Shortly before our rank-and-file Bargaining Team met with PCC’s administrators for a day of bargaining on March 26, we delivered a petition to the Employer signed by a supermajority of members at all 16 stores. That petition demonstrates our strong support and shows we’re ready to fight for better wages and benefits, more democratic governance, and safeguards for our immigrant coworkers and customers.

That show of force prompted PCC to start engaging in productive talks about strengthening democratic governance through our Labor Management Committees. They also delivered their first formal response to our proposal around product transparency and limiting outsourcing in our deli. But the pressure didn’t move them far enough – they left the table with no tentative agreements.

Though our united actions advanced discussions in key areas, PCC has failed to propose a wage increase that keeps up with sky-rocketing costs, especially for our Helper Clerks.

To add insult to injury, they haven’t even agreed to give us the raises we deserve starting on the day our contract expired. Winning backpay is critical for our contract bargaining, and PCC’s failure to deliver just shows how much further our co-op is slipping into the corporate void.

Paying good wages is a co-op principle, not a perk. We should be able to afford the food we sell, and living our values means investing in pay structures that honor experience and skill. We don’t see those values in their wage proposals:

“It’s the duty of a co-op to keep its membership informed. Management won’t tell our members that the workers are demanding better pay and protections. That means it’s up to us,” said Ben Bonyhadi, Ballard PCC. “Join us at an info picket to remind our membership and leadership that taking care of their co-op means taking care of its workers.”

Our workplace actions have given us momentum and have captured the PCC’s attention, but their sluggishness at the table tells us we need to get louder. That’s why we scheduled an Informational Picket on Wednesday, April 15. Together, we’ll show PCC’s administrators how ready we are to fight for the contract we deserve.

RSVP for a Info Picket Shift!

Info Pickets give us a chance to educate our customers and fellow coworkers about our demands — info pickets in hands — and also to prepare for a strike. RSVP here >>

Learn More

Talk to the Bargaining Team members in your store for more detailed information about these negotiations. If you would like to observe the bargaining process, please use this form to RSVP >>

Our next bargaining is on April 30, 2026. 

Join a CAT meeting

At these meetings, your fellow union members will discuss the next steps for our contract campaign and plan actions to show support for our Bargaining Team.  Join our April CAT meeting >>