A Taste of Solidarity in Rancho Cordova

UFCW 8 pickets in front of the Grocery Outlet store in Rancho Cordova were treated to water bottles by members from nearby Safeway 1746. Steward Nephi Leideckerled the demonstration of Union solidarity. The pickets advised shoppers of Grocery Outlet’s failure to provide adequate wages and benefits to its employees.

Attending inauguration a once-in-a-lifetime experience for member Rafiki Webster

When Barack Obama was elected President last November, Rafiki Webster knew he had to be in Washington, D.C., for the inauguration.

“Like many other African Americans, I never thought I would live to see the day when a black man would become President of the United States,” Webster said. “It makes me so proud of my country.”

Webster works as a clerk at Safeway in Chico. He has been a Union member for 30 years. “As soon as I heard the election results, I made plans to be there,” he said. “I have a cousin  who lives in D.C., so I called and told her to expect me.”

Webster said he is proud of Obama, not only because he is the first African American elected to the highest office in the land, but also because of where he came from.

“He came from a humble beginnings and has accomplished so much,” Webster said. 

Left: Rafiki Webster with his cousin in Washington, D.C.

“He was raised by a single mother and his grandmother. That’s something many people in the black community can identify with.” Webster volunteered to work as a guide along the inauguration parade route.

Right: President Obama’s motorcade.

and his wife got out of his limo right where I was standing, so I had a good view of them.”

Webster believes that the election of President Obama will be good for the country and for Unions. “Based on where he came from and what he said during the campaign, I am optimistic that an Obama Administration will make the needs of working men and women a top priority,” he concluded.

Official publication of UFCW 8-Golden State Jacques Loveall, President