Your Rights During Flooding and Extreme Weather Events

Once again UFCW 3000 members and communities are facing some extreme fall and winter weather, including recent flooding. It is important to remember that if you, your family, or your coworkers have been affected by extreme weather, you have rights at work, resources through your union, and the support of your community.

Important rights and resources for UFCW 3000 members if your workplace, home, or transportation routes are flooded or evacuated:

1. Just cause protections at work: 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 flood that affects your home, work, or commute to work

   • Be clear in communicating with your employer if you are unable to report to work on time or at all due to flooding or other extreme weather

   • 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)

2. The right to a safe workplace: If you feel unsafe at work, report any safety concerns to your worksite safety committee & management right away, and get support from your Shop Steward and/or Union Rep if your concerns are not addressed

3. Union resources: If your home or work is affected by flooding or extreme weather and financial assistance would help, speak with your Union Rep about the UFCW 3000 Membership Assistance Fund. We also have a resource page for power outages and other effects if need be during these events.

4. Mutual aid: As union members, we know standing together and supporting each other is how we really make a difference. If you have ideas for ways to connect with or support fellow UFCW 3000 members in need, talk to a Shop Steward and/or your Union Rep for help with organizing

Extreme weather is dangerous in our workplaces and our communities, which is why UFCW 3000 members, including our Climate Justice Advisory Board, work for climate policies that will help protect us and our future health.

Dockside Cannabis - Contract Negotiations Continue – We're Making Progress!

On July 30, we met again with Dockside Cannabis management to continue negotiations toward your first union contract.

We responded to nearly all of the company's outstanding proposals and had productive discussions at the table. The management said they need time to review our responses, and we're currently working together to schedule our next bargaining dates.

After feedback about the current health insurance, we presented the company with union health plan options that offer better benefits at equal or lower cost for both employees and the employer.

Here's an example comparing one of the union plan options to the company's current base plan (for employee only):

Plan Details	Current Company Plan	Union Plan Option
Deductible	$3,000 individual / $9,000 family	$250 individual / $500 family
Primary Care Visit	$40 copay	$10 copay
Specialist Visit	$40 copay	$25 copay

These plans would provide significantly better access to care and much lower out-of-pocket costs. We've asked the company for more information so we can present exact rates for different coverage levels.

Where We're Getting Closer

We're narrowing in on agreement in some key areas:

• Seniority rights

• Union Representation that includes access to worksite breakroom, bulletin boards, and clear shop steward rights

• Discipline and Discharge like Just Cause language, which means you can't be fired or disciplined without a fair reason and a fair process

• Grievance Procedure that includes a structured process for addressing workplace issues or contract violations

Open Session: Review Proposals & Health Plan Options Q&A

August 13
12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

August 13
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM

Bring your questions, ideas, or just come to listen!

Questions? Contact Aaron Bailey (360) 409-0551 or Chris Arellano 360-409-0241

Have a Heart - Contract Ratified!

On July 30, following vote meetings at all five stores, we're excited to announce that members voted overwhelmingly to ratify our Have a Heart union contract! Our bargaining team fought hard to uplift and protect our members, and we're ready to keep that momentum going as we look to the future.

What's Next?

Our union and Have a Heart will work together to finalize and sign the CBA. Once completed, print copies will be handed out to every store. In the meantime, the redline version of our contract will be available online on our website. Find your contract >>

The new wage structure will go into effect immediately, and anyone whose 2025 anniversary date has already passed will begin receiving their applicable raise. Check the redline or vote summary to determine your increase.

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Union Rep, a member of our bargaining team, or your steward!

Union Rep Aaron Bailey abailey@ufcw300.org or call (no text) 206-436-6631 for any questions.

Theorem Cannabis - Bargaining Update

Theorem bargaining team, Haily Nowak and Chloe Casey, cooking up TAs!

