David Kaminski has been a Union member for 17 years and began his Union experience as a member of the International Machinist & Aerospace Workers. In 2008, David went to work in a UFCW-represented shop in Pennsylvania – Restaurant Depot – where he quickly became involved in the Union as a Shop Steward; over the years, he represented his Union Brothers & Sisters
(co-workers) in grievances and day-to-day enforcement of their CBA. David also routinely participated as a bargaining committee member in the negotiations of his Union Contracts. It was during those negotiating sessions that David proved himself to be an asset to the bargaining process and stood out as a lead voice in the workplace, helping redefine Local 2013 on a larger scale than just in his one location.
Recognizing the value of his participation and commitment to the Local, in 2017 Brother Kaminski was hired as a UFCW Local 2013 Union Staff Representative. After some extensive training, he began working as a Traveling Representative for Local 2013, covering approximately 30 shops across as many as 6 different UFCW Regions and over 950 members assigned to him across these locations David conducted site visits, interacted with members, handled dispute resolution and grievances, signed up members, enforced contracts, and participated in bargaining the terms and conditions of the various contracts assigned to him.
As a result of those efforts, the experience he gained, and the hard work traveling weekly, Staff Representative Kaminski was promoted to the position of Field Director in late 2021. In this role, he has continued to assist in redefining the roles and responsibilities of the Union’s Field Staff Representatives where he identifies and provides ongoing training to help them continue to grow the unique skill sets required that promotes best practices in ALL areas of the Duty of Fair Representation.
In 2022, President Carotenuto appointed Director Kaminski to an unexpired term in the role of Staff Vice President, where he continues to support the goals and vision of the President and the entire Executive Board to push for member engagement and participation. Kaminski’s feeling is that – “talking about change and growth in your contract is great, but you need to be involved… as members we are ALL the Union – that’s where our strength comes from – Union participation. Every workplace needs a good Shop Steward that promotes SOLIDARITY among all members in their shop”.
Brother Kaminski encourages EVERY member to consider stepping up as a Shop Steward at some point and to participate every day. Talk with your Union Rep if you’re interested in becoming a Shop Steward at your jobsite.