Correcting the Record: Decades after Organizing Her Own Unit, Leslie Ball Is Still Fighting for Her Coworkers

Correcting the Record: Decades after Organizing Her Own Unit, Leslie Ball Is Still Fighting for Her Coworkers

Correcting the Record: Decades after Organizing Her Own Unit, Leslie Ball Is Still Fighting for Her Coworkers

Leslie Ball, a certified surgical technologist at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and a longtime UFCW 3000 Union Steward, has spent decades standing up for herself and her coworkers.

Her fight for better working conditions began in the late 1990s, when she received a 30-cent wage increase, which ended up only being a five-cent raise after her employer reduced her shift differential by a quarter. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the value surgical techs bring to the table, she knew a nickel wasn’t going to cut it. So she and a coworker, Gail Miller, started organizing their colleagues at St. Joe's despite warnings that previous organizing efforts had failed.

Within a year, they helped Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and other departments form the hospital’s first Technical Unit, which ratified its first contract in 1999.

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St. Michael Medical Center - Turn Up the Pressure; Don’t Lose That Momentum

Our Union Bargaining Team: Robel Haile (Clinical Pharmacist), Bryson Andrews (ED Tech), Olivia Almeida (Respiratory Therapist), Merry Brandt-MacFann (CT Technologist), Lara Williams-Graham (Certified Surgical Technologist), Angela Roberson (EP Technologist), Rob Shauger (CNA)

We’ve already voted down the Hospital’s latest offer and authorized our Bargaining Team to call for a strike! Our Bargaining Team is scheduled to resume negotiations with management on October 8. Help them support patient safety and improved staffing for the community and encourage everyone in your dept to sign the pledge to take action.

Wear Your Blue and Yellow on Thursday and don't forget to wear your stickers!

Filled out your strike pledge card! >>

Update: St. Joseph Medical Center Techs are not far behind us and are also holding a contract and strike authorization vote on October 5. Those caregivers know that the Employer’s weak proposals are just not good enough. Stay tuned for next steps.

For more information or to get involved as a contract action team member in your department, please reach out to a member of the Bargaining Team or Union Rep Ryan Degouveia, 360-662-1981.

North Seattle Food Connection - Bargaining Update

Today was a productive bargain! We were able to receive all of the Employer's economic and non-economic counter proposals and came to a lot of tentative agreements on non-economics. Some of the economic counter proposals were frustrating, but we are going to come back strong with a proposal of our own in October.

Stay tuned for some upcoming actions around the bargaining, including recurring Wednesday shirt days. We have another action plan we're excited to tell you about at our next Contract Action Team (CAT) meeting on 10/8 at Hellbent Brewery after work.

—Ash Wurtz

Whidbey Health Pro Tech/LPN - Contract Ratified!

We are happy to announce that on Monday, September 28 our new contract was overwhelmingly ratified by Union Members!

Highlights of the contract include:

  • Wage Increases

  • Increased Shift Differential

  • More PTO Cashout Opportunities

  • Additional Certifications eligible for Certification Pay

For additional information contact Union Rep Marilyn Faber (360) 419-4678 or a Bargaining Team Member.

Bargaining Team: Cassie Anderson, Jennifer MacNeill, Caitlyn Korkoskie.

North Valley Hospital - Bargaining Update #3

We had robust and productive conversations around the Employer's counterproposals and the Union's proposals. We were able to make several additional tentative agreements and continue making progress at the table.

We are continuing to work through our economic proposal. The conversations we engaged in have been helpful, and we will use what we learned to develop our counterproposals for our next session.

"Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to achieve uncommon results."

— Andrew Carnegie

What's Next

Come Have Lunch with a Bargaining Team Member

Join us to connect with a member of the Bargaining Team, ask questions and hear the latest updates:

  • Thursday, October 1, 12-2pm in the Recovery Room (First floor down the hall from Radiology) - with Megan

  • Wednesday, October 7, between 1pm - 3pm in the EC Breakroom - with Tonya

  • Friday, October 9, at 1-2:30pm in the Inservice Room - with Michelle

Times may change due to patient care needs

Bargaining Session #4

October 13

It's Not Too Late to Join Your Union! Join UFCW 3000 >>

Bargaining Team: Megan Vickers, Wound Care RN; Michelle Beattie, Radiology Technologist; Tonya Smith, ER MA-C/HUS.

