Providence Meal Waiver and Shift Length Changes

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UFCW 3000 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against all Providence hospitals for implementing shift length changes and not bargaining to an impasse with us over the meal waiver. Additionally, we have filed grievances since Providence changed work schedules without the caregivers' consent and have not been paying members for missed or late second meal periods.

Given Providence's decision to proceed with extending shift lengths, we advise 10-hour and 12-hour shift workers to carefully consider their options. You may choose to accept an extended shift with two meal periods or opt to waive the second meal period and retain your current shift length. If you opt to waive the second meal period, you retain the right to revoke this decision at any time through your core leader. However, we strongly advise against waiving the timing of your meal period, as you are entitled to 30 minutes of pay for late meal periods.

*"Question 1) I am voluntarily requesting to waive my second unpaid meal period if I am entitled to one." *

Recommendation: ACCEPT means your shift length will remain the same or DECLINE means your shift will be extended, and you will receive two meal periods as a 10-hour and 12-hour shift worker.

*"Question 2) I am voluntarily requesting to take my unpaid meal periods at a time that may not be within a two-to-five-hour block of work." *

Recommendation: DECLINE means if your meal period is not within the two-to-five-hour block, then you should receive 30 minutes of pay. You can file a complaint with L&I if you are not paid accordingly.

>> Track your late meal periods here!

>> If you feel that you have been coerced into signing the meal waiver by Providence, we strongly encourage you to file a complaint with L&I.

Providence Meal Waiver and Shift Length Changes

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In December 2023, Providence issued a meal waiver to all members of the UFCW 3000 bargaining unit. As union members, we have the collective right to negotiate over the terms of this waiver. Earlier this year, we engaged in negotiations with Providence regarding the meal waiver language. Despite our reasonable proposal, Providence rejected our language. Furthermore, we informed Providence that, based on past practices and contractual agreements, they were not permitted to alter shift lengths.

However, in February 2024, Providence began informing members of their intention to implement changes to shift lengths. We believe Providence is sidestepping the bargaining process by unilaterally implementing these changes and acting in bad faith. Consequently, we are initiating unfair labor practice proceedings against Providence. We have issued a cease-and-desist letter to Providence and are demanding to return to the bargaining table to resolve this matter.

Given Providence's decision to proceed with extending shift lengths, we advise 10-hour and 12-hour shift workers to carefully consider their options. You may choose to accept an extended shift with two meal periods or opt to waive the second meal period and retain your current shift length. If you opt to waive the second meal period, you retain the right to revoke this decision at any time through your core leader.

However, we strongly advise against waiving the timing of your meal period, as you are entitled to 30 minutes of pay for late meal periods.

Question 1: I am voluntarily requesting to waive my second unpaid meal period if I am entitled to one.

Recommendation:
ACCEPT means your shift length will remain the same.
OR
DECLINE means your shift will be extended and you will receive two meal periods as a 10 hour and 12-hour shift worker.

Question 2: I am voluntarily requesting to take my unpaid meal periods at a time that may not be within hours two through five-hour block of work.

Recommendation:
DECLINE means if your meal period is not within the two-to-five-hour block then you should receive 30 minutes of pay. You can file a complaint with L&I if you are not paid accordingly.

Track your late meal periods here >>

Know your Rights! Providence Meal Waiver

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UFCW 3000 is working with Providence to address the Meal Waiver situation. We consider the language in the meal waiver to be a direct negotiation with employees since Providence is asking you to waive rights outlined in our contracts. We want to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for missed or late meal periods and that your contract is not negatively impacted.

For shifts of 11 hours or more: If your shift length is 11 hours or more, you are entitled to two 30-minute meal periods. If you are currently only receiving one 30-minute meal period and have not waived your second meal period, you may be entitled to compensation. Additionally, the employer may extend your shift based on the language in the CBA and past practices in order to accommodate your second meal period.

It is your right to waive the second meal period, but you may miss out on overtime pay for missing your second meal period if you choose to waive it. While we recommend not waiving your second meal period, the decision to do so is ultimately yours.

We will be holding a Zoom meeting on Monday, February 5, from 6 - 7 pm for all Providence members to ask questions about the meal waiver. Join the meeting at that time by clicking here:

In the meantime, if you have any questions, please reach out to your union rep:

  • Anthony Cantu (Providence Everett RNs): 206-436-6566

  • Jack Crow (Providence Everett Pros and Techs): 206-436-6614

  • Madison Derksema (Providence St. Peter, Providence Radiant Care, and Providence Centralia): 206-436-6603

  • Lenaya Wilhelm (Providence Holy Family and Sacred Heart): 509-340-7369

  • Juanita Quezada (Providence Sacred Heart Techs and Providence St. Mary): 509-340-7407

  • Amy Radcliff (Providence Mt. Carmel and St. Joseph): 509-340-7370

Health Care Rest Breaks & Meal Periods: Know Your Rights and Your Contract

Shift Length Rest Breaks Meal Period
4-5 hour shift 10 min* x1 0
8-hour shift 10 min* x2 30 min x1
10-hour shift 10 min* x2 30 min x1
12-hour shift 10 min* x3 30 min x2
16-hour shift 10 min* x4 30 min x2

*10 minutes is the WA State minimum. If your contract bargaining agreement (CBA) states 15 minutes, you should receive 15-minute rest breaks

  • You must receive a paid rest break for every four (4) hours worked.

