Michigan’s largest private sector union elects new president – WJRT ABC12

Report on UFCW Local 951 Leadership Transition and Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals

Introduction: Institutional Transition and Governance

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 951, Michigan’s largest private sector employee union, has announced a change in leadership. This transition underscores the union’s commitment to stable governance and its role as a strong institution, aligning with the principles of SDG 16 (Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions).

• New President: Courtney Phillips was unanimously elected by the union’s Executive Board.
• Predecessor: John Cakmakci retired from the presidency.
• Organization: The Grand Rapids-based union represents 31,000 workers.

Advancing Gender Equality in Leadership (SDG 5)

The appointment of Courtney Phillips marks a significant milestone in promoting gender equality within the labor movement, directly contributing to SDG 5 (Gender Equality) and its target of ensuring women’s full participation and equal opportunities for leadership.

1. Phillips is the first female to serve as president of UFCW 951.
2. Her career progression began in 2005 as a field staff member.
3. She advanced through the union’s ranks over two decades, most recently holding the position of secretary-treasurer.

Commitment to Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8)

The core mission of UFCW Local 951 under its new leadership is intrinsically linked to SDG 8 (Decent Work and Economic Growth). The union’s activities focus on protecting labor rights and promoting productive employment for a significant portion of Michigan’s workforce.

Scope of Representation:

• Total Membership: 31,000 workers.
• Key Sectors: Grocery, retail, food manufacturing, and cannabis.
• Major Employers: The union represents 25,000 hourly workers at Meijer and 1,000 workers at Kroger.

President Phillips’ Stated Objectives for Decent Work:

• To advocate for workers through contract bargaining and organizing campaigns.
• To effect positive change in workplace environments.
• To improve the lives of members and their families by fighting for deserved workplace conditions and benefits.

Analysis of Sustainable Development Goals in the Article

1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?

1. SDG 5: Gender Equality
   • The article highlights the election of Courtney Phillips as the “first female to serve as president of UFCW 951.” This directly relates to achieving gender equality and empowering women by showcasing a woman attaining a significant leadership position in a major economic institution (a large labor union).
2. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • The entire article revolves around the function of a labor union (UFCW Local 951), which represents 31,000 workers. The union’s purpose, as stated by its new president, is to “advocated for workers,” “bargained contracts,” and “improve the lives of our hard-working members.” These activities are central to promoting sustained, inclusive economic growth and ensuring decent work for all.
3. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities
   • Labor unions work to reduce inequalities by advocating for fair wages and better working conditions, particularly for hourly workers like the 25,000 at Meijer and 1,000 at Kroger mentioned in the article. By bargaining contracts, the union aims to create more equitable outcomes for its members, thus contributing to the reduction of income inequality.

2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?

1. Target 5.5: Ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic and public life.
   • The article’s central point about Courtney Phillips becoming the “first female to serve as president” of a union representing 31,000 workers is a direct example of progress towards this target. It signifies women’s participation and leadership in economic decision-making bodies.
2. Target 8.8: Protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers.
   • The existence and function of the UFCW Local 951, a union that “advocated for workers,” “bargained contracts,” and is “dedicated to doing everything I can to improve the lives of our hard-working members,” directly aligns with the goal of protecting labor rights. The union acts as a mechanism for collective bargaining, a fundamental labor right.
3. Target 10.4: Adopt policies, especially fiscal, wage and social protection policies, and progressively achieve greater equality.
   • The union’s role in “bargained contracts” is a form of implementing wage policies that aim for greater equality for its 31,000 members. Collective bargaining is a key tool for influencing wage structures and ensuring workers receive a fair share of economic progress.

3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?

1. Indicator 5.5.2: Proportion of women in managerial positions.
   • The article provides a specific data point relevant to this indicator: the appointment of one woman to the highest leadership position (President) of a major union. This serves as a qualitative example of progress in women’s representation in top-level management within an economic organization.
2. Indicator 8.8.2: Level of national compliance with labour rights (freedom of association and collective bargaining).
   • The article implies this indicator by describing the active operation of the UFCW Local 951. The union’s ability to represent 31,000 workers and bargain contracts on their behalf demonstrates the exercise of the rights of freedom of association and collective bargaining in practice.
3. Implied Indicator: Number of workers covered by collective bargaining agreements.
   • While not an official UN indicator, the article provides the number of workers represented by the union (“31,000 workers”). This figure can be used as a practical indicator to measure the reach and impact of policies (like collective bargaining under Target 10.4) aimed at protecting workers and reducing inequality.

4. Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc12.com