{"article":{"id":124230,"heading":"99 Cents Workers DEMO","author":"Marcus","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","last_modified":"Mon, 15 Aug 2005 07:06:06","article":"<!DOCTYPE html PUBLIC \"-\/\/W3C\/\/DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional\/\/EN\" \"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/TR\/REC-html40\/loose.dtd\">\n<html><body><p>By 99 Cents Only Store Workers   <br>  <br>  Wednesday, March 23 (Los Angeles, CA) Responding to worker concerns about affordable healthcare, poverty wages, and abusive management at the locally-owned discount retailer, two of the leading International Unions have banded together in an historic partnership.  The 1.4 million-member United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) and the 1.4 million-member Brotherhood of Teamsters are working hand in hand to improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions of low-wage workers at 99 Cents Only Stores.<\/p>\n<\/body><\/html>\n","contact":"","link":"http:\/\/www.pasadenastarnews.com\/Stories\/0,1413,206~22097~2766827,00.html","address":"","phone":"","parent_id":0,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","summary":"East Los Angeles, California, March 23rd, a demonstration at a 99 Cents Only Store, in Montebello, was the kickoff of a campaign in support of the 99 Cents Only workers for affordable health care and decent wages.","numcomment":2,"fileurl":"\/uploads\/2005\/03\/189.jpg","filesize":"55.1 kibibytes","article_url":"\/news\/2005\/03\/124230.php","image":{"original":"\/uploads\/2005\/03\/189.jpg","small":"\/uploads\/2005\/03\/189.jpgthumb.jpg"}},"attachments":[{"id":124231,"heading":"Workers are Paid Poverty Wages","article":"The average worker only earns $6.80 an hour\u2013a nickel above the minimum wage.  Full-time employees barely make $12 000 per year, but most earn far less working part time.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2013-11-11 00:32:56","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/134.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/134.jpg"}},{"id":124232,"heading":"Workers Forced to Work for Free","article":"Workers report that 99 Cents Only Stores managers force them to work unpaid overtime.\r\n      99 Cents Only Stores is one of the fastest growing and most profitable deep-discount retail chains in America. Despite a 257 percent increase in net income over the past four years, the retailer pays wages that leave even full time workers eligible for taxpayer-funded food stamps and health care.  Workers report that the company charges $125 a week for family health insurance\u2013equal to as much a 55% of a full-time clerd\u2019s net paycheck, an contributes nothing to retirement plans. 99 Cents Only Stores employ an almost entirely Latino workforce at poverty wages, and workers report a pattern of verbal abuse.  This is the first organized demonstration of support from community groups, clergy, and labor activists for these struggling workers.\r\n","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2013-11-11 00:32:56","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/099.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/099.jpg"}},{"id":124233,"heading":"Workers Can\u2019t Afford Health Insurance","article":"Only 30% of workers are eligible for health care, but few can afford their share of the insurance premiums.  Uninsured workers rely on taxpayer-funded health care.\r\n   In January 2004, 99 Cents Only Stores Drivers voted to join Teamsters Local 630.  After nearly a year of difficult bargaining and a nearly unanimous strike vote, in December 2004 the drivers ratified their fist contract.  The Teamsters are continuing their efforts to organize workers in the distribution centers and warehouses.  Meanwhile, UFCW Local Unions in California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona are agressively organizing 99 Cents Only Stores retail clerks in hopes of securing affordable health care, livable wages, and decent working conditions.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2013-11-11 00:32:56","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/162.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/162.jpg"}},{"id":124234,"heading":"No Retirement for Rank & File Workers","article":"The 99 Cents Only Stores retirement plan: \u201cWorkers, save your own money!\u201d","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2013-11-11 00:32:56","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/010.jpgbvoe87.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/010.jpgbvoe87.jpg"}},{"id":124235,"heading":"sales increased 13 percent to $971 million","article":"   \u201cThe company wants people to believe that they can\u2019t afford to provide health care and livable wages because their prices are so low. This is a lie.  We see them buy stuff for pennies on the dollar and sell it for 99 cents.  We can\u2019t live on these wages and we can\u2019t afford to take our children to the doctor for regular check ups.  