Today was a half day of negotiations- and we moved forward important discussions on our priorities: a competitive wage scale, improved commission structure, PTO, and a safe work environment.

Over the last couple of weeks, we have spoken with other workers at studios in our area and have been diligently comparing wages, commission, and employee discounts. Our team made new proposals on wages that included recognition of our experience at Deep Roots and within the Retail Piercing Industry at large.

Regarding Paid and unpaid time off work, our proposals lead with compassion and the recognition that life happens and there are times we need to step away from work for our own mental health. We are re-focusing our energy on increasing overall PTO that may be utilized for bereavement, holidays the studios are closed, and for personal days off.

Our Bargaining Team returns to the bargaining table on February 23. Please keep wearing the Threaded Together stickers in solidarity and reach out to the bargaining team or Union Rep Dominic Ojeda, 206-436-6586, if you have questions or would like to get more involved.

“Unionizing through UFCW 3000 has given us hope for a better future. The impact of our unionization will not stop within Deep Roots studios. We hope that through unionizing, we can create a ripple of change within the industry as a whole and make workers at other studios consider how they are being treated. If there are others who feel as we do–that they are overlooked, disrespected, considered replaceable, and underpaid–we encourage them to contact a local Union. We are all stronger when threaded together.” – Our Union Bargaining Team, Jude Manning and Lexi Otway