UFCW 3000 Announces 3-Day Strike at Macy’s Across Western Washington

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A group of Macy's workers and supporters at an informational picket earlier this year.

UFCW Local 3000 members at Macy’s have been engaged in contract negotiations with their employer for over 8 months. Over the course of negotiations Macy’s has engaged in unfair labor practices (ULPs) that have interfered with the bargaining process, refused to agree to sensible safety language, and is offering most workers a meager 50 cents annual wage increase all while proposing to eliminate their wage scales.

Workers have had enough, announcing a 3-day unfair labor practice strike that will begin on Black Friday and carry through the busy holiday weekend. Strikes will be held at Union Macy’s stores at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham.

UFCW Local 3000 members across all industries can help striking Macy’s workers by signing up for a shift on the strike line. You can also RSVP to the Macy’s Striking Workers Parade, which will kick off the ULP strike to great fanfare at the Southcenter location on Black Friday!

Strike Shift Sign-Up

Sign up for a shift on the strike line at any of these Union Macy’s:

  • Southcenter Mall in Tukwila

  • Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood

  • or Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham

SIGN UP FOR A STRIKE SHIFT

Macy’s Striking Workers Parade

9 AM on Black Friday (11/24)

Southcenter Mall (Tukwila)

A parody of the iconic Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City, this event features speakers advocating for striking workers, towering inflatables, and a Cher impersonator!

RSVP FOR OUR MACY’s PARADE

Candlelight vigil for patient safety at Providence Everett

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Join nurses, community, and patients at this candlelight vigil. Support nurses in their upcoming ULP strike for patient safety. Nurses are fighting for their community and patients. Show Providence we stand united!

November 16 at 5:30PM Vigil at the Drew Nielsen Neighborhood Park (Colby Ave & 13th St, Everett, WA 98201). Vigil begins at 6PM.

RSVP and join us >>

PRMCE RN Notice Issued: 10 DAYS until nurse ULP Strike!

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ALERT: 10 Day Notice for our 5 day ULP Strike Given Today!

We are nurses, advocates for patient safety, and the backbone of Providence Everett (PRMCE). We made our position clear by an over 97% vote- that Providence had to either come to the table and in good faith consider our common-sense solutions to the major issues facing our coworkers and patients, or we were ready to engage in a ULP Strike.

Providence in bad faith dismissed previously agreed upon agreements solely based on our shift away from expedited negotiations. This not only hindered the bargaining process but also raised doubts about their commitment to engage in good-faith negotiations.

We interpret these actions as punitive measures on the part of Providence Everett, including the refusal to honor previously established tentative agreements from expedited bargaining. These punitive measures, in our view, constitute an unfair labor practice.

After a long day of bargaining the next step is clear: the time to stand up is now!  
It's time to make our voices heard and demand that Providence bargain in good faith.
Today we gave our 10-day notice for a ULP strike. Our strike will start November 14 at 6 a.m.

In response to our efforts to rebuild trust and enhance patient safety within our community, Providence said: They are not interested.

In response to ensure safe staffing, Providence responded: They are not interested.

In response to fairly compensating us and to ensure we are leaders in the industry, Providence responded: They are not interested.

Our Bargaining Team has put forward comprehensive proposals, which included safe staffing accountability, night shift nurse longevity, community responsibility, competitive wage increases, recognition for years of experience, 12-month step progression, and retention bonuses. We made these suggestions to ensure that we can provide the best care possible for our patients.  

Unfortunately, PRMCE rejected our common sense solutions and instead has committed unfair labor practices by not bargaining in good faith.

We urge all nurses at PRMCE to stand up for safe staffing and a contract that attracts and retains staff. Starting from November 14 at 6am, do not report to work, and join our ULP strike line. Sign up for a strike shift on ufcw3000.org/strike to ensure that our collective action is organized and effective.

Important events over the next 10 days:

November 4-13: Union Staff will be at Colby Campus or Pavilion Bistro Campus daily from 5am– 8am & 11am- 2pm to assist with strike paperwork and strike shift sign up

November 6: Press Conference at 11am @ Strike Headquarters: 2810 Lombard St. Everett 98201

November 7: Strike Picket Making Party from 4 – 6pm @ Strike Headquarters: 2810 Lombard St. Everett 98201

Leaflet grocery stores by PRMCE  from 3-5pm Grocery Store Leaflet (RSVP with Rep Anthony Cantu)

8pm Strike Captain Meeting via Zoom w/ ULP Training https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81373254464pwd=aVV0d3Q1YlhGaHByeVRycGV3QkF2QT09

Nov 8: Telephone Town Hall Strike Q&A with UFCW 3000 President and Nurses at 7:30pm (You will receive a call from UFCW 3000 at 7:30pm, just pick up the phone!)