Our union bargaining team met with management last week to continue negotiating for our first contract. We proposed an entire draft contract at our first session and in May, Theorem responded to these articles:

• Recognition (defining our unit positions and protecting bargaining unit work)

• Union Security (defining membership, dues processes, and safeguarding our union)

• Union Representation (securing union stewards, bulletin boards, access to our Rep, time off for union business, and new hire orientation)

• Labor Management Committee (creating a protected space to collaboratively address non-contract workplace issues)

• Discipline & Discharge (protecting job security and preventing unfair treatment through just cause and progressive discipline)

• Grievance & Arbitration (creating a process for addressing contract violations)

Theorem also made a Management Rights proposal. After going back and forth on these in June, we're excited to share that we reached three tentative agreements (TAs), securing strong contract language on Recognition, Union Representation, and Labor Management Committee!

We're hopeful that at our next meeting on July 9, we'll make progress on the rest of the non-economics (including Health & Safety and Employment Practices, which includes provisions on job promotions & openings and anti-discrimination). We have also asked management to commit to making an economics counterproposal on July 24, so we can keep pushing forward and win a fair first contract with the wage increases we deserve.

Questions or concerns about work? Want to get more involved with our union? Contact a member of our bargaining team or our Union Rep, Allison Hanley, at (206) 818-6954.

Have a Heart - Bargaining Update

Our Have a Heart bargaining team has been holding out for a tentative agreement that has no takeaways and puts crucial wage increases in everyone's pockets. We successfully pushed back against Have a Heart after the employer proposed to slash everyone's Earned Time Off (ETO), remove daily overtime, and cut security out of the unit, and again when they proposed to reduce ETO for new hires, which would have made recruitment and staffing even harder. After working to find potential solutions to the wage compression caused by the rising cost of living in Seattle and the surrounding areas, our bargaining team has been waiting for over a month for Have a Heart to make a meaningful counteroffer that addresses these pay concerns.

We've reached tentative agreements on expansions to bereavement leave, clarification on inventory disciplines and carve outs for issues caught before sale, and successorship notice in the event the company is sold. We're still fighting for higher ETO accruals for members who have been with Have a Heart for over six years, higher guaranteed annual raise increases for everyone that don't go away after five years of employment, and minimum guarantees for Lead pay. We want Have a Heart to do what's right—keep Have a Heart wages and benefits competitive and fair, so that we can retain our dedicated staff and recruit more who will want to stay.

March on May 1!

We aren't alone in our struggle. In the last few months, the federal government has launched an all-out assault on the working class and our First Amendment rights. On May 1, labor unions, immigrant protection organizations, and workers across America are continuing 139 years of pushing back against the chaos and cruelty. We're showing up in force to May Day marches all around the state. If you've been feeling powerless or like you don't know how to fight back, this is a powerful opportunity to stand together with your community and find the path forward.

Get more info on the marches in Seattle, Spokane, and Yakima & RSVP here >>

Huge Victory for Cannabis Workers!

Our union and cannabis workers around the state have been fighting for years for cannabis grow workers, who had been unjustly left behind by traditional labor protections, to have the same organizing and collectively bargaining rights as other cannabis workers. Thanks to your hard work, our bill ESHB 1141 has passed the House and the Senate! The bill allowing cannabis agricultural workers to organize their workplaces is expected to be signed by the Governor on April 23, 2025. This is a huge victory for cannabis workers, and we look forward to continuing to raise the bar for everyone in our industry.

Bargaining team: Austin Miller (Lead Inventory Coordinator - Belltown), Joe Chaten (Lead Budtender - Skyway), Devin Johansson (Lead Budtender - Greenwood)

Our Union Rep: Aaron Bailey 206-436-6631 (office)

UFCW 3000 Member Days at the Park! Tickets on Sale NOW!

Each year we gather together with fellow UFCW 3000 members across the region for summer days at the park, an opportunity for some union-sponsored family fun and a great chance to meet and talk with other union members.

This year we're excited to add a new summer event for members, supporting our longtime community partner Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence: Game Day for Domestic Violence Prevention at T-Mobile Park!

Refuse to Abuse Game Day is Sunday, June 16, and for every ticket sold our longtime community partner the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence (WSCADV) receives an $18 donation and attendees get a free Mariners-themed Refuse to Abuse® Dri-fit T-shirt. Tickets are View Level for the Mariners vs. Texas Rangers game and cost $35. WSCADV has shown up for our members in many ways over the years and we look forward to this fundraiser and opportunity to share the belief that domestic violence is 100% preventable!

