Wildfire and Smoke Resources for UFCW 3000 Members

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As wildfires rip through our region and smoke chokes the air, UFCW 3000 members, families, and communities face evacuations, and loss of homes and livelihoods.  

Some workers could experience partial or total work closures creating difficult circumstances surrounding hours, pay, and life stability 

As we navigate this emergency, please remember the union and community resources that can help. Also, please review important information below that can help keep you safe and enforce your rights at work.

Disaster Relief Assistance  

All union members impacted by wildfire and smoke should apply to the Washington State Labor Council’s Foundation for Working Families Disaster Relief Fund immediately. 

Applicants will need to submit proof that they live in an evacuation zone, which means uploading a photo of a piece of mail with your name and address on it. Additionally, include any photos of proof of impact.  

If you need any other assistance, please contact your Union Representative or the Member Resources Center at 1-866-210-3000.  

Find official Washington State wildfire updates and the latest information about shelter and housing services on the Washington Wildfire Resources page.  

Your Rights During Wildfires 

If your workplace, home, or family are evacuated, burned, or otherwise affected by active 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 

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. 

  • The right mask to protect against wildfire smoke is an N95 mask or other respirator with the same or higher level of protection. These respirator masks 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—that 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 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 healthcare 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 ADA. 

Check Your Evacuation Status  

  • Okanogan County: Sign up for alerts and find resources here.  

  • Watch Duty app: Find it here.  

General Wildfire and Smoke Information and Resources 

Employer Resources  

Providence Sacred Heart and Holy Family: For caregivers who are directly impacted by the wildfires, or if you know of a caregiver who could benefit from assistance, please complete or share this form: Caregiver Support Request - Wildfire Emergency  

Providence Financial Assistance Resource: Disaster Support Form