November 11: Neighborhood leaflet @ 11am (RSVP with Anthony Cantu)

November 14: 1st day of the ULP Strike @ 6AM

To receive strike benefits including emergency family resources, nurses will need to complete a W9 form with Union Staff. We will be providing physical forms in the Hospital with the sections highlighted that need to be completed and signed. Originals must be returned to Union staff. Come to the Colby Campus or Pavilion Bistro Campus daily from 5am– 8am and 11am –2pm.

Our commitment to patient safety and our colleagues is unwavering, and it's time for PRMCE to take action that aligns with our priorities of providing above standard and safe care to our community. We will strike for what is right, and we will prevail!

Let's strike, united and unyielding, on November 14th, and together, we will ensure that our community and our patients’ voices are heard!

PRMCE RNs From Scrubs to Strike: What's Next?

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From Scrubs to Strike: What's Next?

On October 19, an overwhelming majority of nurses authorized a strike. This strike authorization gives our Registered Nurse UFCW 3000 Bargaining Team authority to issue a strike notice. It's crucial to understand that a strike isn't merely a work stoppage; it's a collective assertion of our rights and our commitment to the well-being of our patients.

With this strike authorization, we now possess considerable leverage. On November 3, we will return to the bargaining table -one final opportunity for PRMCE Management to show a genuine willingness to amend their proposals and avert a strike. Our objective extends beyond strike readiness; we are earnestly seeking a swift agreement on a fair contract that serves the best interests of our community and patients.  

As we approach the bargaining table on November 3, we insist that PRMCE engage in good-faith negotiations and make substantial improvements to their proposals. These improvements encompass areas such as: safe staffing accountability, night shift nurse longevity, community responsibility, competitive wage increases, recognition for years of experience, 12-month step progression, and retention bonuses.

Should a resolution not be reached on November 3, we will issue a strike notice.

From now until November 3, we will not remain silent. We are actively involved in community actions to shed light on the staffing crisis at PRMCE and the hospital's questionable bargaining practices. On October 25, we met with the leadership of North King and Snohomish County International Association of Firefighters (IAFF), who have pledged their support and readiness to take action. Furthermore, we are diligently finalizing strike logistics over the next couple weeks.

Preparing for the Strike:

Nurses who volunteer for strike duty for a minimum of 20 hours per week will be eligible for union strike benefits of $500. All nurses, including probationary nurses, nurse residents, and per diem nurses, are eligible to participate in the strike.

*Updates to Strike Benefits forms! We previously had shared that nurses need to complete a W4, I9, and share ID to receive Strike Benefits. We were able to simplify the process, with one single form (W9) and this also means it will not be taxed.

To receive Strike Benefits, nurses will need to complete a W9 form with Union Staff. We will be providing physical forms in the Hospital with the sections highlighted that need to be completed and signed. Originals must be returned into Union staff. We will be sending out days/times staff will be at both Hospital campuses.

*If you already completed the W4/I9, sorry for duplication! We will need you to complete the W9. Thank you!

To avoid delays in receiving your strike benefits, please complete your forms prior to the start of the strike. Strike checks for nurses will be mailed to the addresses on file with the union .

It is vital that your contact information, including your personal email, cell phone, and mailing address are up-to-date with the union so you receive important bargaining updates, strike information, and vote notices.Update your information here >>

UFCW 3000 maintains a hardship fund to assist members facing particularly challenging financial situations.