In addition, our other summer fun events have been popular each year and continue to be a great way to celebrate with family and union friends:

Sunday, June 16: Refuse to Abuse Mariners Game Day (Seattle, WA)
Mariners tickets on sale now through Friday, June 14 at 5pm >>
$35

​Tuesday, August 6: UFCW 3000 Day at Silverwood Theme Park (Athol, ID)
Tickets on sale now through July 19, while supplies last! >>
$40.00 adult/$25.00 youth or senior
Ticket includes:

• all day access to Silverwood Theme Park and Boulder Beach Water Park

• all you can eat buffet picnic-style lunch @ the banquet pavilion (starting at 12pm noon)

• unlimited drink refill wristband

Thursday, August 8: UFCW 3000 Day at Wild Waves Theme & Water Park (Federal Way, WA)
Tickets on sale now through July 19, while supplies last! >>
$20.00 adult/$15.00 youth or senior

Friday, September 13: UFCW 3000 Day at the Pendleton Round Up (Pendleton, OR)
Tickets on sale soon

Mfused: L&I Investigation Results

Since the introduction of the new mylar zippered bag packaging at Mfused, members in production have been vocal about the pain and injuries caused to their wrists and hands from constantly opening and pinching these bags closed. Management had attempted to address the situation by ordering bags that supposedly come opened or outsourcing the task to other workers, but they still were not able to find a harmless solution. This led to multiple injuries and claims with Labor & Industries (L&I.) Meanwhile, L&I’s Department of Safety & Health (DOSH) had opened an investigation into a complaint made about the safety of this work. 

After some months and in-depth review from Occupational Hygienists, an Ergonomist, and (unlike most cases,) the head of DOSH, it has been determined that it is unsafe to open bags by hand and pinch bags closed by hand, even for part of a shift. The company has been given multiple serious citations, with one penalty, of which the amount has not been disclosed. Mfused must post a notice of their citations in the workplace for 7 days after it is received in the mail. L&I will not be checking on this, so if it is not seen or comes down early, please notify your shop steward or union rep.  

Employees, whether union members or not, should not be opening product bags by hand at all for any reason. If a batch of bags comes in sealed or partially sealed, please notify your manager and do not open them by hand. It is up to the employer to provide a safe way to get the job done, L&I has recommended finding a tool that can open and seal the bags without harmful repetitive motions. Do not open or seal bags until the company has provided a tool or machine that will help you do it harmlessly. Please notify your union rep when a tool or machine for opening/sealing bags is made available, or if you or another employee are asked to open or seal bags by hand. 

This is a win for members who have been saying that this work has been harmful to them all along, with injuries to show for it. Their voices have now been validated by safety regulators who have the authority to make management listen. 

If you have questions, reach out to your Union Rep.

Progress made in ‘23 – Building for more in ‘24

Progress made in ‘23 – Building for more in ‘24

Our union came into 2023 with some great successes, like winning a "best in a generation" contract for 25,000 Western Washington grocery store workers, but we also faced some huge challenges. Health care workers continued to be crushed by severe staffing shortages at hospitals that threatened both patient and caregiver safety alike, and at the same time, we had just learned of a proposed mega-merger between Kroger and Albertsons that threatened layoffs, store closures, and higher prices. 2023 was shaping up to be a big year.
 
UFCW 3000 members working in health care, grocery stores, food processing plants, retail businesses, and many other industries are fundamentally linked to the communities we work and live in. We are the essential workers that our communities depend on every day. That is why the challenges we face, like ferocious corporate greed that under-staffs us to make huge record profits, or the extreme and growing inequality between the wealthiest one percent and everyday working people are not just a problem for our workplaces —they are problems for our entire community. Greed and inequality are also underlying and insidious drivers of systemic racism and sexism —pitting us against each other, while an economic appetite of extraction and churn threatens the future of humanity itself. These toxic realities of greed and inequity also threaten our most cherished aspirations of democracy, freedom, and a better life for the next generation.

If together, as organized workers and communities, we want to fight back and build a better future, we are going to have to face these challenges head-on. While we recognize we still have a lot of problems and a lot of work to do to make things better in 2024, we also think it is important to celebrate the fact that we have been a leader in our region and around the nation —attacking these problems, making an impact, and being part of the movement to turn things around for the better.