While the company\u2019s profits go up and up, we are living in poverty.  We need the unnion to help us improve our families\u2019 lives,\u201d said a 99 Cents Only Stores worker who asked to remain anonymous for fear for management retaliation.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2013-11-11 00:32:56","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/031.jpgogxatp.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/031.jpgogxatp.jpg"}},{"id":124236,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"Press Contacts:\r\nBarbara Maynard at (323) 351-9321 (cell)\r\nDan Braun at (818) 843-3270 (office)","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/100.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/100.jpg"}},{"id":124237,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"No Respect for 99 Cents Only Stores Workers\r\n99 Cents Only Stores managers practice verbal abuse, assign elderly workers physically demanding tasks, and punish workers who complain.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/555.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/555.jpg"}},{"id":124238,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"http:\/\/www.pasadenastarnews.com\/Stories\/0,1413,206~22097~2766827,00.html","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/158.jpgpsw9fp.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/158.jpgpsw9fp.jpg"}},{"id":124239,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"The secret to the 99 Cents Only Store fortune is low pay and few benefits, not low prices.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/089.jpgqksupf.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/089.jpgqksupf.jpg"}},{"id":124240,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"The secret to the 99 Cents Only Store fortune is low pay and few benefits, not low prices.","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/098.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/098.jpg"}},{"id":124241,"heading":"99 Cents Only Store Demo","article":"Teamsters and UFCW Unite to Secure Affordable Health Care, Livable Wages, and Decent Working Conditions for 99 Cents Only Store Workers.\r\n\r\nThe Teamsters and the UFCW have joined forces to improve the wages, benefits, and working conditions of low wage workers in the retail sector. These two powerful unions have specifically targeted the 99 Cents Only Stores, one of the fastest growing and most profitable deep-discount retailers in America. Despite a 257 percent increase in net income over the past four years, the majority of workers earn just 25 cents an hour above minimum wage, have no health insurance or 401(k) Plan contribution, and receive just one paid holiday per year.\r\n\r\nIn January 2004, 99 Cents Only Stores drivers voted to join Teamsters Local 630. After nearly a year of difficult bargaining and a nearly unanimous strike vote, in December 2004 the drivers ratified their first contract. The Teamsters are continuing their efforts to organize workers in the distribution centers and warehouses, and UFCW Local Unions in Southern California, Nevada, Texas, and Arizona are aggressively organizing 99 Cents Only Stores retail clerks in hopes of securing affordable health care, livable wages, and decent working conditions.\r\n\r\n&quot;The company wants people to believe that they can't afford to provide health care and livable wages because their prices are so low. This is a lie. We see them buy stuff for pennies on the dollar and sell it for 99 Cents. We can't live on these wages and we can't afford to take our children to the doctor for regular check ups. While the company's profits go up and up, we are living in poverty. We need the union to help us improve our families' lives,&quot; said a 99 Cents Only Stores worker who asked to remain anonymous for fear of management retaliation.\r\n\r\nPlease help fulfill 99 Cents Only Stores workers' dreams by joining our public kick-off on Wednesday, March 23:\r\n\r\nWho: 99 Cents Only Stores workers, community activists, members of the clergy, and labor activists, including the UFCW and the Teamsters\r\n\r\nWhat: Demonstration to build worker and community awareness for 99 Cents Only Stores organizing campaign\r\n\r\nWhere: 99 Cents Only Store, 2441 Via Campo, Montebello, CA 90640\r\n\r\nWhen: Wednesday, March 23, 2005; 3:00 PM\r\n\r\nRSVP: Barbara Maynard or Dan Braun at (818) 843-3270\r\n\r\nPlease wear your organization's t-shirt and bring a sign if possible. Thank you. \r\n      By 99 Cents Only Store Workers  ","author":"Marcus","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"image\/jpeg","created":"2005-03-25 20:23:04","modified":"2005-08-15 00:06:06","fileurl":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/161.jpg","image":{"original":"\/usr\/local\/www-domains\/la.indymedia.org\/public\/uploads\/2005\/03\/161.jpg"}}],"comments":[{"id":124352,"heading":"More Dirt","article":"Yo!  