Upcoming Actions:

October 27: Strike Paperwork @ Colby campus cafeteria from 5:30am - 8am and 5pm - 8pm. In the Colby cafeteria & Pacific campus bistro from 11am - 2pm

October 29: Everett Canvass & Community Lawn Sign Distribution:11:00am - 2:00pm at the Milkhouse Coffee Company, 4405 Rucker Ave, Everett, WA 98203

October 30: Strike Paperwork @ Colby campus cafeteria and Pacific Campus bistro from 11am - 2pm 

October 30: Spooktacular Sign-Making Soiree from 4pm - 8pm. Join us for a strike sign making event on October 30, from 4pm - 8pm at the Snohomish County Labor Temple. Bring your children, family, and friends to our Spooktacular Sign-Making Soiree! You can learn about effective strike tactics against PRMCE, enjoy treats for your kids, and make your Strike Sign.

October 30: Contract Expires!

October 31: Attend the Strike Captain Meetings (open to all nurses) every Tuesday at 8pm >>

October 31: Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm                 

November 1: ​Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm 
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November 2: Kaiser Permanente on Strike in Everett -join the line!

November 2: Strike Paperwork @ Colby cafeteria and Pacific bistro Campus at 11am - 2pm

November 3: Bargaining resumes with PRMCE

LabCorp After LabCorp's unacceptable wage proposal - we're taking action!

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Last week, we received LabCorp Management’s first economic counterproposal. We had proposed substantial cost of living adjustments and base wage increases for all positions that would put us on par with the University of Washington, LabCorp’s biggest competitor in our area. LabCorp offered base wage increases between 1% and 5%, proposed changing (and for most positions, reducing) percentages between Steps, rejected market adjustments to premiums and differentials, and proposed increasing healthcare costs for every plan option.

When we asked if they seriously thought this economic proposal would fix their staffing problems, they emphasized that this was only their opening offer. We found this insulting and disappointing after months of discussion about the financial struggles we’re all facing and the difficulty LabCorp continues to have recruiting and retaining skilled, dedicated workers.

Because of the hard work of us and our coworkers around the country, LabCorp made record profits during the Covid-19 pandemic. We don’t expect LabCorp to singlehandedly fix the rising costs of housing, childcare, gas, or groceries—but we do expect our employer to pay us fair and competitive wages, provide accessible and affordable healthcare, and proactively support our continuing education. It’s good business sense. It’s best for our patients. It’s the right thing to do.

We deserve better, and we’re going to fight for it!

*UFCW 3000 LabCorp Workers’ Informational Picket has been rescheduled for October 19 from the previous date of October 12!

UFCW 3000 LabCorp members will be outside of James Tower at Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus on October 5 and October 19* to educate our communities, providers, and patients about our fight. All of us need to show up and stand united to win the contract we deserve. We return to the bargaining table in mid-October. Let’s show LabCorp that together, we’re an unstoppable force for change!

LEAFLETING & SIGN-MAKING @ JAMES TOWER: THURSDAY, OCTOBER 5 - 6:30AM-8:30AM / 11AM-1PM / 3PM-5PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

On our day off or on our breaks, we’ll be outside James Tower to share our stories with the community, make picket signs, and get excited about the next actions. Can’t make it? Share your picket sign message or LabCorp-themed chant with us on Slack, Facebook, at work, or with our Union Rep.

INFORMATIONAL PICKET @ JAMES TOWER: OCTOBER 19* from 11AM-1PM

Swedish Hospital Cherry Hill Campus: 550 17th Ave, Seattle, WA 98122

We’re taking action and holding our first informational picket of the year to show LabCorp that workers and the community stand united. Let’s send LabCorp a powerful message about our determination to win a fair contract.

Sign the petition for fair wages —and ask your co-workers to sign!

Event-leafleting calendar and community postcards coming soon!

Interested in sharing your story (or your department’s story) on our labor podcast, on our social media, or in an op-ed? Reach out to our Union Rep, Christie Harris.

Stopping the merger update

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Since the day the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons was announced, our local unions and members have been taking action to protect our stores, our jobs, and our customers. Keeping you all informed during this process has been a priority. Thousands of you joined our Telephone Town Hall Update in May with members from the West Coast, the East Coast, and many states in between. Since May , members, community and allies across the country have been working hard as part of the “Stop the Merger Coalition" to convince the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that this merger is a bad deal for everyone.

Here's a brief snapshot of what we've been doing to oppose the devastating proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons:

  • Getting the Word Out: spreading the word through social media, press releases, and community events. Members have been letting everyone know why this merger is a major problem, including a threat to jobs, competition, higher prices, and how it will hurt our local communities.

