New location, same great Union place to work

In 1937, in the midst of the Great Depression, the only employee of Traverso’s, an Italian deli and food shop in Santa Rosa, approached the store’s owner, Charles Traverso and said he wanted to join what was then the Retail Clerks Union. He said he heard the Union offered some good benefits.

Not only did Charles Traverso agree, he also joined. So began a 72- year  affiliation with what is now the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.

Today, all of the store’s six full-time workers are members of UFCW 8 including owner George Traverso.

“My grandfather knew a good deal when he saw one,” Traverso said. “Union membership makes sense for everyone.” Traverso noted that he could never

afford to provide health benefits to his workers if not for his membership in UFCW 8.

“The benefits can’t be beat,” he said. “Not only do we have health benefits, but we have a pension plan that will provide a guaranteed income when all of us retire.

“Being in a Union also offers a way to resolve any employee-management issues that arise. That has also been of great help over the years.” 

Traverso said that Union employees stay on the job longer. 

  “Our employees know it isn’t easy to find a job that offers the kind of benefits we have because we’re in a Union,” he said. “That helps our business, because we don’t have a constant worker turnover.”

Traverso is moving his store to a new location in May because, he said, it will be good for his customers, the workers and his business. “It has better parking,” Traverso said. “And it’s closer to the freeway. We also now have room to place some tables outside for people who want to enjoy the fresh air while they dine.”

Traverso’s Gourmet Foods and Liquor specializes in hard-to-find items such as Italian hard candies, chocolates, meats and beer. Its new location is in Fountaingrove Village, 2097 Stagecoach Road in Santa Rosa.

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