings meat cutters and processors into UFCW 21.

The new UFCW now has membership of more than 35,000. In Whatcom County, the number of members joining from the Local 44 is 1,465 from 21 different work sites.

For the Local 44, much will remain the same, said Tom Geiger, communications director for UFCW 21. The Mount Vernon office will remain open with the same union representatives and office staff. The purpose was to create a stronger voice for the union, said Mike Hatfield, who has led Local 44 for decades and will now be semi-retired.

"This will increase our bargaining power with employers," Hatfield said in a press release.

For details about UFCW 21, visit ufcw21.org.