  • Talking to Decision-Makers: advocating with policymakers in the federal government and state Attorneys General in California, Washington, Idaho, Colorado, Washington, DC, and many more to ensure they understand our concerns. UFCW Members are testifying, sharing stories, and making sure your voices are heard where it counts. The news coverage has been massive and important in getting our stories out to the public.

  • Making Our Case: UFCW members are leading the fight to show federal and state policymakers that prioritizing the impact on grocery store workers is paramount to a thriving network of grocery stores in our local communities. Without workers’ lives being a primary consideration, the ones who benefit will be the Kroger and Albertsons executives. Albertsons owners already took nearly $4 billion out of the company and now are looking to cash in with a $146 million golden parachute.

  • Taking It to the Streets: promoting rallies, petitions, and meetings. We're making sure our communities know what's at stake and getting them involved. We've joined forces with other groups like farmers, community allies, and consumer advocates who are also worried about this merger. The more people we have on our side, the stronger our message becomes.

Our fight isn't over. Your involvement is crucial to our success. For example, by adding your stories of harm from past mergers, we are forcing the FTC to take notice that the people who are hurt most by these mega-mergers are the workers and the communities they serve.

Take Action

The FTC has the power to block this merger. Take action now by sending a message to the FTC to let them know we stand united in opposition to the Kroger/Albertsons merger.
 
We'll keep you posted as the fight continues. In the meantime, talk to your Union Rep or Steward to learn how you can be more involved.

Macy’s - NO PROGRESS AT THE TABLE

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Macy’s
NO PROGRESS AT THE TABLE

“Macy’s says they don’t understand our proposal for a living wage, so let’s take to the streets to explain!” – Nicole Hardin, Bargaining Team Member

Our Bargaining Team met with Management again on July 31, our first date with a mediator from the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS).

FMCS is a U.S. government agency that provides mediation and arbitration services to assist unions and Employers reach an agreement during contentious labor disputes. Since previous talks have been unfruitful, we believe that mediation is a necessary.

Our priorities were clearly articulated to the mediator, with a primary focus on:

  • Wage Increases: We are resolute in our demand for a fair general wage increase that accounts for historic inflation. We also want an extra wage boost for colleagues who have worked 10 or more years with the company.

  • Wage Scales: Maintaining and updating our wage scales is crucial to ensuring that our compensation remains competitive, but Macys wants them gone entirely!

  • Safety: It's a no-brainer—our workplace should be safe for everyone, whether you're a customer or a colleague. We're pushing for a contract that makes Macy's step up and make real changes to improve safety in the store.

  • Furniture Gallery Hours: We're still not happy about the late-night business hours. It's hurting our commissions, and we think it was a bad move.

Despite or Bargaining Team’s willingness to engage with Management, it seems like Management isn't quite on the same page. The Employer refused to even give us a counter proposal! This means that their previous supposal of a $0.35 general wage increase, coupled with a mere $0.10 for colleagues with 15 or more years of service, remains on the table.

ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. We firmly believe that it is time to take action! Join your co-workers at the informational pickets on Friday, August 11,@ 2pm—4pm. Your participation will send a powerful message to the Employer that we stand together in solidarity for a fair and just contract.

In the event an agreement is not reached this month, we may need to proceed with a strike authorization vote in September. This is not a step our Bargaining Team takes lightly, but it is imperative that we remain steadfast in our pursuit of a contract that addresses our concerns.

I’LL BE THERE!
PICKET ACTION RSVP
bit.ly/macys-info-picket-23 >>

PRMCE—Listen to Your Nurses and Community!

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Since May 2023, we have been bargaining with Providence Everett management. Our objective has been safe staffing levels for our community and patients. Providence has rejected our staffing language and our ideas to retain and recruit nurses. It is time for our community and elected officials to hear about the staffing crisis at Providence Everett!

Nurses want the best for patients. Providence Everett wants the best for their pocketbooks.

It is time we take a stand.

Join us and bring your family and friends to one of the actions below and sign your strike pledge card! By signing a strike pledge card, we are saying that we are willing to strike in the future.

Sign the Strike Pledge!

Wednesday, July 12

Snohomish City Council Meeting @ 10:30am

  • 3000 Rockefeller Ave. 

  • 8th Floor, Jackson Board Room

  • Robert J. Drewel Building

  • Everett, WA 98201

Everett City Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

  • William E Moore Historic City Hall (Police, North Precinct)

  • 3002 Wetmore Ave.

