by Anya Firszt, General Manager
Hello February
In addition to celebrating a few special dates this month, we are busy managing our routine and not-so-routine business affairs and adapting as needed!
Two years ago next month, the pandemic outbreak changed how we did (almost) everything. We continue to operate under many of the protocols that were put in place then to keep our staff and customers safe (masking, social distancing), and it doesn’t seem much is going to change on that front anytime soon.
Staffing
Staffing remains our number one challenge in terms of routine operations. Between staff turnover at an all time high and staff calling in because of COVID-19 related issues—it’s been rough on us and you.
We are working hard to not only keep all departments open, but also to be consistent in our service hours. Staffing shortages lead to unexpected changes that no doubt have an impact on you; it must be terribly frustrating to make the trek to one of the stores and not find the service or product you came for.
So, to better inform you of current department and store status, we have added a new resource to our website. The “When are service departments open?” page (at www.willystreet.coop/when-open) has the current hours of our Meat counter, Seafood counter, Deli counter, Deli sandwich station, hot bar, salad bar, and Juice & Coffee Bar, as well as our overall store hours. The webpage will be updated as needed. You are also invited to call Customer Service and ask for an update in current services: 608-251-6776 for Willy East; 608-284-7800 for Willy West; and 608-271-4422 for Willy North.
Product Sourcing
A couple of national trends you may be all too familiar with that are affecting everyone is product availability and price increases. Product sourcing has been another challenge, our vendors and distributors are also being stressed by staffing shortages that have resulted in an increase in out of stocks and, in some cases, missed/skipped deliveries. And, the cost of goods is on the rise. We are working to manage cost increases as they happen, and look forward to when this levels off.
To get a more complete picture of the impacts the pandemic continues to have on our Co-op, our staff, and you, read the article “The Co-op in the Omicron Phase of the Pandemic” by Kirsten Moore, Cooperative Services Director, included in this issue of the Reader on page 16.
We appreciate your patience and apologize for the inconvenience!
Union TA and Contract Negotiations Update
Early last month, we negotiated another temporary agreement (TA) with the United Electrical, Radio and Machines Workers of America (UE) with regard to COVID-19. This TA continues to promote and support vaccine efforts; upholding workplace safety best practices; and an acceptance of personal responsibility throughout the workforce both on and off the clock. Additionally, we will continue to extend 10-minute rest breaks to 15 minutes, and also offer some new provisions for time off (paid and unpaid) for staff related to COVID-19 vaccinations, boosters, and positive test cases.
This month we will begin bargaining our second contract with the UE. Our first two-year contract with the UE was ratified in March 2020. Stay tuned for updates as we move through this important work.
Annual Meeting & Party (AMP)
The Board of Directors, after much contemplation and evaluation with members of the management team, has decided that our Annual Meeting will move from being held in July in conjunction with La Fete de Marquette to early October. The annual Board election will also shift to October instead of July. Look for more specific information on why this change was made and what you can expect as a result of the change in the Board President's report on this page.
We are still planning to have a presence at La Fete this year to celebrate Owners and community; stay tuned for festival updates in the coming months.
Fond Farewell
Kirsten Moore, Cooperative Services Director, has resigned her post at the Co-op to embark on a new chapter of her life. In her eight and a half years at the Co-op, Kirsten has made countless contributions to shape and influence our Owner and customer services and programs, to provide clear and timely reporting, develop and enhance cooperative outreach, and to onboarding new hires. We are a better organization because of her many talents and expertise.
Thank you, Kirsten, wishing you much luck in your future endeavors.
In closing, whatever you choose to celebrate this month, do so with heart and soul. In the meantime, stay safe, stay healthy.