You Can Save $$$ on Auto Insurance and Reduce Points on Your License - The Local 342 SEC Fund, in association with AAA, offers a Defensive Driving Voucher Program for part time members. The Defensive Driving Voucher is used for the six-hour course that AAA offers. There is no cost to Local 342 part time members or their dependents! This course can help members become better drivers while saving money on their car insurance. ...(Learn More Now)

You Can Receive Tuition Reimbursement for Educational Expenses - Local 342’s SEC Fund provides tuition assistance to eligible part time members of $1000.00 per semester, per year. The assistance that a part time member can receive comes in the form of reimbursement for educational expenses following the completion of a course or courses. Courses can be held at a variety of different educational institutions. They can be taken for credit or no credit at colleges, universities and trade schools. Certificate programs and Continued Education programs can also be reimbursed. Contact the SEC Fund office for more information. (718) 982-0342 Ext. 2

Part Timers and Their Spouse and/or Dependants Can Receive FREE Tickets to Different Venues!!! - Choose Tickets from: LONG ISLAND'S CHILDREN MUSEUM, BRONX ZOO, STATEN ISLAND ZOO, NEW YORK BOTANICAL GARDENS ,NY AQUARIUM, ATLANTIS MARINE WORLD, LIBERTY SCIENCE CENTER, MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, MUSEUM OF MODERN ART, and the NYUSS INTREPID SEA, AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM. Please contact Member Services at 1-877-URHelp-1 for your free tickets.. ...(Learn More Now)

What Every Part Time Member Should Know... Their Weingarten Rights - Imagine this. You’re still feeling new to your job and you don’t know all your Union rights. You’re supervisor comes up to you and says he wants to meet with you. You get a little scared. You follow him into his office. You see a security officer (or a “loss prevention specialist”) sitting there, too. They want to talk to you. They start to ask questions. What do you do? ...(Learn More Now)

You Can Stay on Top of All the Action Regarding Local 342 - Signing up for email updates allows Local 342 to contact you via email when something new is posted on the website. This could include information about new and exciting Union events, articles about Union activities, statements releasing important Union information, or stories containing details about a number of other Union related topics. Do not stay in the dark about your Union any longer. Register for email updates today!!!
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You Can Tell Local 342 Your Thoughts - The opinions of our part time working members are a valuable asset to Local 342.  Please use the feedback form to tell us about any ways you think that Local 342 can improve your Union experience.  Comments regarding new ideas for events, activities, and programs for Part-Time workers are all welcomed. ...(Tell Us)

American Idol - “American Idol” kicked off season number 10 with auditions in Nashville, Tennessee last week, but the overall feel for judges and contestants alike was decidedly different than usual. This was seemingly so because long-time “American Idol” judge Simon Cowell was absent from his standard judges’ perch for the first time since the show began in 2002. Cowell, who recently departed the show in favor of “X-Factor” (which will begin airing in 2011), was the most recognizable judge, and the witty and often rude comments he hurled toward contestants was one of the main reasons why Americans watched in such massive numbers. In recent years, even with Cowell, “American Idol” had already begun to decline in ratings, so a “Cowell-less” Idol may be in jeopardy of totally falling out of favor with the American public. Those who are behind the scenes of “American Idol” claim the show will still be highly entertaining and “more about the contestants” than ever, but one has to wonder how much gas is left in the singing show’s tank. The answer to this question will arrive soon enough, as the new season is set to air in October of this year.

July 6, 1892 - The Homestead Strike- Pinkerton Guards, trying to pave the way for the introduction of scabs, opened fire on striking Carnegie mill steel-workers in Homestead, Pennsylvania. In the ensuing battle, three Pinkertons surrendered. However, despite the surrendering guards being unarmed, they were still set upon and beaten by a mob of angry townspeople, most of them women. Seven guards and eleven strikers and spectators were shot to death in the costly fray.

July 14, 1877 - A general strike halted the movement of U.S. railroads. In the following days, strike riots spread across the United States. The next week, federal troops were called out to force an end to the nationwide strike. At the "Battle of the Viaduct" in Chicago, federal troops killed 30 workers and wounded over 100, proving once again the violent relationship between the United States government and the growing labor movement.

