As we move into the holiday season, I want to take a moment to express my sincere gratitude to each member of UFCW Local 1000. Every day, your work helps strengthen our communities across Oklahoma and Texas, and your dedication does not go unnoticed.

Whether you are serving customers in grocery stores, processing life-saving blood products at the American Red Cross, advancing public policy research and advocacy at The Oklahoma Policy Institute, providing barber services to our military personnel at Fort Sill, supporting service members and their families through Postal and Commissary operations at Sheppard Air Force Base, or serving students and guests through Sodexo food service operations at Texas Christian University, your work makes a meaningful difference.

The holiday season is often a time when many people are able to gather with family and friends, but we know that for many of our members, this is also one of the busiest times of the year. While others celebrate, Local 1000 members continue serving customers, supporting communities, maintaining critical services, and keeping workplaces running. Your professionalism and commitment are a source of pride for our union.

Just as our members continue working through the holidays, your union continues working for you.

At Texas Christian University, the collective bargaining agreement covering our Sodexo members expired on October 31, 2026. Due to staffing challenges and limited availability involving the employer's bargaining representative, the existing agreement has been extended while negotiations continue. Securing a new CBA is our top priority and we hope to bring you news soon of a tentative agreement for you to vote on.

At The Oklahoma Policy Institute, the union bargaining committee and the employer have begun negotiations in advance of the current collective bargaining agreement's December 31, 2026 expiration. We appreciate the committee members who have stepped forward to represent their coworkers, and we look forward to productive discussions in the weeks ahead.

Looking ahead to 2027, members at Anthony's Foods and the Sheppard Air Force Base Commissary should be watching for bargaining surveys and other communications from Local 1000. Your collective bargaining agreements are scheduled to expire on February 1 and March 1, respectively, and your feedback will help shape the priorities and proposals that guide negotiations. Member participation is essential to securing the strongest possible contracts.

This is a season that reminds us to appreciate the people around us, reflect on our shared accomplishments, and look ahead to the opportunities before us. On behalf of the Executive Board and staff of UFCW Local 1000, thank you for your hard work, your solidarity, and your commitment to one another.

In solidarity,

Ricky Burris

UFCW Local 1000 President