With ULPs on the horizon and a strike authorization in hand, we bargained late into the night two days this week. While some progress was made, the hospital is still short of meeting our priorities and continues to push their takeaways. We will not let that happen! Stay prepared and join us for all the upcoming Strike preparation meetings via ZOOM to learn more about the next steps in your fight for a best contract.
Our collective actions over the last two weeks have paid off in this bargaining session, and we are encouraged by the results! Management arrived prepared to engage and met with our team early in the day, replying to several outstanding proposals. Throughout the course of the day, we reached sixteen tentative agreements. One of these was a major breakthrough in our economic proposals – agreeing to the definitions of full time and part time employees. Thank you to our Contract Action Team members who pulled a lot of information to support the need for these definitions.
The union met with LabCorp on Wednesday, October 28, and once again received unacceptable, disrespectful proposals. LabCorp offers minimal, below-market wage increases, resists giving reasonable notice of outsourcing, and wants to strip away our rights and gain total power to change your health insurance whenever it chooses. The company blames upcoming Medicare reimbursement cuts for refusing to move closer to our proposals, but we are skeptical: LabCorp is thriving financially, its stock price is rising, and CEO Adam Schechter received $18,399,913 in compensation last year.
Grocery executives are working to grab every penny from their workers and members of our communities. Every contract negotiation is an opportunity to fight for what we deserve and work to steer the grocery industry back on track, to focus on what matters: delivering quality customer service and great products to feed our neighbors.
In our last contract negotiations, our union won the largest wage increases that we’ve seen, secured a transition to the stable our union health plan through the UFCW Spokane healthcare Trust, and ensured funding to keep our pension plan dependable for retirement. Our NE Oregon contracts recently expired, and our union is prioritizing a new contract that builds upon our previous wins.
After four long days of bargaining with the Employer and countless hours of preparation, our Bargaining Team reached a Tentative Agreement (TA) that we are excited to bring back to our members!
While our initial bargaining sessions were largely positive and relatively low stakes, we now have reached the meat and potato economic proposals that our unit cares about most. This is often the most challenging stage of bargaining – especially when bargaining a first contract. An example from today: in response to our extensively researched wage proposal, the company stated "we don't want to change how we do things" without further discussion.
As 2,500 UFCW 3000 members at MultiCare continue preparations for contract bargaining to begin early next year, there are several upcoming opportunities to gather, discuss and contribute. First off, a big thanks to all who completed the bargaining surveys during August and September. That information will be crucial in our assessing priorities before bargaining.
After holding nomination votes for the Labor Management Advisory Committee (LMAC) from September 21–25, 2026, and then holding nominee votes for Ballard, Central District, and Issaquah on October 21, 2026, we are happy to announce your committee members!
This agreement comes after more than six months of bargaining, an informational picket, federal mediation, a strike pledge campaign, and a strike authorization vote that showed CommonSpirit members were ready to fight for a better contract
After more than a month since our last session, our Union Bargaining Team; Alyssa and Oliver were able to reconvene with the employer on October 19 to receive their economic counter proposal.
Join us via Zoom on Tuesday, October 20, at 6:30 PM to learn more about the tentative agreement reached between our Union Bargaining Team and CommonSpirit.
“At a time when workers are struggling to keep up with sky-high prices for groceries, housing, health care, and other basic necessities, we cannot afford to give a tax cut to the wealthiest people in our state,” said Sam Dancy, UFCW 3000 Executive Board Vice President and Grocery Bargaining Team Member
Our member-led Bargaining Team met with representative from Puzzle Break to lay the foundation for the negotiations of our first union contract. We discussed guidelines around how proposals will be passed, Bargaining Team availability and our desire to have consistent and timely bargaining dates moving forward.
After months of difficult negotiations and a powerful show of solidarity, we have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract! Thanks to our collective strength, we secured significant improvements, including:
Please join us in person at the UFCW 3000 Des Moines office for Contract Action Team meetings on the following dates. We will be meeting in person at the union office, but for those who cannot join in person there will be an online option. During these meetings, will be sharing updates as well as creating picket signs for an upcoming info picket.
After months of difficult negotiations, a powerful informational picket, and an overwhelming strike authorization vote, our Union Bargaining Team fought late into the night on October 8 and reached a tentative agreement on a new contract!
The Nominations are in, now it’s time to vote for who will represent you and your coworkers from Ballard, Central District, and Issaquah PCCs on the newly formed PCC Labor Management Advisory Committee (LMAC). Secure online voting will take place Wednesday, October 21 from 8am to 8pm. Every PCC store elects one LMAC representative, you may only vote on a nominee from your own store.