Daniel Gorman - A&P/Waldbaum’s #209 - Bayside - Daniel Gorman is an active part-time deli clerk who has been a member of Local 342 and an employee of A&P/Waldbaum’s #209 in Queens for over 6 years. When Daniel is not serving customers in the deli, or rallying his fellow part-timers in the shop, he enjoys hanging out with his girlfriend, listening to music, and rooting on the New York Mets, New York Rangers, and Pittsburgh Steelers in person, or while watching on television. On top of his leisure activities, Daniel also dedicates a considerable amount of his free time to Local 342’s Volunteer Organizing Committee (VOC). Currently, Daniel is helping Union staff carry out a campaign which aims to bring the benefits of Union membership to many non-union workers. Clearly, Daniel is setting an example of what Local 342 hopes many of its Part-Timers will become… Active and dedicated Union members!

Besides being a member of the VOC and attending just about every membership meeting and Union activity he possibly can, Daniel also recently assisted his Shop Steward (Hector Franqui) in getting well over 30 part-timers to participate in Local 342’s “Part-Timers Rock” T-shirt program by persuading them to sign up for email updates. The total number of Part-Timers who signed up in Daniel’s store is by far the most of any shop, and it proves how a little extra effort from our part-time members can go a long way in building solidarity and camaraderie amongst the base. As for why he puts so much effort into Union participation, and why he believes it is important for other Part-Timers to follow his lead, Daniel had this to say: “Part-Timers need to understand what our Union is about in order to appreciate it.  The only way they will truly see the benefits our Union brings to them is if they do the research and make an effort to learn.  My advice to them would be to check out the Union website, talk to their Shop Steward, look to join negotiating committees for their next contract, and NEVER be afraid of store management!”

MLB - Behind rock solid pitching and a three run double by Brian McCann, the National League All-Stars upended the American League All-Stars 3-1 last Tuesday, giving them their first All-Star game victory over the junior circuit in 13 years. The win for the National League signals that the NL team to make the World Series will have home field advantage over the AL representative for the first time since the All-Star game rule was put into effect. Despite their recent struggles, the National League still has more head to head victories than the American League, with their overall record now standing at 41-38-2.

New York Yankees - The first place Yankees were the recipients of some bad luck Sunday afternoon as their All-Star pitcher, Andy Pettitte, had his most recent start cut short due to a strained groin muscle. The early prognosis is that Pettitte will miss 4-5 weeks with the injury. As of yet, there is no word from the Yankees on who will replace Pettitte in the starting rotation, but as soon as word is given, we will be sure to post an update on the situation.

New York Mets - While the Yankees just lost one of their star players, the New York Mets just got one of their own back. Oft injured Centerfielder Carlos Beltran returned to the Mets’ lineup last week for the first time this season. Thus far, Beltran is 4 for 12 since his return, but the Mets offense has struggled as a whole. Despite these most recent offensive hiccups, the Mets believe that the addition of Beltran to the middle of the order will eventually give their lineup the edge it needs to help drive them in their push for a playoff spot.

Nick Spoto - ShopRite #110, Staten Island - “No matter how long you plan on staying at your job, get to know about your Union. You will be surprised about all the great things they can offer you.” (Read More)

Lori Finizio - ShopRite #801, Bay Shore - “Take the time to learn about Local 342 and become involved with them because there are many different ways it can benefit you in the end.” (Read More)

Jessy Chamberlain - Pathmark #625, Seaford - “Take the time to learn about Local 342 and all of its programs so that you can take advantage of everything it has to offer.” (Read More)

Rich Condon - Pathmark #171, Staten Island - “Good to know that dedicated people who care about you are always there to protect your back.” (Read More)

President Abondolo Urges Part-Timers to Get Involved - In his “Letter from the President,” which appears in the 2010 edition of Local 342’s recently released yearly publication, the “Forefront,” President Abondolo had strong words of encouragement for YOU, his Part-Time working base. In a one paragraph excerpt that dispenses advice, speaks of YOUR importance to Local 342, and challenges YOU to play a bigger role in Union activities, President Abondolo directly addresses YOU with the hopes of rallying YOUR support for upcoming contract negotiations next year and beyond. Below is the motivational statement President Abondolo had for YOU in his letter:

“Part-Time members: I am talking to YOU now! You need to improve your conditions at work. To do this, you must come out and participate when the Union calls. You need to show up at membership meetings, get involved in activities and help the Union create your identity so it’s recognized throughout the industry by the employers. Part-Time members are very valuable to Local 342 and to your workplace. Part-Time members should not have to take crumbs from the employers when we bargain! If you follow the direction the Local 342 leadership is pointing you in and participate, you will establish a powerful, united force that will enable your status as Part-Timers to move ahead.”