  • You cannot waive your right to a rest break.

Meal Period: Your right to a meal period

A meal period cannot be substituted for breaks: Any employee who works more than four (4) hours gets their breaks as outlined above, and any scheduled meal period.

You are entitled to a 30-minute uninterrupted meal period when working more than five hours. The first meal period must be between the second and fifth hour worked. If you work 11 hours or more during the day, you must receive a second meal period no later than five (5) hours after the end of your first meal period.

Interrupted Mealtime: If you are required to stay on duty during a meal break you are still entitled to 30 total minutes of mealtime, excluding interruptions, plus 30 minutes of pay. Time spent performing the work task is not considered part of the meal period. The entire meal period must be paid no matter the number of interruptions. For example, if you received a 30-minute meal break but had to answer your work phone throughout then you should be paid 30 minutes for your meal period and receive a total of 30 minutes (non-consecutive) mealtime. 

Late Mealtime: If you are not given time to have a 30-minute mealtime, you must be paid for your time worked plus 30 minutes. Paying employees 30 minutes for the meal period does not absolve the employer’s responsibility to give you a late 30-minute unpaid mealtime when practicable.

The above is a general guideline to meal periods and rest breaks. For more in-depth information please contact your union representative OR download the Health Care Guide to Meal and Rest Breaks >>

Relevant Laws:

Providence Meal Waiver Update

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In December 2023, Providence sent out a meal waiver to all UFCW 3000 represented employees. Providence is seeking to get employees to waive the timing of their first and second meal period, and waive their right to a second meal period if they are a 10 hour or 12 hour shift employee. Per the collective bargaining agreements, meal breaks should be administered per WA state law WAC 296-126-092  andRCW 49.12.480

RCW 49.12.480

  • 8 hour shift employee- 2 paid rest breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal period for every 5 hours worked with the first unpaid meal break between the second and fifth hour of the shift
     

  • 10 hour shift employee- 2 paid rest breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal period for every 5 hours worked with the first unpaid meal break between the second and fifth hour of the shift 
     

  • 12 hour shift employee- 3 paid rest breaks and one unpaid 30 minute meal period for every 5 hours worked with the first unpaid meal break between the second and fifth hour of the shift

If you do not receive your meal period or receive a late meal period, you are supposed to be paid 30 minutes for every missed meal period. If you believe you have not been paid appropriately, please contact your union representative.

UFCW 3000 is recommending that you deny Providence’s request to both questionson the meal waiver. Our position is that Providence cannot change the timing of the meal period without bargaining over this issue and by waiving your right to a second meal period you may be losing out on overtime pay.

We have demanded that Providence remove the timing question from the meal waiver and bargain with us over the confusing language in the meal waiver. We have not heard back from Providence but expect an answer this week.

Our recommendation is that you respond in the following way:

  1. Question 1: I am voluntarily requesting to waive my second unpaid meal period if I am entitled to one. DECLINE
     

  2. Question 2: I am voluntarily requesting to take my first and second (if applicable/not waived) unpaid meal period at a time that is different than between hours two through five of my work periods. DECLINE

If you have any questions, please reach out to your union rep: Anthony Cantu (Providence Everett RNs), Jack Crow (Providence Everett Pros and Techs), Madison Derksema (Providence St. Peter, Providence Radiant Care and Providence Centralia), Lenaya Wilhelm (Providence Holy Family and Sacred Heart), Juanita Quezada (Sacred Heart Tech), Amy Radcliff (Mt Carmel RN and St. Joes).

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Brittany Reusse

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Brittany Reusse, proud UFCW 3000 member and ICU RN

It’s #MemberMonday and today we’re spotlighting Brittany Reusse, who is an ICU RN at Providence St. Mary Medical Center!

Shortly after graduating from nursing school, Brittany and her husband relocated to Walla Walla because they wanted to settle down in a town with a strong community atmosphere. Immediately prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Brittany began working in the float pool. Working through such a challenging time deeply bonded Brittany with her coworkers and allowed her to make many connections throughout the hospital across different units and roles. Eventually, Brittany settled into a permanent position in the ICU.

