UFCW Rejects PA Gov. Corbett’s PLCB Privatization Proposal

HARRISBURG, Pa., Feb. 5, 2013 /mbb/ — Wendell W. Young IV, President, UFCW Local 1776 urged lawmakers to reject Gov. Corbett’s cynical political ploy pitting the needs of school children against 5,000 family-sustaining jobs and, instead, instead support common-sense proposals to modernize the PLCB.

"The speech doesn’t change a thing. This governor wants to put 5,000 PLCB employees – including 3,500 of our members – out of work. He wants to shut down 1,100 family owned distributors and jeopardize the 11,000 Pennsylvanians these businesses employ, all so he can boost his horrible poll numbers," Young said.

Young said that UFCW’s members would also work with lawmakers to reject the governor’s so-called pension ‘solution’ does not address the debt challenge and punishes hard-working Pennsylvanians.

"Our members as well as teachers and nurses across the state have kept their promise and paid their fair share every single paycheck. Now, rather than step up and lead, the governor wants to break the promise and renege on the bargain that our members have honored," Young said. "It’s disgraceful."

Looking ahead, UFCW will continue to support modernization proposals, including expanded Sunday hours, adding more stores, allowing for the direct shipment of wine to consumers’ homes, and greater flexibility for in procurement and personnel.

"These proposals have bipartisan support in both the House and the Senate and with good reason," Young said. "The bottom line is to improve customer convenience and generate more revenue."

Young noted that the PLCB generates almost $600 million annually for the Commonwealth in taxes and profits. The various modernization proposals would generate at least $75 million more annually for the state. Young reiterated his request to debate the governor in a series of town halls to be convened around the state.

"Once Pennsylvanians understand what the privateers will do to this state we’re confident that lawmakers will reject the governor’s cynical ploy of pitting 5,000 Pennsylvanians against the needs of our school children" Young said. "We welcome an open and honest debate."

For more information visit http://www.ufcwpawineandspiritscouncil.com

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Update 7 Feb 2013:

HARRISBURG, Feb. 7, 2013 /mbb// — Despite a recent all-out, statewide media blitz designed to bolster horrible poll numbers at the expense of 5,000 Pennsylvania working families, a new statewide poll shows that Pennsylvania’s Wine & Spirits shops are far more popular among voters than Gov. Corbett.

"It’s obvious, as Pennsylvanians learn more about privatization, the less they like it. And the more voters get to know Tom Corbett , the less they like him," said Wendell W. Young, IV , President of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776. "Gov. Corbett wants to put 5,000 Wine and Spirits employees out of work. He wants to shut down 1,100 beer distributors and jeopardize the 11,000 jobs they provide so big box stores can cash in. It makes no sense and, again, voters get it."

According to the Franklin & Marshall poll, privatization of the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board earned "moderate support" with only 53 percent of those surveyed rating it favorable. The poll shows that, "Governor Corbett’s job approval ratings are the lowest of his tenure with only one in four (26%) registered voters believing he is doing an "excellent" or "good" job," according to F&M.

This poll reflects a steady loss of support for reckless privatization schemes that have been introduced in recent years. A review of surveys taken by Quinnipiac, Muhlenberg and F&M show a steep drop in support among voters. In addition, a survey conducted by Nielsen Ratings shows strong PLCB customer satisfaction.

"Despite the governor’s spin and the blind support of every newspaper in the state, the Pennsylvanians who actually shop in the wine and spirits shops are overwhelming happy with the selection, convenience and prices they pay," Young said. "The numbers are in the 70 percent range. Tom Corbett, on the other hand, can’t get to within shouting distance of 50 percent."

Young said that the UFCW will continue working to modernize the PLCB to deliver greater convenience to customers and more revenue to taxpayers. These proposals include increased Sunday hours; direct shipment of wine to homes; greater flexibility in pricing and procurement practices and more stores.

"The PLCB provides 5,000 jobs and nearly $600 million a year in taxes and profits to the state treasury. To throw all that away and to kill 1,100 locally-owned businesses is just a bad idea," Young said. "It’s time to pass modernization legislation and get on to the serious challenges our state confronts – such as adequate funding for public schools and creating jobs."

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