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Local 1994 recognizes the importance of stable, purposeful jobs which pay fair wages and adequate benefits under safe working conditions. We will engage in legislative and political action and cooperate with other labor organizations, environmental and civic organizations, civil rights groups and like-minded organizations to advance the overall welfare of our neighborhoods, region and state.
UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO is committed to advancing the economic interests of our members their families and the community through the collective bargaining process; adding value to the work experience and building a stronger, more vibrant community. We will pursue policies and objectives to sustain and protect an effective infrastructure of public services–education, recreation, transportation, commerce and public safety–which improve and enrich the quality of life for all.
You are the Union! When we join together, we can accomplish much more for our community, the people we serve, our families, and ourselves.
By uniting for common goals, members can negotiate with management to improve our jobs, make sure we are all treated fairly, and get the resources we need to provide a high quality services.

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Union Members Participating in job-provided health insurance.

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Union Members with paid sick leave

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Union Members Participating in guaranteed (defined benefit) pension plans

Union Members median weekly earnings

MCGEO has protected and increased my salary and prevented draconian cuts to my health and pension benefits at a time when workers are under attack county- and nation-wide. Also, I have a tendency to speak my mind. And I want the protections of the union so I can continue to speak my mind.

United we bargain, divided we beg.

Nell Marshall

Librarian, Montgomery County Public Libraries

Protection is the key reason for having a union (wages, benefits, pension). Survive with Local 1994.

Bernadette Hope

Bus Operator, DPWT

What you need to know about Local 1994…

As a Local 1994 member:

  • You have contract that guarantees pay increases, health coverage, paid time off and other benefits. Your fellow members and your union negotiate the contract with your employer.
  • If problems or questions come up on the job, you have someone to turn to — your union steward — a co-worker who is trained to help you get the answers and support you need.
What does it mean to be a member?
Your contract was negotiated with management by your co-workers and Local 1994 leaders. Every member has a right to make suggestions about what should be in the contract—and to vote on the final agreement.
What do I have to do as a member?
Many things! For instance, to win a good contract, employees have to show management that we are united in support of our negotiating team. Sometimes, we have to get support from other unions, community groups, public officials, consumers, or other organizations to convince management to reach a reasonable agreement.
What does a contract do for me?
The rights and benefits in the contract are guaranteed. Management cannot legally change them without negotiations with our union.

  • Pay levels and pay raises.
  • Health coverage.
  • Job security.
  • Promotions.
  • Paid time off for vacations and holidays.
  • Retirement benefits.
  • Rules about how you must be treated on the job.

History of Local 1994

Moviegoers lined up to see Tom Hanks as Forrest Gump. In South Africa, black voters waited hours in line for the opportunity to cast ballots for the first time. They elected Nelson Mandela as their president. George W. Bush became governor of Texas. Parris Glendening was elected Maryland’s governor. Richard Nixon died. Doug Duncan replaced Neal Potter as Montgomery County Executive. Wayne Curry was elected County Executive in Prince Georges. UFCW Local 1994 MCGEO opened its doors with a small staff and a bundle of legal bills.

“In those first days, it was just Bob Stewart and me, part-time employee Dave Blackwell and a temporary receptionist, the phones constantly ringing and battles raging all around us,” recalls Gino Renne who has served as the Local’s leader since its inception.

Over the next two decades, Local 1994 would grow into an organization with a reputation as an aggressive fighter for the rights of government workers. Today, Local 1994 is staffed with 14 full-time employees and still accumulating a growing list of firsts.

  1. The first union in the state of Maryland to successfully sue the employer to block a privatization plan.
  2. The first to pass a binding arbitration provision as impasse resolution in a public employee collective bargaining law.
  3. The first deferred compensation plan for covered workers.
  4. Continually leading the way in negotiated wages.