In the spring 2021, the ICU needed a representative on the bargaining team for contract negotiations. Brittany volunteered, passionate about connecting nurses together, ensuring excellent patient care, and advocating for better working conditions for her colleagues. Brittany says that being the ICU representative (and now a union shop steward!) gave her important perspective on solidarity and what workers can achieve together when we are united.

Brittany — thank you for your leadership and all your hard work in serving your patients, your coworkers, and your community!

Providence St. Mary’s Hospital New three-year contract Ratified months before expiration!

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“The process was overwhelming, but the juice was worth the squeeze!”

On Monday, October 3, UFCW 3000 RN’s represented at Providence St. Mary’s hospital ratified a new 3 year contract. With a very high percentage turnout and by super majority vote our new contract contains the highest wage increases that we have seen at St. Mary’s, increases to premiums, Tuition reimbursement and will set a foundation to build power within the workplace that will help improve working conditions.

Thank you to all members who joined one of our vote meetings and participated in the ratification of this contract.

Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Representative Juanita Quezada (509)340-7407 for any questions or concerns as they were the ones participating in the process at the bargaining table.

Providence St. Mary's | Vote Scheduled - Tentative Agreement Reached

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PROVIDENCE ST. MARY’S | VOTE SCHEDULED
TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED

After three days of bargaining, we have a tentative agreement with Providence St. Mary’s for a new three-year contract.

We accomplished so much including across the board wage increases, tuition reimbursement, new premiums, increase in existing premiums, bonuses, secured process for creating floating practices and improved standby/call back.

Please join us and vote on our new contract!

Monday, October 3
6:30am – 9am or 5pm – 8pm
Marian Room

You must be present and a member in good standing to vote. A full document of the tentative agreement will be provided at the vote, and we encourage everyone to come ask any questions and vote.


“With unity comes knowledge and power. I am encouraging everyone to join us in voting Yes on this new contract.”

-Brittany Reusse, RN ICU


“This was my first experience with negotiations, and I have learned so much about the process and appreciate all of the hard work my team has put into this contract. I am very positive about the changes we can make when we stand together.”

-Danielle Board RN Float Pool


“This process has been really exciting. Both parties worked hard to get a workable solution in a timely manner.”

-Bruce Curnuck, RN OR

Providence St. Mary’s Bargaining Team (R-L): Brenda Gales-Groom, Med Surg. RN | Deidre Hyde, Home Health RN | Brittany Reusse, ICU RN | Caitlyn Ives, Surgical Floor RN | Danielle Board, Float Pool RN | Amanda Fortney, OB RN | Bruce Curnuck, OR RN

UFCW 21 RNs at St Mary’s, St Peters and Centralia Reach Tentative Agreements early this morning

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News Update: January 10, 2020 – 8:00 AM
Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 21: 206-604-3421

UFCW 21 RNs at St Mary’s, St Peters and Centralia Reach Tentative Agreements Early This Morning

This morning we are announcing that over the night, UFCW 21 RNs from St Mary’s in Walla Walla and then our RNs at St Peters from Olympia and Centralia all reached Tentative Agreements.

Just over one week ago 13,000 nurses and health care workers at UFCW 21, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW and WSNA were all prepared to begin the final 10-day countdown for a large-scale strike at Providence for patient care and safety. A January 2nd joint bargaining session with all three unions and the employer resulted in the first significant progress in months and that breakthrough led to the postponing of the strike notice. This week started with a Tentative Agreement (TA) being reached by RNs from WSNA at Sacred Heart. Within 24 hours UFCW 21 service and maintenance workers at Sacred Heart also reached a TA, followed another 24 hours later by TAs with service and maintenance workers at Holy Family and two more bargaining units (Professional and Technical workers) at Providence Medical Center in Everett.

These TAs represent advances for patient care and safety and improvement of workplace conditions and they have been made possible by the unity of SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW, WSNA and UFCW 21. These three unions represent over 13,000 health care workers and nurses at 13 facilities across the state in this current round of negotiations with Providence.

At the timing of this release, ongoing intensive negotiations are taking place today with SEIU healthcare 1199 NW and Providence and it is hoped that a tentative agreement will be reached there soon.

General Membership Meetings Winter 2017

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Aberdeen
Monday, February 13
6:00 pm   
Grays Harbor Hospital- West Campus
915 Anderson Drive
Conference Room E - 1st Floor

Auburn
Wednesday, February 15
2:30 pm
Auburn Regional Medical Center
Plaza 1: 202 N Division St
AMC Family Birth Center

Bellevue
Thursday, February 16
9:00 am & 7:00 pm
Sheraton Hotel
100 112th Ave NE
Newport Room

Bellingham
Wednesday, February 15
7:00 pm
Quality Inn Baron Suites
100 E Kellogg Road
Olympus Room

Bremerton
Thursday, February 16
11:00 am
Harrison Medical Center
2520 Cherry Ave
Cafeteria