Here’s a snapshot of some of our accomplishments from 2023, our wins as a collective union of workers in action. 

In 2023...

• We won important reforms at our UFCW International Convention and began the much-needed campaign for greater reforms in the future. Learn more about our local's fight to bring democracy to the UFCW >>

• We joined the 'year of strikes' when thousands of UFCW 3000 members voted to authorize ULP strikes: The nurses at Providence Everett and workers at Macy’s in Southcenter, Alderwood, and Bellingham went on strike in 2023. Both strikes were joined by hundreds of community supporters while thousands signed petitions in support of these striking workers.
  Providence strike recap video >> 
  Macy's strike recap video >>

• We passed a Safer Staffing Law! Working in a first of its kind in the region, a coalition with SEIU Healthcare1199NW, WSNA and UFCW 3000 worked to pass the historic ESSB 5236 Safe Staffing legislation that will take steps towards ensuring safer hospital staffing levels across WA. Learn more about the Safe Staffing legislation >>

• We opened a new Union Hall in Des Moines! After completing the sale of our flagship office of over 20 years in Seattle to the Seattle Labor Temple, we held an open house in our brand new union hall in Des Moines. This new location will save money, be more accessible to members (it is located on the new Light Rail route), and be a gathering space for members. Learn more about UFCW 3000 office locations >>

• Our elected Executive Board made of rank-and-file members adopted a powerful new 5-year strategic plan to guide our union and prioritize our work until 2028. Learn more about the Strategic Five Year Plan >>

• Our Executive Board also helped begin a national call from labor unions for a ceasefire in Gaza. Learn more about the petition for peace >>

• Had fun! Thousands of members and their families attended UFCW 3000’s summer events at Wild Waves in Federal Way, WA, and Silverwood in Idaho. Save the date for the next Summer Picnics at the Park: Silverwood is August 6 and Wild Waves is August 8.

• Union member bargaining teams won 8 first-time contracts and ratified 30 new contracts with higher wages, improved benefits and better working conditions.

• Held off the grocery store mega-merger by being instrumental in building a national coalition of unions that includes UFCW locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000 and community groups including 55 from our own region to oppose the Kroger and Albertsons mega-merger. We have successfully lobbied —through data, testimony, and evidence to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) who has recently ruled in our favor and decided to reject this proposed mega-merger! Learn more about efforts to stop the mega-merger >>

• In 2023 we organized hundreds of new members! New organizing wins from determined organizing committees both big and small resulted in hundreds of new members joining our union. Welcome Ferry County, Downtown Dog Lounge, REI Bellingham, MultiCare Auburn Pros, and Fred Meyer Port Orchard General Merchandise, and our first Cannabis producer contract at Mfused, who won a standard-setting contract in the cannabis industry.

• People powered politics in action: Our member-led endorsement committee interviewed 57 candidates for local office. 68 members participated in our Political Action Advisory Committee and were able to help win a new just cause standard for grocery store workers around retail theft. Learn more about our People-Powered Politics agenda >>

• The Essential Workers Organizing Academy is up and running! The program was broken up into three distinct phases: training, internal organizing, and external organizing/preparing for strikes. Apprentice organizers supported on campaigns that included Macy’s, Bartell Drugs, Fred Meyer, PCC, Providence Everett, as well as political and community projects. Congratulation to the first EWOA graduating class of 2023! Learn more about EWOA >>

• Enforced our rights: Together as members, stewards, and union Reps we work hard to ensure members’ rights are protected and that the process is transparent, and management is held accountable to our members, our contract, and the law. In 2023 we had to file 182 grievances against management that could not be resolved at the worksite level. 

• Got the training to empower ourselves: Over 300 members participated in a union training in 2023. These trainings included topics like Weingarten training and enforcement, Leaders in Action, New Member Meetings, Grievance Training, Retirement Seminars, and more. Learn more about upcoming union trainings >>

• No union should be an island. We support others in their struggles and UFCW 3000 attended strikes, showed solidarity and gave other support for Starbucks Workers United in Washington and around the nation.

And in 2024 we’ll fight for even more.