Whether it’s working through the night to prepare fresh food for the morning, restocking store shelves, or taking care of our loved ones in the hospital, the hard-working men and women of the UFCW who work the third shift provide an incredible value that too often goes unnoticed or taken for granted.
That’s why every second Wednesday in May, we celebrate Third Shift Day. Last year, UFCW Local union staff went out to surprise some of our third shift members with donuts, coffee, or other tokens of appreciation.
So what is it that drives someone to go to work while the rest of us are asleep? A survey of part-time night shift workers showed that:
- 42% said it ‘allows time for school’
- 22.5% liked the ‘nature of the job’
- 9% said ‘better arrangements for family or childcare’
- An additional 11.5% of night-workers surveyed say that it’s just their preference
One of those hard-working night owls focused on going to school is Kathy of UFCW Local 1428 in southern California, who worked nights so she could get her masters degree in Anthropology. Way to go, Kathy! Her coworker Sharon also reminds us that contrary to what some people might think, many dedicated employees build their careers working nights – she’s spent the past 35 years as a third shifter! The stability of third shift work allowed her to balance work and family responsibilities.
Are you a Third Shifter? Let us know why you do it by emailing us at submissions@www.ufcw.org or send us a message on Facebook.