Washington State UFCW and Teamster Local Unions reach understanding with Fred Meyer/QFC to better support and protect Grocery Store Workers and Community

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Yesterday, UFCW 21, 367, 1439 and Teamsters 38 reached an understanding with Fred Meyer/QFC to better support and protect grocery store workers and shoppers in this time of need due to the Coronavirus.

This resolution includes:

  • More flexibility for schedules to accommodate childcare.

  • Joint hiring hall to allow for more workers to get work in the stores.

  • Up to two-weeks of pay for workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or workers required to self-quarantine, before needing to access sick leave and other contractual paid leave.

  • Agreed to jointly work with State and Federal government to treat Grocery Store Workers as first responders and set up a childcare fund for Grocery Store Workers.

  • Expanded use of paid sick leave to cover childcare needs.

  • Ensure workers do not lose eligibility for medical coverage or lose vacation accrual while out on sick leave.

  • Temporarily allow the employer to bring in extra outside help to make sure we are able to serve our communities during this crisis—provided bargaining unit employees are offered hours first, including overtime.

  • As always, any work done in the meat cutter classification will only be performed by individuals qualified and licensed (where necessary) to perform such work.

In addition to the terms of this understanding, Kroger has expanded its Helping Hands benefit to include hardships caused to employees by the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you have questions, please contact your Rep
You can follow important union updates and find information and resources at www.ufcw21.org/safety-at-work and on the UFCW 21 App.