UFCW 789 and Borders Inc. (BINC)

Former first lady, Nancy Reagan would be beaming. Her most famous words were the theme repeated at UFCW Local 789 contract talks with Borders Inc. Her anti-drug message, "JUST SAY NO," was stated ad naseum.

In an effort to be fair (love that term), things weren't quite that bad. Agreement was reached on all kinds of minor contract language. Hate to minimize, but the important stuff was left in dispute.

Specifically, we have been unable to resolve seniority, job protections, subcontracting, scheduling, overtime and medical leaves of absence. The employer even rejected an offer to increase store level employee participation seems like we may be on a different page on these items.

After the five sessions, we are at the proverbial end of our language rope. We have agreed the next session will include economic issues, though not wages. This should prove very interesting given the Union's proposal for all the workers at the store to be included in Local 789 and Grocery Employers Health and Welfare Trust Fund.

As strange as this may sound, negotiations are proceeding exactly as we planned. Border's is following the same game plan used six years ago. We had anticipated it, planned for it and have developed a strategy to counter it. It is significant to note: "WE AREN'T INTERESTED IN GETTING A BAD SETTLEMENT, JUST SO WE COULD SAY WE HAVE A CONTRACT." We expect talks to go on for months, with all kind's of strange happenings and unique events occurring as we weave our way to a fair (there's that word again) settlement.

Our next scheduled talks are February 7, 2002 and February 20, 2002, perfect for our time lines.

In solidarity,

William G. Pearson
Jennifer Christensen
Bernie Hesse
Jason Evans
Holly Krig
Simone Menier