Bryan Palefsky has been in the supermarket industry since 1994. Today, he serves as the Dairy Frozen Food Manager at Scatturo’s and is a proud member of UFCW Local 1500, which he joined in 2014.
Reflecting on his career, Bryan notes significant changes in the grocery industry. “When I started, the landscape was different,” he recalls. “There weren’t many large chains like General, Costco, BJ’s, Walmart, and Amazon. It was mostly regular supermarkets, with a lot of them being Waldbaum’s and Pathmark. Now, those chains are gone, replaced by smaller stores and some large chains like ShopRite and Stop & Shop.”
Bryan has witnessed the advent of self-checkout technology, a development he sees as a double-edged sword. “Self-checkout is something brand new,” he says. “We never had that back in the day. It’s taken away jobs from people.”
Having worked in both union and non-union stores, Bryan is an advocate for union membership. “I’ve been a member of UFCW Local 1500 for over ten years and was previously with Local 3338 for more than eleven years. The difference is stark. Non-union stores are awful. I don’t recommend it to anybody. If you’re part-time and in the union, be grateful. Work in union stores only. In non-union stores, you could work today and not have a job tomorrow.”
Outside of work, Bryan’s interests are simple and heartfelt. “I take care of my cats, spend time with my dad, and we enjoy going to the movies, eating out, and visiting the casino.”
When asked about the most valuable benefit of union membership, Bryan emphasizes healthcare. “The best benefit I use is my medical. It’s the most important thing besides the pension…”
Bryan credits all the union delegates he’s met over the past ten years with inspiring him. “It’s not just one person. All the union delegates I’ve met from Local 1500 have inspired me to do the right thing.”
Reflecting on his journey, Bryan expresses gratitude for his job and the stability it has provided. “When I joined the union, people told me I was lucky to have a job as a young kid and that getting full-time work was impossible. But I’ve been full-time for ten years now, and I’m very grateful for the benefits the union provides.”
His advice to the younger generation is clear: “Don’t take the union for granted. They’ve got your back, no matter what. Always work union, not non-union.” Bryan Palefsky’s story is a testament to the value of union membership and the importance of solidarity in the workplace. As he continues his journey with UFCW Local 1500, he remains committed to the principles that have guided him throughout his career.