  • Everett, WA 98201

Thursday, July 13

Banner and Leaflet at Everett Marina Summer Concert @ 4:45PM to 6:00PM

  • On W. Marine View Drive (near Lombardi’s) underneath the Grand Avenue Park Bridge

Sunday, July 16

Banner and Leaflet Action @ 5:30PM to 7:00PM

  • Broadway and Pacific Ave

  • Everett, WA 98201

UFCW 3000 Members & Grocery Store Workers Across Nation to Hold Actions Opposing Kroger-Albertsons Megamerger

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Coming soon to a store near you!

Leaflet Actions in Front of Kroger and Albertsons Stores “Stop The Merger – protect jobs, shoppers and access to food”

Grocery store workers from seven UFCW Local Unions – representing over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers in eleven states and the District of Columbia – will hold actions in front of stores between April 4th – 13th to connect with customers about the impacts of the proposed megamerger.  Since the companies announced the proposed merger in October, workers, unions, consumer groups and others have raised the alarm about the negative impact on workers, shoppers, and suppliers such as farmers and ranchers. In mid-March a national coalition of over 100 organizations was announced with a new website: https://www.nogrocerymerger.com/

If the $24.6 billion megamerger is approved, it will drive out competition, increase food prices, create food deserts, and put up to 100,000 union jobs at risk. The growing opposition is asking the Federal Trade Commission to block the megamerger from moving forward and prevent its negative impact on both consumer and labor markets.

All the local unions include: UFCW 3000 (WA & northern ID), UFCW 400 (MD,  DC, VA, WV, OH, KY, TN), UFCW  7 (CO & WY),  UFCW 770 (Southern CA), UFCW 5 (Northern CA), and UFCW 324 (Orange County CA/Southern Los Angeles County) and  UFCW 367, South Puget Sound of Washington State.

Join Us!

As part of these actions in states across the nation. UFCW 3000 will be holding over twenty-five actions across Washington state, including the following dates, times, locations:

4/4/2023 11:00AM
Fred Meyer Port Orchard,
1900 SE Sedgwick Rd, Port Orchard, WA

4/4/2023 11:00AM
Fred Meyer Ballard,
915 NW 45Th St, Seattle, WA

4/5/2023 10:30AM
QFC 825,
2500 SW Barton St, Seattle WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 3317,
3355 Bethel RD Port Orchard, WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 414,
4301 212th St SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA

4/5/2023 11:00AM
Safeway 464,
17246 Redmond Way, Redmond, WA

4/5/2023 12:00PM
QFC 826,
15600 NE 8th St Suite K-1 Bellevue, WA

4/5/2023 1:00 PM
Haggen 3450,
2601 E Divition St, Mount Vernon, WA

4/5/2023 1:45 PM
QFC 829,
460 E North Bend Way, North Bend, WA

4/5/2023 2:00 PM
Albertsons 471,
301 Marysville Mall, Marysville, WA

4/5/2023 2:15 PM
Haggen 3436,
757 Haggen Dr, Burlington, WA 

4/5/2023 3:00 PM 18325
Fred Meyer 13,
18325 Aurora Ave. N

4/5/2023 4:00 PM
Albertsons 3412,
1128 N Miller St, Wenatchee, WA

4/5/2023 4:30 PM
Safeway 3213,
15332 Aurora Ave N Shoreline, WA

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
Albertsons 453,
4621 Sunset Blvd. NE, Renton, WA

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
Safeway 494,
152 Roosevelt Way E, Enumclaw, WA

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
Albertsons 483,
4010 A St. SE, Auburn, WA

