UFCW Local 700

UFCW 227 is heartbroken to announce the passing of President Bob Blair on July 8, 2026. President Blair was a leader who was fully committed to the 20,000 UFCW 227 members and workers everywhere.

Bob first joined UFCW 227 in 1977 when he went to work for The Kroger Company. For twenty-six years, Bob served fellow union members as a Chief Steward. He joined the staff of UFCW 227 as a Union Representative in 2003 fighting for our members day to day. In 2013, he became Secretary Treasurer and in 2015 Bob became President of UFCW 227. Bob Blair spent his career improving the lives of fellow union members and their families.

Bob also devoted much time and effort to serving the community and the labor movement through his leadership of the UFCW 227 Foundation, service as a Trustee on Pension and Health & Welfare boards that protected access to good healthcare and retirement benefits for union workers, and through his work as an International Vice President of UFCW International Union, furthering the cause of working people everywhere.

Bob always led the UFCW 227 family with a zealous dedication to members, hard work, friendship, and an unparalleled sense of humor. The staff, members, and labor community mourn this tremendous loss.

Our hearts are with his wife Caitlin, daughter Rhiannon, son Rob, grandchildren and family.

https://www.ufcw227.org/ourvoice/2026/7/8/ufcw-227-mourns-the-passing-of-president-bob-blair

Bob was not only a great Union leader, he was a wonderful, caring person. We extend condolences to all those impacted by this loss, including our brothers, sisters, and sibling at Local 227.

UFCW 227 is heartbroken to announce the passing of President Bob Blair on July 8, 2026. President Blair was a leader who was fully committed to the 20,000 UFCW 227 members and workers everywhere.

Bob first joined UFCW 227 in 1977 when he went to work for The Kroger Company. For twenty-six years, Bob served fellow union members as a Chief Steward. He joined the staff of UFCW 227 as a Union Representative in 2003 fighting for our members day to day. In 2013, he became Secretary Treasurer and in 2015 Bob became President of UFCW 227. Bob Blair spent his career improving the lives of fellow union members and their families.

Bob also devoted much time and effort to serving the community and the labor movement through his leadership of the UFCW 227 Foundation, service as a Trustee on Pension and Health & Welfare boards that protected access to good healthcare and retirement benefits for union workers, and through his work as an International Vice President of UFCW International Union, furthering the cause of working people everywhere.

Bob always led the UFCW 227 family with a zealous dedication to members, hard work, friendship, and an unparalleled sense of humor. The staff, members, and labor community mourn this tremendous loss.

Our hearts are with his wife Caitlin, daughter Rhiannon, son Rob, grandchildren and family.

https://www.ufcw227.org/ourvoice/2026/7/8/ufcw-227-mourns-the-passing-of-president-bob-blair

Happy Independence Day!

This Fourth of July, celebrate with union-made products and support the workers who keep America fed!

Get started on your shopping list at the link below.

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This Juneteenth, we are honored to stand with our Black members, allies, and communities as we celebrate a monumental day of liberation and recommit to building a future rooted in dignity, justice, and equity for ALL!

Thank you to everyone who helped make yesterday's annual golf outing a huge success. Thanks to your support, Local 700 raised over $50,000 to fund our scholarship program and continuous support for the Autism Society of Indiana.

UFCW Local 700 wishes to congratulate Mark Lauritsen on his retirement. Mark has been a pillar of UFCW, leading the packing house division at the International Union.

Mark always strived to improve not only working conditions inside manufacturing facilities, but also the lives of every member outside the workplace. We are all better off thanks to the work Mark has done.

Thank you Mark, we wish you the best on your well earned retirement!

All members are invited to attend our next quarterly meeting in Indianapolis on Tuesday, June 30 at 6 p.m. ET!

Ft. Wayne members -

Join us on Friday, July 24 at Parkview Field for our UFCW Local 700 Member Appreciation Night!

To learn more and find out how to purchase your tickets, click the link below:

Ft. Wayne Member Appreciation Baseball July 24 Join us on Friday, July 24 at Parkview Field in Ft. Wayne for a UFCW Local 700 Member Appreciation Night!Tickets are $5 each and include a buffet dinner and a seat for the game. Members are welcome to bring their families along for a night of fun which includes fireworks and a chance to run