Following a series of highly attended vote meetings on Monday, October 5, union technical workers at St. Joseph Medical Center voted nearly unanimously to:
Reject CommonSpirit’s subpar contract offer
Authorize a STRIKE
“We set the stage and gave our comprehensive proposal letting the employer know that our priorities are to win wages that we deserve, improve our transportation benefits, win immigration protection language as well as ensuring the safety of our co-workers. We are eager to see what BDA’s response is on the 21. ” -Kota Owens, Bargaining Team Member
Fresenius workers can see in Trevino’s story what solidarity looks like in action: Checking your check, speaking up when something's wrong, and stepping up to lead when your coworkers need you.
Read MoreThe 3% across-the-board wage increase for all members will be effective the second pay period after ratification. We will share when the ratification bonus will be paid as soon as we get confirmation from management.
Read MoreAt our last bargaining session, Fresenius management presented a Last Best and Final offer, which automatically triggers a contract vote on the Employer's proposal.
Please join our online vote information meetings next week to review and talk together about the Employer's offer.
If you have any questions, reach out to our Union Rep Charlie King or a member of our Bargaining Team.
Tuesday, December 16
11:30am - 3:30pm
South Tacoma Clinic
5825 Tacoma Mall Blvd
STE 103
Tacoma, WA 98409
Tuesday, December 9
6:30pm - 7:15pm
Wednesday, December 10
10am - 10:45am
Thursday, December 11
6:30pm - 7:15pm
Join Zoom Meeting >>
Meeting ID: 712 328 6135
Passcode: 36309
Union dialysis technicians at Fresenius Medical Care are fighting to win a fair contract and better working conditions. We need your support to ensure we can continue to provide vital patient care to our communities. Stand with us (and bring your voice!) at our upcoming Informational Picket! All patients, providers, families, friends, allies, and workers are welcome.
"Every single minute counts for dialysis treatment. Dialysis companies must listen to frontline caregivers: safer staffing and scheduling can't wait!"
— Fresenius Union Bargaining Team
October 29
4pm - 5:30pm
Fresenius Kidney Care South Tacoma Clinic
5825 Tacoma Mall Blvd #103, Tacoma, WA 98409
We met with Fresenius management again on Friday to bargain over the wages and working conditions we need to be able to continue providing safe, high-quality care for our dialysis patients. We reached tentative agreements on language for Precepting and PCT IIIs, Discrimination & Harassment-Free Workplace, and Low Census Rotation. Management rejected our proposed improvements to PTO accruals and ESL usage. Fresenius continues to offer substandard wage increases and no contractual commitments to help address staffing and patient scheduling concerns. Union Techs say enough is enough.
Read MoreFirst, some good news. Our team and Fresenius management tentatively agreed to add the PCT III job class to the contract, which we’re hopeful will bring fairer pay and job duty distribution.
Read More
Fresenius bargaining team is not amused with the wage proposals made by management (from left: Maria Lucas, PCT 2; Jovona Trevino, PCT 2; and Krista Smith, PCT 2).
We met with Fresenius management again on Friday to hear their long-awaited response to our economic proposals. We were excited to learn management agreed to add the GO4RN program to the contract so that any PCTs participating in the program will receive a 5% wage increase for each quarter of the program completed. They also made progress toward agreeing to add the PCT 3 position and its higher wages to the contract.
The excitement quickly faded when we learned that they rejected our longevity bonus proposal outright and, in terms of wage increases, are proposing a measly 1.5% raise on ratification, then a 1.5% raise in 2026 and another 1.5% raise in 2027. Even as management's very first wage proposal, 1.5% feels like a slap in the face. They also wholly rejected our reasonable proposals on safer patient scheduling and worker protections from harassment by difficult patients.
The fight is far from over. If you too are frustrated reading this, then join us at our next CAT meeting this Sunday, August 3 at the University Place branch of the Pierce County Library from 3:30-4:30pm and on Zoom. Your team will be there to talk about our last bargaining session and what we plan to do between now and the next bargaining date, August 18. We will be debuting a petition to demand that management take our bargaining proposals seriously on real wage increases and on safe patient scheduling. We'll also discuss actions we can take individually and as a team to show Fresenius we're united and we're not backing down. Reach out to your Rep Charlie or a bargaining team member with any concerns about the meeting or Zoom link. We'll see you there!
August 3
3:30 PM - 4:30 PM
University Place Branch of the Pierce County Library
3609 Market Place W., Suite 100
University Place, WA 98466
"A 1.5% raise is just not going to cut it considering they just passed the highest tax increase in history. We deserve better."