Questions or Concerns? If you have questions or concerns about the contract or bargaining process, please reach out to a member of the Bargaining Team or our Union Rep, Becky Latzel, (866) 210-3000.

Kaiser Pro Tech/Optical and Pharmacy - Bargaining Update

Kaiser Permanente previously communicated the implementation dates and corresponding paycheck date for the ATB increases and Wage Scale Adjustments negotiated as part of the March 2026 Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). Those dates were March 15, 2026 for the Southern California, Hawaii, Northwest, Colorado, and Georgia markets, and March 22, 2026 for the Northern California, Mid-Atlantic, and Washington markets.

Upon further review, Kaiser will apply an effective date of March 9, 2026 for all ATB increases and Wage Scale Adjustments.

Because the previously communicated and implemented effective dates were March 15, 2026 or March 22, 2026, depending on the market, affected workers will receive retroactive pay covering the period from March 9, 2026 through the previously implemented effective date applicable to their market.

Workers in Washington will receive their retro pay on the November 20, 2026 paycheck.

For additional information contact Contract Specialist JJ Benson (425) 306-1357 or Union Rep Zach Gayner (360) 409-0598.

Jefferson County Bargaining Kick-Off Meeting!

Jefferson County Bargaining Kick-Off Meeting!

Jefferson County Bargaining Kick-Off Meeting!

We’re getting ready to head to the bargaining table, and we want to hear from you!

Join our Union Bargaining Team for a Bargaining Kick-Off Meeting to talk about the upcoming negotiations, review bargaining priorities, discuss the bargaining process, and answer questions.

This is your opportunity to get involved, share what matters most to you, and help shape our priorities as we prepare for bargaining.

Bargaining Kick-Off Meeting:
Thursday, October 1 from 6pm to 7pm online via Zoom >>

Meeting ID: 821 3753 7914 Passcode: 251390

Get Involved!

Strong contracts are built when members stay informed and involved. Join us as we kick off bargaining and make sure Jefferson County members’ voices are heard at the table.

We look forward to seeing you and hearing from you!

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Pacific NorthWest Allied Grocery Stores October Contract Action Team Meetings

Monday, October 19

Monday, October 19, 2026 at 2pm
Muchas Gracias: 801 W Davis St Cle Elum, WA 98922
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Carter Salera at 360-409-0586

Tuesday, October 20

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4:30pm
Alfys Monroe: 19121 US-2, Monroe, WA 98272
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kyle Doherty at 360-419-4677

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 9am
Ferndale Library: 2125 Main St, Ferndale, WA 98248
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Alyssa Conn at 360-419-4681

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4pm
Central Library: 210 Central Ave, Bellingham, WA 98225
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Alyssa Conn at 360-419-4681

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4pm
Round Table Pizza: 15730 1st Ave S, Burien, WA 98418
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Naomi Oligario at 360-436-6608

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10am
Woods Coffee: 625 116th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Anthony Earl at 360-409-0622

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4pm
Covington IHOP; 27149 185th Avenue Southeast, Covington
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Christie Harris at 206-436-6523

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4pm
Zaucer Pizza: 14712 NE 91st St, Suite 400, Redmond WA
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Libby Rindal at 206-436-6563

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 12pm
The Coffee Oasis: 822 Burwell St, Bremerton, WA 98337
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Quinn Rao at 360-409-0585

Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 4:30pm
D&M Coffee: 204 S Water ST Ellensburg, WA 98926
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Carter Salera at 360-409-0586

Wednesday, October 21

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 AT 4:30PM
UFCW 3000 Wenatchee Office: 330 S King st, Wenatchee WA 98801
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Carter Salera at 360-409-0586

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 5pm
Issaquah Coffee Company: 317 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Anthony Earl at 360-409-0622

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 9am
Alexas cafe and catering: 10115 Main St. Bothell WA 98011
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kyle Doherty at 360-419-4677

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6pm
Sorelli Pizza: 22402 44th Ave W. Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kyle Doherty at 360-419-4677

