Yakima Wildfires: Fire and Smoke Resources for UFCW 3000 Members

As wildfires continue to impact the Yakima Valley, UFCW 3000 members, their families, and communities may face evacuations and disruptions to their homes and livelihoods. 

As we navigate these emergencies, please review important information below that can help keep you safe and enforce your rights at work.

Your Rights During Wildfires 

With a union contract, you have “just cause” protection, meaning you should not be disciplined at work for reasonably having to deal with a circumstance outside of your control like a wildfire that affects your home, work, or commute to work.

Make sure to invoke your right to union representation if you are called into a meeting that could lead to discipline. (We call these “Weingarten Rights” — read more here.)

Workplace Safety for Wildfire Smoke 

You have the right to a safe workplace. If wildfire smoke makes your workplace unhealthy for you, then you should be able to address that with your employer and get support from your Shop Steward and/or Union Rep. 

Masks 

You can wear a respirator mask at work that helps protect you against wildfire smoke.

To protect against wildfire smoke, wear an N95 mask or another respirator with the same or higher level of protection. The respirator mask should have two straps and the word “NIOSH” and/or “N95” or “N100” printed on it.

Exposure to Smoke 

When the air is smoky, your employer should allow workers to follow basic steps that will help prevent excessive exposure to wildfire smoke.

Those steps could include things like reassigning workers to less smoky areas, or allowing for extra rest and water breaks away from smoky work areas.

Medical Leave and Accommodations  

If you or a family member gets sick because of wildfire smoke, you have the right to use Paid Sick & Safe Leave for the illness.

You may also be able to use your Paid Sick & Safe Leave if wildfire smoke exposure causes public health officials to shut down your child’s school, your child’s place of care, or your worksite.

If you are vulnerable to smoky air due to an existing medical condition, then talk to your health care provider about your workplace to see if they have recommendations for how to keep you safe from smoke exposure. Use FMLA if needed or exercise your disability rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

General Wildfire and Smoke Information and Resources 