— Krista Smith, PCT 2, bargaining team
Fresenius Puyallup team shows solidarity (From left: Tami Gordon, PCT 2; Anabelle Moran, PCT 2; and Susie McAlpine, PCT 2)
Our union bargaining team met again with Fresenius management on Friday to continue contract negotiations. Fresenius did not make any counter proposals to what we proposed last session, but we pushed forward and made proposals on:
Read MoreOur bargaining team continues negotiations with Fresenius management, who came in-person after two virtual sessions. We came ready to work; however, management took a different approach.
Read More"I'm a Tech at Mt. Rainier with more than 30 years of experience. I'm happy to be part of a team that is committed to keeping a safe, fair, and comprehensive work environment."
— Krista Smith
"I've worked in Dialysis for 20 years and I'm a PCT II at Mt. Rainier. I love what I do. I am excited to be part of our bargaining team and to fight for what's right and fair."
— Jovona Trevino
"I've been with Fresenius for almost three years as a PCT II. As a new member of the bargaining team, I'm looking forward to being a voice among voices and helping us be seen, heard, and acknowledged through effective change."
— Maria Lucas
On Tuesday, April 8, our bargaining team met in person at the Des Moines UFCW 3000 office to review the current contract and our bargaining survey responses. We agreed to Fresenius management's request to meet virtually for the first two sessions to prevent delays, but Fresenius will be bargaining with us in person beginning in May. We discussed the concerns important to us including wages, patient time and quotas, scheduling and hours, and continuing education. Our initial proposals included a change that would make the current disciplinary process fairer. We look forward to the next session on Thursday, April 24 and to meeting in person in May! Stay tuned for an update following that bargaining session as we put the rest of our proposals on the table and get Fresenius' first counterproposals.
Thursday, April 24
5:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Or reach out to your Union Rep. Charlie at 360-409-0606 to set up a call or meeting.
May 1
We aren't alone in our struggle to defend our rights. 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. UFCW 3000 members are showing up in force to May Day marches all around the state. If you've been feeling powerless, this is a powerful opportunity to stand together with your community and find the path forward.
Learn more about the marches and RSVP here >>
Not getting updates or know a coworker who isn't? Update your contact information to get critical information about our campaign and stay informed about upcoming actions and events >>
On Thursday, September 22, members of UFCW 3000 at Fresenius overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new contract!
The contract included significant wage and premium increases and improvements to contract language. Thank you to bargaining team members Tiffani Davis and Michele Hardy.
To review the details of your contract or if you have a contract question, contact your rep Ryan Degouveia at 360-662-1989 or rdegouveia@ufcw3000.org.
If you know someone who is not getting these bargaining updates by email, or you need to update your contact information, please go here:
After months of bargaining we have reached a tentative agreement with Fresenius! The tentative agreement includes substantial wage and premium increases over three years and other contract improvements.
The details of the tentative agreement will be available during the online vote on September 22 from 5am-5pm.
You will receive an email from UFCW 3000 via “SimplyVoting” with your unique login information. All members in good standing are eligible to vote.
TO VOTE ONLINE: Make sure your information is up to date! In order to vote on this tentative agreement, make sure your personal email is up to date in our records. If you did not receive this announcement via email, please update your email address at: ufcw21.org/update-your-information
If you do not receive an email to vote on Thursday, September 22, please reach out to Union Rep Ryan Degouveia rdegouveia@ufcw3000.org or 360-662-1989 to provide an updated email address.
JOIN THE VOTE INFORMATION MEETING!
Wednesday, September 21
10-11:30am OR 6:30-8pm
It is important that members attend the Zoom Meeting to review the proposed contract changes and have your questions answered.
Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Rep for meeting details. Details will also be emailed to you.
Workers at Fresenius are standing up against low wages!
Many Fresenius workers have signed the petition asking management for fair wages and to respect the work we do!
Let management know that we need to be treated with respect!
If you have not signed the petition, here is the link:
Representatives from UFCW and WSNA are working together! Both the Techs and the Nurses are in bargaining and at both bargains it is clear that management isn’t worried about our low wages and serious staffing issues.
So we have started a second petition that is for community, family and friends to let them know what we need from Fresenius!
Sign the community petition below:
If you have need additional information, reach out to Union Representative Ryan Degouveia 360-662-1989 or rdegouveia@ufcw3000.org
If you or a coworker are not getting emails from us, use this link to update your contact information:
www.ufcw21.org/update-your-information
We have been working hard during contract negotiations August 15 and are scheduled to meet again August 22.
Our bargaining sessions now include a representative from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service to help both sides come to an agreement. Management is saying they appreciate us, but the cost of living keeps going up and management is not offering wages to meet the increased costs we are facing every day. All this while we continue to be understaffed and are covering extra shifts.
Workers at Fresenius are standing up against low wages!