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 3pm
Shoreline Public Library: 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Jeff Dunn at 206-436-6540

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 11am
Hap’s Burgers & Taps: 2411 76th Ave SE, Mercer Island, WA 98040
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Maggie Breshears at 206-436-6621

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 9am
Alexas cafe and catering: 10115 Main St. Bothell WA 98011
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Talisa Boad at 206-436-6510

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6pm
Sorelli Pizza: 22402 44th Ave W. Mountlake Terrace WA 98043
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Talisa Boad at 206-436-6510

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 4pm
Issaquah IHOP; 1433 NW Sammamish Rd Issaquah, WA 98027
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Christie Harris at 206-436-6523

Wednesday, October 28, 2026 at 10am
Silverdale office: 2430 NE Myhre Rd, Silverdale WA 98383
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Cynthia Hill at 360-662-1986

Thursday, October 22

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5pm
Shoreline Public Library: 345 NE 175th St, Shoreline, WA 98155
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Jeff Dunn at 206-436-6540

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am
UFCW 3000 Mt. Vernon office: 1510 N 18th St, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Richard Waits at 360-409-0304

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 3pm
Alfys Marysville: 9330 State Ave, Marysville, WA 98270
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Richard Waits at 360-409-0304

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am
Cafe Vita Capitol Hill: 1005 E Pike St, Seattle, WA 98122
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Keenan Calhoun at 360-409-0578

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5pm
Capitol Hill Library: 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Keenan Calhoun at 360-409-0578

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 12pm
Snap Dragon Bakery: 4500 California Ave SW, Seattle, 98116
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Naomi Oligario at 360-436-6608

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 4pm
MOD Pizza: 2800 SW Barton St, Seattle, WA 98126
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Naomi Oligario at 360-436-6608

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9am
Chocolati: 8319 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98103
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Maggie Breshears at 206-436-6621

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 6pm
Razzi’s Pizza: 8523 Greenwood Ave. N, Seattle WA
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Maggie Breshears at 206-436-6621

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am Online via Zoom >>
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Christie Harris at 206-436-6523

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am
203 Fahrenheit Coffee Co: 11901 NE Village Plaza, Suite 171, Kirkland WA
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Libby Rindal at 206-436-6563

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 4pm
Seabeck Pizza: 174 SE Sedgwick Rd, Port Orchard, WA 98366
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Quinn Rao at 360-409-0585

Thursday, October 29, 2026 at 12pm
Westside Pizza: 540 W Washington St, Sequim WA 98382
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Cynthia Hill at 360-662-1986

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 10am
Starbucks: 3820 Rainier Ave S., Seattle WA 98118
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Emjay Johnson at 206-436-6572

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 1pm
Renton Library: 100 Mill Ave S., Renton WA 98057
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Emjay Johnson at 206-436-6572

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 3pm
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Mark Hansen at 509-340-7406

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5:30pm
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Mark Hansen at 509-340-7406

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 9am
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kim Bristlin at 509-340-7413

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 3pm
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kim Bristlin at 509-340-7413

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5:30pm
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Kim Bristlin at 509-340-7413

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11am
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Morgan McKitrick at 360-409-0614

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 3pm
UFCW 3000 Spokane Office: 3021 E. Grace Ave. Spokane, WA 99207
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Morgan McKitrick at 360-409-0614

Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at 6pm
UFCW 3000 Yakima Office: 507 S 3rd St Yakima Wa 98901
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Pete Nunez at 360-409-0545

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5pm
UFCW 3000 Richland Office: 2505 Duportail St, Richland Wa 99352
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Pete Nunez at 360-409-0545

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 11am
UFCW 3000 Richland Office: 2505 Duportail St, Richland WA 99352
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Rob Roundy at 360-409-0594

Thursday, October 22, 2026 at 5pm
UFCW 3000 Richland Office: 2505 Duportail St, Richland WA 99352
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Rob Roundy at 360-409-0594

Friday, October 23

Friday, October 23, 2026 at 5pm
Seattle Public Library Northeast Branch: 6801 35th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98115
If you have questions, contact your Union Rep Jeff Dunn at 206-436-6540

Confluence Health - Bargaining Update

“I have heard questions around how the contract may affect people’s work schedules and pay, as well as curiosity around whether our proposals are addressing the distinct needs of different departments.

