Deep Roots Stay Threaded Together

“The most powerful part of negotiations was sharing our experiences as retail workers- and the reality that many of us are living paycheck to paycheck and depend on our commission rates to help pay the rent and supplement our income. Our stories are what thread us together- and what will help us to fight at the table for the improvements we need to stay in the industry we love. Why do you love working in the piercing industry? How would having a higher wage and greater opportunities for commission change your life? Please share with us, and continue to wear your stickers at work!” — Our Union Bargaining Team, Cy Manning and Lexi Otway

On Monday we received our first economic proposal from Deep Roots which included a wage scale and the current practices around commission, Co-Lead pay, tips, and gratuity.

They also proposed new Holidays where employees would receive time and one half for working and paid days off on Christmas and Thanksgiving. Other big discussion topics of the day included industry standards, workplace safety, commuter stipends, and employee discounts.

We have waited a long time to have these important discussions around pay, time off, and benefits. Our team spent most of the day evaluating their proposals and thinking through strategies to reach an agreement that addresses our priorities. We return to the bargaining table on February 13 and 23.

Please reach out to our Union Rep Dominick Ojeda at 206-436-6586, if you have questions or need support.