Many Fresenius workers have signed the petition asking management for fair wages and to respect the work we do!
Let management know that we need to be treated with respect!
If you have not signed the petition, here is the link:
For additional information contact Union Rep Ryan Degouveia @ 360-662-1989.
In solidarity, representatives from both UFCW and WSNA will be distributing buttons, which we are asking workers to wear. If you have not received a button, reach out to Union Representative Ryan Degouveia 360-662-1989 or rdegouveia@ufcw3000.org
This week we met with management and a federal mediator to let them know the wages they are offering are not enough! We need to pay our bills, feed our kids, put gas in our cars to get to work. We also need recognition for our long work hours and experience!
We have additional bargaining sessions set up for:
August 15 • August 22
Tell management they need to listen to workers and show some respect. Sign the petition:
https://bit.ly/Fresenius22
Join the Contract Action Team Meeting!
Thursday, August 11
10:00 AM • 6:00 PM
https://zoom.us/join
Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.
If your coworkers are not receiving this update, they can go to:
www.ufcw21.org/update-your-information
“We’re continuing to fight for higher pay. We hope to win this war on wages!”
— Tiffani Davis, Bargaining Team
“Management said they appreciate our work but are not showing that in the wages they are offering. We need to stand together to get management to see we are united.”
— Michele Hardy, Bargaining Team
For additional information contact Union Rep Ryan Degouveia @ 360-662-1989.
We are working to get better wages. Contract Bargaining affects the next three years of our wages, benefits and working conditions so it’s essential that we stay informed about the issues and get involved. We will be having meetings to discuss ways to make this happen.
Make sure your contact information up-to-date so you receive important bargaining and benefits updates. www.ufcw21.org/update-your-information
Get involved. Find out how to win a better contract!
Learn about your on-the-job rights!
Join the Contract Action Team!
For more information contact your Union Rep Ryan Degouveia 360-662-1989
Your Bargaining Team is working on attaining competitive wage increases:
To mirror your skill and dedication
To Recruit and Retain great employees to end the staffing shortages!
To reward everyone who worked through difficult and unprecedented times!
We have met with management and made proposals around wages and non-economic contract language. We want your input and involvement! We will be holding regular Zoom Meetings and invite you to attend.
For additional information contact your Union Rep Ryan Degouveia @ 360-662-1989.
Fresenius Renal Care Contract Action Team Meeting
Tuesday, May 17 •6:00 PM
https://zoom.us/join
Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.
“Show Fresenius that we will stand together to win the contract we deserve. Management is proposing less than bare minimum on wage increases. United we have a chance to be paid what we deserve and an amount we can live on and be proud of.”
— Tiffani Davis, South Tacoma
Bargaining Team Member
Update Your Contact Info
https://www.ufcw21.org/update-your-information
Our Bargaining Committee met with Fresenius Management on April 20 and April 26 to bargain over important improvements to our contract. Fresenius Management has indicated that they are prepared to bargain.
We are working on proposals that will improve wages and working conditions. It is essential that Management understands how valuable you are to them!
In the coming weeks we will ask you to participate in this process, so stay tuned!
In order for us to stay in close contact with you, please update your current information with UFCW 3000. Go to: ufcw21.org/update-your-information
Our Fresenius Bargaining Team: Michele Hardy, Tiffani Davis, Leif Ignacio
We are the Union. The members of UFCW 3000 are over 50,000 members working in grocery, retail, health care, meat packing, cannabis, & other industries across Washington state, north-east Oregon, and northern Idaho. UFCW 3000 is a chartered member of UFCW International with over 1.4 million workers in North America.
To build a powerful Union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and in our communities.
Correcting the Record: Decades after Organizing Her Own Unit, Leslie Ball Is Still Fighting for Her Coworkers
Leslie Ball, a certified surgical technologist at St. Joseph Medical Center in Tacoma and a longtime UFCW 3000 Union Steward, has spent decades standing up for herself and her coworkers.
Her fight for better working conditions began in the late 1990s, when she received a 30-cent wage increase, which ended up only being a five-cent raise after her employer reduced her shift differential by a quarter. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the value surgical techs bring to the table, she knew a nickel wasn’t going to cut it. So she and a coworker, Gail Miller, started organizing their colleagues at St. Joe's despite warnings that previous organizing efforts had failed.
Within a year, they helped Radiology, Respiratory Therapy, Pharmacy, Physical Therapy, and other departments form the hospital’s first Technical Unit, which ratified its first contract in 1999.
Jenny C., a transporter at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, knows what it looks like when management hopes a problem will just go away.
Jenny has watched the facility's transport elevators malfunction for more than a year, filing report after report after each incident she witnessed. Supervisors did not appear to take these complaints seriously.