We have worked together as a team to try to understand the concerns of the represented departments, including where our different disciplines have had inequities. In areas of the contract where we can bring everyone the same benefits, we have proposed the same across the bargaining unit. For pay, we looked at comparable markets to propose equitable market adjustments. We also proposed language that protects current practices for schedules and seeks to meet each department’s needs.”

— Trisha Self, Physical Therapist

Our team has proposed the final article of the contract that focused on wages and benefits. As a team, we looked at competitive markets to understand fair pay in order to propose the wages we asked for. The Employer now has all the elements of the contract to go over and come back to us regarding our proposals. We are eagerly awaiting to hear back from the Employer at our future dates.

With all our proposals on the table, it is up to us as a unit to win these protections. On Wednesday, August 26, our Bargaining Team hosted our first CAT meeting! This was a key opportunity for us to hear from the Bargaining Team about their experience and build our understanding of the process. We walked away knowing about the tactics at the table both our Union and the company are using, and what we need to do moving forward before our next session.

For more detail on the CAT team and to hear about future meetings, join our Mobilize team.

“The Contract Action Team demonstrates the hard work that goes into building and maintaining our Union. Involvement in our CAT team shows our solidarity and strength as a group!”

— Travis Cluckey, Medical Laboratory Scientist

What’s Next

Come Enjoy Your Lunch with Your Bargaining Team

Join your Bargaining Team during your lunch and engage in conversation about the bargaining process. Meetings will be in the cafeteria at the following times:

  • Tuesday the 29: 12pm–12:30pm — Jessica and Trisha

  • Wednesday the 30: 2pm–2:30pm — Theresa

Note: Depending on patient care needs, availability may change.

Bargaining Session 5

October 22, 2026
Update to follow.

Bargaining Team: Clari Ramos, Nutrition Therapy; Theresa Randolph, Medical Lab Scientist; Jessica Schell, Social Worker; Trevor Schultz, Pharmacist; Trisha Self, Physical Therapist.

Questions or Concerns: Please reach out to a Bargaining Team member or your Union Rep, Becky Latzel, at (866) 210-3000.

CommonSpirit St. Joseph Medical Center Technical Strike Authorization Vote Scheduled

CommonSpirit St. Joseph Medical Center Technical  Strike Authorization Vote Scheduled

After ten sessions across six months of negotiations, our union Bargaining Team reached the difficult but necessary decision to call for a strike authorization vote. 

We’ve come to management with contract language addressing our positions being overstaffed by agency & traveler employees. Management have come to us rejecting this proposal. 

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North Valley Hospital - Bargaining Update Session 2

We're making progress at the bargaining table! We have now received the Employer's Non-Economic and Economic proposals. We believe the Employer heard the concerns and priorities we brought forward, and we are encouraged by the movement we've seen so far.

At the same time, we have a lot of work to do before our next bargaining session. We have several tentative agreements on the table, and we're ready to keep building on that progress and securing more for our members.

  • Wins at the Table

  • Secured an Increase to Part-Time Worker Benefits

  • Increased Preceptor Differentials

  • Changes for Holiday Week Absences

  • Added Additional Bulletin Boards

These agreements are the result of members standing together and making their voices heard. Every proposal, every conversation, and every tentative agreement moves us forward.

We’re heading into our next session focused, united, and ready to keep fighting for the improvements our members deserve.

Stay engaged. Stay informed. Stay united. Together, we keep moving forward!

What's Next

Contract Action Team Bargaining Update Meeting

  • Fri, Sept 25

  • 11am–1pm

  • Board Room

Our 3rd Bargaining Session

  • Mon, Sept 28

It's not too late to join your Union! Join UFCW 3000 >>

Bargaining Team: Megan Vickers, Wound Care RN; Michelle Beattie, Radiology Technologist; Tonya Smith, ER MA-C/HUS.

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions or concerns about the contract or bargaining process, please reach out to a member of the Bargaining Team or our Union Rep, Becky Latzel, (866) 210-3000.