There you have it Part-Timers! Local 342 wants YOU!

If you would like to read the full version of President Abondolo’s letter to the membership, visit your Local 342 area office to pick up a copy of this year’s “Forefront,” or check your mail for your personal edition. Thank you and always remember that… Local 342 is Fully Committed to Part-Time Members!

Local 342 Visits Part-Timers in Their Shops - In a continued effort to connect with its Part-Time membership base, Local 342 once again hit the road to speak with Part-Timers at their shops, this time making surprise appearances in Nassau and Suffolk County, Long Island. The main goal of Local 342’s latest round of visits was to help Part-Timers understand the importance of getting involved in Union activities and events. In these most recent encounters, a representative from Local 342’s Part-Time program covered many topics regarding Part-Timers, including the supporting role they should play within the Union.

In their stores, Part-Timers were greeted with a smile, a few kind words, and a description of the many different events, activities, and incentives Local 342 has to offer to its Part-Time base. Further, Part-Timers who met with the representative were also given a website card, and a detailed portrayal of Local 342’s ever evolving “Part-Timers” webpage. The Local 342 “Part-Timers” webpage is a place Part-Timers can go to learn about Union news, upcoming events and activities, and ways to take advantage of programs such as Tuition Reimbursement and Defensive Driving. Part-Timers can also visit their webpage to play games, educate themselves about Labor Unions, find the latest bulletin board material, read about their fellow Part-Time members, and track entertainment and technology news from outside the realm of Local 342. The amount of information Part-Timers can receive from their webpage cannot be understated.

One of the main reasons why the “Part-Timers” webpage is such an important tool is because Part-Time members can use it to send Local 342 their thoughts and ideas. This is where YOU come in! If any Part-Timer has an idea for a Union program and/or event, or would like to see something on their webpage that is currently not there, please send us your comments by clicking on “Feedback” in the “Did you know” section, and filling out all the necessary information. Your opinions are meaningful to Local 342 and your voices need to be heard!

Thank you and always remember that… Local 342 is Fully Committed to Part-Time Members!

Neil Hodge - Shoprite #218, Brooklyn - “Local 342 always has your best interests at heart. If it wasn’t for them, many workers in our industry would unfairly lose their jobs. Next time you see Local 342 in your store, try to show them the same love and respect they give to you.” (Read More)

DO YOU WANT MORE IN YOUR NEXT CONTRACT?

THEN IT’S TIME FOR YOU TO ACT! PLAY YOUR PART!

MOBILIZE NOW FOR CONTRACTS 2011!

LOCAL 342 PART-TIMERS ROCK! - Local 342 has always believed that their “Part-Timers Rock,” and now many of our Part-Time members have a t-shirt to prove it. Recently, Local 342 began a promotion which offered Part-Timers a free “Part-Timers Rock” t-shirt if they logged onto our website and signed up for email updates. This promotion included all Part-Timers who were already on the email update list, as well as the new members who signed up as a result of receiving a promotional postcard from Local 342 in the mail. Thus far, the response to the free t-shirt promotion has been strong.

All Part-Timers who are eligible to receive a t-shirt will have it delivered to their shops either by their Union Representative, or by the Part-Time Program Member Services Representative. Part-Timers should expect to receive their t-shirts at their shops within 2-3 weeks of their signup. If you wish, you may also pick up your t-shirt at your local area office.

Your participation in our Union is crucial, and this promotion is just a small way of letting all of you know how important you are to Local 342’s future success!

Keep visiting the Local 342 Website to stay informed on what Local 342 has planned for our Part-Timers.

Learn more about how to get involved with Local 342 by visiting your Part-Timers webpage and signing up for email updates.

The Other Guys - Just when you thought there was no possible way that another “buddy cop” comedy could be produced and coming to a theater near you, “The Other Guys” will soon be arriving for your viewing pleasure. Although this plot theme seems to be tired, and over played in general, this latest film seems to have some potential due to the casting. Starring in the film as wacky partners in the police force are the always hilarious Will Ferrell, and the multi-dimensional Mark Wahlberg. Also appearing in this star-studded comedy are Eva Mendes, Dwayne Johnson (“The Rock”), Samuel L. Jackson, and Michael Keaton. Hopefully, with a cast of actors this strong, even a mediocre script from Writer/Director Adam McKay (“Land of the Lost”) can be turned into an effective and enjoyable comedy that will be worth the price of admission. For those who are interested in seeing this film, you can look for it in theaters everywhere beginning August 6th.