Brewster
Wednesday, February 15
5:00 pm
Three Rivers Hospital
415 Hospital Way
Hillcrest Admin. Bldg. Room 105

Centralia
Wednesday, February 15
10:00 am
Providence Centralia
914 S Scheuber Road
Cafeteria

Colville/Chewelah
Wednesday, February 15
5:00 pm
Nordlig Hotel
101 W Grant Ave, Chewelah
Meeting Room

Coupeville
Wednesday, February 15
3:15 pm  
Whidbey General Hospital
101 N Main St
Conference Room B

Enumclaw
Monday, February 13
1:00 pm
Guesthouse Inn
1000 Griffin Ave
Meeting Room

Everett
Thursday, February 16
9:00 am  (New Location)
Teamsters Local 38
2601 Everett Ave
Downstairs Conference Room

Thursday, February 16
7:00 pm
Snohomish Cty PUD
2320 California St
Room - TC1-A

Federal Way
Tuesday, February 14
9:00 am
Hometown Office Suites & Svcs
33530 1st Way South #102
Class Room

Forks
Monday, February 13
2:00 pm
Forks Community Hospital
530 Bogachiel Way
Main Conference Room

Kennewick
Monday, February 13
6:00 pm
IBEW 112
2637 W Albany Ave
Meeting Room

Kent
Monday, February 13
9:00 am & 5:00 pm
Kent Commons
525 4th Ave N
AM-Interurban Room
PM-Mill Creek Room

Lynnwood
Monday, February 13
7:00 pm
Lynnwood Convention Center
3711 196th St SW
Room 1A

Monroe
Thursday, February 16
3:30 pm
EvergreenHealth Monroe
14701 179th Ave SE
The Café Corner

Moses Lake
Thursday, February 16
5:00 pm
Samaritan Healthcare
801 E Wheeler Road
Classroom 401

Mount Vernon
Tuesday, February 14  
7:00 pm
UFCW 21 Office
1510 N 18th St
Conference Room

Oak Harbor
Wednesday, February 15
7:00 pm
Best Western Harbor Plaza
33175 SR 20
Whidbey Room

Olympia
Monday, February 13
12:00 pm
GHC - Olympia Medical Ctr
700 Lily Rd NE
Room A

Tuesday, February 14
3:30 pm
Capital Medical Center
3900 Capital Mall Dr SW
Cafeteria

Wednesday, February 15
1:00 pm
Providence St. Peter Hospital
413 Lily Road NE
Cafeteria

Omak
Tuesday, February 14
2:30 pm
Mid-Valley Hospital
Family Medical Building
800 Jasmine St
Room E (Family Medical Center)

Tuesday, February 14
5:15 pm
Mid-Valley Clinic
529 Jasmine St
Break Room

Port Angeles
Wednesday, February 15
4:30 pm
Olympic Medical Center
939 Caroline Street
Wendel Room

Port Townsend
Tuesday, February 14
12:00 pm & 5:15 pm
Pt. Townsend Senior Ctr.
620 Tyler St
Board Room

 

Republic 
Tuesday, February 14
12:30 pm
Ferry County Memorial Hospital
36 Klondike Road
HUB Conference Room 

Sea-Tac
Monday, February 13
7:00 pm
Angle Lake Community Center
4040 S 188th Street, #100
3rd Floor Conference Room

Seattle
Tuesday, February 14  
9:30 am & 7:00 pm
Phinney Neighborhood Center
6532 Phinney Ave N
Room 31 Lower Brick Bldg.

Thursday, February 16
9:00 am & 7:00 pm
UFCW 21 - Seattle
5030 1st Ave S
Joe Crump Hall

Sequim
Wednesday, February 15
7:00 pm
Quality Inn
134 River Road
Breakfast Room

Shelton
Wednesday, February 15
12:30 am (New Date & Time)
Mason General
901 Mountain View Dr
Washington Room

Silverdale
Wednesday, February 15
9:00 am & 5:30 pm
UFCW 21 Office
3888 NW Randall Way #105
Conference Room

South Bend
Monday, February 13
3:00 pm
Willapa Harbor Hospital
800 Alder Street
Evergreen Room

Spokane
Thursday, February 16
8:00 am, 1:00 pm & 4:00 pm
UFCW 21 Office
1710 N Calispel
Conference Room

Tacoma
Tuesday, February 14
2:00 pm & 5:00 pm
First United Methodist Church
621 Tacoma Ave S
Room 119

Tonasket
Wednesday, February 15
12:30 pm & 2:00 pm
North Valley Hospital
203 S. Western Ave
Orientation Room

Walla Walla
Monday, February 13
1:00 pm
Providence St. Mary’s Medical Center
401 W. Poplar St
Vincentian Room

Wenatchee
Thursday, February 16
12:00 pm
Confluence Health
1300 Fuller St
Conference Room A