Montebello is not East Los. :-0  :-)\r\n\r\n99 Cents Only has a shady track record too.  Here's some background.\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/www.eweek.com\/article2\/0,1759,1507028,00.asp\r\n\r\nA typical dollar store does around $1 million in business, but a 99 Cents Only does around $4.8 million.  The goods are cheap, but the revenues are huge.\r\n\r\nThey spend a lot on automation to de-skill jobs.  This is a lot like Wal-Mart and McDonalds.  The goal is to make every worker replaceable, and then to create work conditions where there is no job security.  Wal-Mart, for example, when possible, reduces the work-week, to avoid going over 40 hours a week and paying overtime.  Wal-Mart also has a policy where, if you spend two weeks doing a job with a lesser title, you automatically get a pay cut.  (Also, WM has its eye on the Montebello Golf Course as a site for a new store.)  But that's Wal-Mart, not 99cents.\r\n\r\n99 Cents Only sells 60% new merchandise, not close-outs.  This is more like the mom and pop 99c stores sprouting everywhere.  They get product from China that costs well under a dollar, various odds and ends from local businesses (like the recycled motor oil) and resell it.  These are products made specifically for 99c stores, not just closeouts.\r\n\r\n99 Cents Only has few lawsuits against them for not paying people fairly.  Here's the info from the Security and Exchange Commission.\r\n\r\nhttp:\/\/sec.edgar-online.com\/2004\/11\/15\/0001015402-04-004984\/Section7.asp\r\n\r\n&quot;Melgoza  vs. 99 Cents Only Stores (Los Angeles Superior Court); Ramirez vs.\r\n99  Cents  Only Stores (Los Angeles Superior Court).  On May 7, 2003, Melgoza, a\r\nformer  Store  Manager,  filed  a putative class action on behalf of himself and\r\nothers  similarly  situated.  The  suit  alleges  that  the  Company  improperly\r\nclassified  Store  Managers  in  the  Company's California stores as exempt from\r\novertime  requirements  as  well  as  meal\/rest  periods and other wage and hour\r\nrequirements  imposed  by  California  law.  Each  store typically has one Store\r\nManager  and  two  or three Assistant Store Managers. Pursuant to the California\r\nLabor  Code,  the  suit seeks to recover unpaid overtime compensation, penalties\r\nfor  failure to provide meal and rest periods, waiting time penalties for former\r\nemployees,  interest,  attorney fees, and costs. The suit also charges, pursuant\r\nto  California's  Business  and Professions Code section 17200, that the Company\r\nengaged in unfair business practices by failing to make such payments, and seeks\r\npayment  of all such wages (in the form of restitution) for the four-year period\r\npreceding  the filing of the case through the present. On June 9, 2004, Ramirez,\r\na  former  Assistant  Manager who is represented by the same counsel as Melgoza,\r\nfiled  a  putative  class  action complaint that makes the same allegations with\r\nrespect to current and former Assistant Managers at our stores that are named in\r\nthe  Melgoza  action with respect to our current and former Store Managers.  The\r\nRamirez  complaint  also  added claims for additional penalties on behalf of all\r\npurported  class  members  under  California's  new  Labor Code Private Attorney\r\nGeneral  Act  of  2004.  On October 8, 2004, the Court issued an Order providing\r\ntentative  approval  of  the  settlement  agreement previously executed in these\r\nactions,  and  ordered a December 20, 2004 hearing date on an order of permanent\r\napproval.  The Company provided a reserve of $6.0 million for this matter in the\r\nquarter  ended  March  31,  2004.\r\n\r\n&quot;Galvez  and Zaidi v. 99 Cents Only Stores (Los Angeles Superior Court).  On\r\nAugust  9,  2004,  Galvez  and  Zaidi  filed  a  putative  class  action  making\r\nsubstantially  the  same allegations as were made in the Melgoza complaint, plus\r\nan  additional  claim for unreimbursed mileage.  The Company intends to demur to\r\nthis  new action. This matter has been deemed related to the Melgoza and Ramirez\r\ncases  and  has  been  stayed  pending  the  conclusion  of  those  cases.\r\n\r\n&quot;Ortiz  and  Perese  vs. 99 Cents Only Stores (U.S. District Court, Southern\r\nDistrict  of  Texas).  On  July  23,  2004,  the  plaintiffs  filed  a  putative\r\ncollective action under the federal Fair Labor Standards Act alleging that Store\r\nManagers and Assistant Managers in the Company's Arizona, California, Nevada and\r\nTexas  stores  were  misclassified  as  exempt  employees  under federal law and\r\nseeking  to  recover  allegedly  unpaid  overtime  wages  for  these  employees.&quot;\r\n","author":"Local Resident","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2005-03-28 22:09:31","modified":"2005-03-28 22:09:31","fileurl":""},{"id":124718,"heading":"@","article":"great to see all those people!","author":"@ former 99cent worker","parent_id":124230,"mime_type":"text\/plain","created":"2005-04-07 01:10:28","modified":"2005-04-07 01:10:28","fileurl":""}]}