Kaiser Permanente Audiology Assistants And Pathologist Assistants Tentative Agreement Reached

Kaiser Permanente Audiology Assistants And Pathologist Assistants Tentative Agreement Reached

Our Union Bargaining Team has been working for several months on an agreement to transition Audiology Assistants and Pathologist Assistants into the existing UFCW 3000 Kaiser Permanente Pro Tech Optical Contract and we have reached a tentative agreement. The Bargaining Team fully recommends this agreement.

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FEEST - Big Progress on 9/22

Bargaining Team: Erandy Flores; Devan Rogers; Noah Collier; David Trujillo; Robert Goldsmith, Negotiator.

“I’m glad we were ready to work through discomfort so we could come to a better understanding of what our members are asking for. We are setting a precedent, and I hope more non-profit workers continue to unionize.”

— Erandy Flores, Programming

“I wasn’t sure what to expect for our fifth day, but a lot of progress was made. This will improve FEEST as a whole.”

— Noah Collier, Programming

“I’m excited that soon we’ll have a finished and fair contract; please continue to wear your stickers, buttons, and bandanas!”

— Devan Rogers, Operations

On Tuesday, September 22, our Union bargaining committee and FEEST management met again to continue negotiating your first Collective Bargaining Agreement. We made major progress and reached agreements on the following articles: Recognition of our Union; Union Security; Management’s Rights; Separability; Seniority; Job Duties; Equity in Governance and LMC; Professional Development; Reasonable Accommodations; Health Care; and Wage Scale. These agreements are essential to protect us from unilateral changes to working conditions and create a transparent work environment with explicit protections, rights, and wages listed in our contract.

Next week, we hope to get to a deal and bring these protections into full effect! However, the organizing doesn’t stop there—when new members come in, educate them about their Union! And continue to organize around workplace issues so we can continue to improve our working conditions. Our next bargaining date is September 29, 2026. Stay tuned for more workplace actions to get this contract across the finish line.

Please reach out to a Bargaining Team member if you have questions or reach out to your Union Rep—David Trujillo, (206) 436-6606.

UFCW 3000 Applauds Seattle for Passing Strongest Grocery Surveillance Pricing Ban in the Country

UFCW 3000 Applauds Seattle for Passing Strongest Grocery Surveillance Pricing Ban in the Country

SEATTLE – Today the Seattle City Council passed Mayor Katie Wilson’s Fair Pricing and Transparency ordinance with no corporate amendments that open the door to algorithmic pricing or weaken enforcement, making Seattle home to the strongest ban on surveillance pricing in the country.

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LabCorp We are ready to push for what we need

LabCorp We are ready to push for what we need

The employer joined us for two bargaining sessions on September 17 and 18. They have hired a new legal counsel who seemingly is trying to set a different, more collaborative tone with our union. We reached Tentative Agreements on several topics, including an Artificial Intelligence Memorandum of Understanding and an Inclusion Memorandum of Understanding to help protect some of our members who are part of marginalized communities.

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St Joe's Tech. Workers Virtual CAT Meeting!

St Joe's Tech. Workers Virtual CAT Meeting!

Join your Bargaining Team and coworkers for an update on the current bargaining campaigns on Tuesday, Sept 22, 5:30-6:30pm. We will give updates on the St. Michael and St. Joseph bargaining and how we can build power together. Please show your support for your bargaining teams by wearing your union swag with pride every day, but especially today, September 18, for our next bargaining session.

Any questions can be addressed to Charlie King at 360-409-0606 or a Bargaining Team Member. 

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St Anne's Tech. Workers - Join Your Bargaining Team and Coworkers for an Update!

Join your Bargaining Team and coworkers for an update on the current bargaining campaigns on Wednesday, Sept 23, 7:00-8:00pm. We will be updating you on the St Anne's bargaining campaign, St. Michael strike authorization vote, and St. Joseph bargaining. Please show your support for your Bargaining Teams by wearing our union swag with pride every day, but especially for the next bargaining session on October 15. Any questions can be addressed to Bruce Le at 206.436.6614 or a Bargaining Team member.

CAT Meeting

Wednesday, September 23

7:00-8:00pm

Join Zoom Meeting >>

Meeting ID: 869 4252 9980

Passcode: 357980