Frequently Asked Questions

I used to belong to Local 546 (or Local 1540, or Local 100A). Why is my Local Union now known as UFCW Local 1546?

All three Local Unions—546, 1540 and 100A (as well as others that merged over the years, including 189)—were independent Local Unions affiliated with the UFCW International for many years. In fact, our history can be traced back over a century in some cases! There is a long, proud tradition that led to the formation and growth of these and many other local unions over the years. In 2001, the members of all three of these Locals voted overwhelmingly in favor of merging (joining together as one) to form UFCW Local 1546. By doing so, these members gained the combined strength and resources that each had previously held before. The merger became effective in January of 2002. As one large, strong Local Union were are now able to accomplish even more on behalf of the members in the areas of collective bargaining (contract negotiations), field service, organizing, communications, and much more. It was a winning decision made by the members, for the members!

Why must we pay union dues?

No organization, institution, business or even a club can exist without funding. A labor union is no different. Considering the responsibility that is entrusted upon the union by its members, it is critical that their union have the adequate funds to work on the members’ behalf. All members—including leaders, staff and Stewards—pay union dues, which are used to operate your Local Union. There is no other source of income for your Local Union other than union dues, and every penny is spent efficiently and effectively with your best interests in mind, and under the supervision of your Executive Board (comprised both of rank and file members as well as staff and officers).

How can I reach my Union Representative?

Phone the Local 1546 office. The Chicago (Main) office phone number is 312-733-2999. The Schaumburg (Suburban) office phone number is 847-593-3500 (or toll-free, 800-592-3508). If you don’t know your Union Representative’s name, be prepared to provide the name of your employer and the address of your workplace. If your Union Representative is not in the office, your message will be returned as soon possible.

When are the office hours for Local 1546?

Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

If I phone the union office, my Union Rep. is often not there and must call me back. Why?

All Local 1546 Union Representatives are assigned to cover a territory comprised of many workplaces that employ numerous members. Except for their one “office day” each week (during which time they handle paperwork, replenish their supplies, attend meetings, and take care of a variety of important office matters), your Union Rep is out in the workplaces that Local 1546 represents providing service to our members during the rest of the week.

Why is my union—or any union—involved in politics?

Who gets elected (on the local, state or federal levels) to office can and often does have a significant effect on the laws that impact working families. Being active in the political and legislative arena is another important way that Local 1546 works to guard the livelihoods of the members we serve and represent. Our union lobbies to create and/or protect laws that work in favor of our members, and against those that aim to hurt them. Local 1546 also educates our members on the records and likely behavior of specific candidates, in an effort to help elect pro-labor office seekers and defeat those with demonstrated anti-union views. What happens in the halls of government can directly impact our ability to represent the members, so it is our responsibility as your union to be involved on your behalf in the political and legislative arenas. (Note: Local 1546 are invited to stretch their political voice by joining our UFCW Active Ballot Club, or “ABC” for short. The ABC, through small voluntary contributions by members like you, works to elect pro-labor candidates and enact legislation that helps working families. This non-partisan, political arm of your union can never match what big business and corporations spend to elect their own candidates, but when your contributions are combined, you can make a powerful difference in American politics! The cost to belong is only about $12.00 a year. See your Union Rep. to learn how you can become an ABC member.