Grocery East Progress on Wages but Still a Long Way to Go— Take Action to Fight for More!
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Last week, our member bargaining team told stories of trying to survive on our wages. Fred Meyer and Safeway/Albertsons force us to decide between paying for groceries over utility bills, paying for our kids’ medical needs before our own, and filling our gas tank to get to work over making a needed repair.
The Employers didn’t respond to our stories with words, but they did respond through their proposal: They came back to the table, proposing the first dollar raise for Journey that we have seen in this round of bargaining. The Employers current proposal on Journey wages stands at $1/$0.50/$0.50. We deserve more!
We are standing united and fighting to win:
Journey wage increases of multiple dollars over the life of the contract that gain ground on the West side.
Raises of multiple dollars for Journey Meat Cutters over the life of the contract, a proposed dollar premium for Head Meat Cutter, and new designation of Head Butcher Block.
Increase the amount between steps from $0.10 above minimum wage and $0.05 between steps to $0.25 above the minimum wage and between steps so that every step sees an increase as the minimum wage increases with cost of living.
Reduce the length of our wage scales and align our scales so our coworkers can reach the Journey rate sooner and at the same time no matter what county we work in.
We also continued to fight to maintain our healthcare benefits and strengthen our pension:
We won a Tentative Agreement to improve the rate to qualify for our healthcare: Now, all Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Northern Idaho members will accumulate the 80 hours per month to qualify for healthcare which includes all compensable hours, not just hours worked. This means that vacation and sick leave hours will count towards the 80 hours. When we’re ill or injured and need our healthcare the most, we now will not have to fear losing it.
We continued to push to maintain our healthcare with improvements to vision, podiatry, and hearing care.
We also won Tentative Agreements over:
Additional premium for workers when we are in charge of the store: An extra 50 cents per hour for a worker in charge of the store when the manager/assistant manager is absent for more than three hours per day.
Rest periods for Idaho Meat Members: Idaho doesn’t have rest period laws, so we won a Tentative Agreement to ensure Idaho Meat Members have 10 minutes rest for every 4 hours worked, just like the rest of our Idaho Grocery Members.
Our next bargaining dates are April 15, 16 and 17.
Wear your union buttons at work!
It is clear that the only way we will get what we deserve is to show our unity through action!
Informational Pickets & leaflets I’ll be there! You can rsvp online! >>
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WILL I LOSE MY JOB IF I GO ON STRIKE?
You cannot be permanently replaced for participating in a valid ULP strike. You can be permanently replaced only if the strike is caused solely by economic issues and only after the actual hiring of a permanent replacement for your position. If the strike is called in part to protest unfair labor practices by the employer, the employer cannot legally hire a permanent replacement for you. In the unlikely event our unfair labor practice charge is not upheld, we will provide an update about the return-to-work situation.
WHAT IF THE EMPLOYER LOCKS US OUT?
If the employer chooses to lockout employees they have to lockout all employees. Workers locked out by their employers are generally eligible for unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case by case basis.
DO I ACCRUE SICK LEAVE OR VACATION TIME WHEN ON STRIKE?
You will not accrue sick leave or vacation while you are on strike. The employment security department determines eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case by case basis for workers in a labor dispute.
CAN I USE ACCRUED VACATION OR PAID TIME OFF BENEFITS?
Although an employer may not discriminate against strikers with respect to the use of vacation time or paid time off during a strike, an employer is not required to allow strikers to use their accrued vacation time or other benefits during a strike unless they are otherwise entitled to do so. Thus, if a worker had submitted a vacation request before a strike and it was approved in accordance with the employer’s established policies, the employer must pay the vacation benefits even though the approved vacation occurs while the member is on strike.
WILL I STILL HAVE HEALTHCARE DURING THE STRIKE?
It is possible that members on strike may experience a temporary disruption to their healthcare. You should work with your healthcare provider on details for eligibility.
WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT ?
The Executive Board of UFCW 3000 has approved strike benefits for grocery store workers who take part in strike duty. Strike benefits will not fully replace our wages but will help. They have approved strike benefits of $500 for workers, union members, and non-members who picket a minimum of 20 hours a week, $800 for 32 hours a week and $200 a week respect the line benefit for striking members who cannot join their coworkers on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross (for a maximum of 4 weeks). Our Union also has a hardship fund to assist members whose families face particularly difficult financial situations. Additionally, food assistance and other financial aid may be available through community organizations and other unions. Notify your creditors prior to falling behind. Communicate your situation and explore options for reduced payments or refinancing. Prioritize your expenses, placing essentials like mortgage/rent, utilities, insurance, car payments, gas, child support, and alimony at the top.
Is there paperwork I need to fill out for my strike benefit?
To receive Union Strike Benefits, grocery store workers will need to complete a W9 for provided by the union.
Become a Strike Picket Captain by telling your union rep that you are ready to help lead a strike by becoming a Strike Picket Captain.
Download and read the Grocery East Strike Manual >>
More information:
To get updates and join the fight to Stop the Mega-Merger, go to nogrocerymerger.com
For information about your health care plan with Rehn go to www.ufcwhealth.com or call 800-872-8979
If you have questions about the Pension contact Zenith at soundretirmenttrust.com or call 800-225-7629
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