4/6/2023 3:00 PM
Fred Meyer 172,
10201 SE 240th St., Kent, WA

4/6/2023 3:00 PM
Fred Meyer 209,
9925 State Street, Marysville, WA 

4/6/2023 4:00 PM
Safeway 252,
690 Gage Blvd, Richland, WA 

4/6/2023 4:00 PM
Albertsons 265,
6520 North Nevada St., Spokane, WA

4/6/2023 6:00 PM
Fred Meyer 101,
Wellsian Way, Richland, WA

4/7/2023 11:00 AM
Safeway 1524
1401 NE McWilliams Rd, Bremerton, WA

4/7/2023 11:00 AM
QFC Ballard,
5700 24th Ave NW, Seattle, WA

4/7/2023 11:00 AM
Safeway 1524,
1401 NE McWilliams Rd Bremerton WA 98311

4/6/2023 12:00 PM
QFC Holman Road,
9999 Holman Rd NW, Seattle, WA

4/7/2023 12:15 PM
Fred Meyer 171
5050 WA-303, Bremerton WA

Safe Staffing Bill SB 5236 Passes Senate Ways & Means Committee

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A spread of three photos: One of two people in scrubs holding signs in support of safe staffing at the state capitol, the next a group of health care workers holding signs supporting safe staffing, and one of attendees at an outdoor candlelight

We’re writing with an update on the progress of Senate Bill 5236 – our bill to create safe staffing standards in Washington.

Last Friday, the Senate Ways and Means Committee voted to pass an amended version of SB 5236. It is worth celebrating that this bill is continuing to move forward through the legislative process, even as we know the fight for a strong version with meaningful enforcement provisions is ongoing. At this point, a few senators have prevented us from implementing statewide safe staffing standards across the board as initially proposed. Despite this, the committee did amend SB 5236 to strengthen staffing committees and improve enforcement, setting a solid foundation for us to keep fighting for safe staffing standards. We’re confident this agreement gets us closer to enforceable staffing standards by establishing penalties for hospitals that continue to violate staffing plans, and under the amended bill, if hospitals continue those violations, they would be subject to Labor and Industries’ strict enforcement of safe staffing standards.

The most important thing for all healthcare workers to know is that negotiations at the Capitol around this bill – what staffing standards and enforcement will look like – are ongoing as we speak, and state senators need to hear loud and clear from their constituents that this bill should stay as strong as possible. 

There is still time for hospital lobbyists to try to weaken the bill, but that means there is also time for us to make our voices heard. Contacting your senator, and encouraging your coworkers, family, friends, and community to do so as well, is the main way we can keep up the pressure. Share your experiences with short-staffing and what it means for your patients. Let them know what the current lack of accountability around staffing plans looks like day to day. Make it clear that their constituents are paying attention and demanding action.

Our next hurdle will be to get SB 5236 passed off the Senate floor by March 8th. We thank Sen. June Robinson for being our legislative champion on behalf of Washington’s healthcare workers and Sen. Christine Rolfes, who chairs the Ways and Means Committee, for keeping the focus on this bill until it was voted out of committee.

Your work and advocacy up to this point have been invaluable. We encourage you to continue reaching out to your Legislators to urge them to pass SB 5236.

We’re Telling Our Legislators: Safe Staffing Standards Can’t Wait

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After supporting our communities through three years of a pandemic, staffing in our hospitals is worse than ever. We know we don’t have a shortage of healthcare workers; we have a shortage of healthcare workers who are willing to work in these conditions. That’s why we’re calling on the legislature to pass a comprehensive law that puts patient safety and healthcare workers first.

Senate Bill 5236 calling for safe staffing standards was introduced in the Washington State legislature and had its first public hearing Jan. 17. The bill includes:

  • Safe staffing standards including maximum patient assignments

  • Adequate enforcement of staffing laws

  • Expanded protections for overtime and breaks

  • Protecting our rights to staffing committees and expanding them to be inclusive of the entire care team

 

Healthcare workers’ voices are critical!

Email your legislator. As constituents and union members, we know that direct communication with our elected representatives is one of the most effective ways to advocate for change. Send a message using our online advocacy tool:

Email your senator now
 

IN OLYMPIA:

The state Senate Committee on Labor and Commerce heard public testimony in support of SB 5236

“Less than one year ago I provided testimony on HB 1868 hoping this state would pass a law ensuring nurses and patients had safe healthcare environments – instead, staffing got worse. Not because this state isn’t educating enough nurses. The shortage is not nurses, the shortage is safe work environments. No amount of money can keep nurses repeatedly experiencing moral injury and burnout.” - Kelli Johnson, RN, Providence Regional Medical Center, Everett

 

“I have served on the staffing committee at our hospital for many years and have chaired that committee for the last year and a half. I am here to tell you it is infuriating to sit in committee month after month, year after year and see how our staffing guidelines are breached every single day on many units a day leaving nurses in untenable, dangerous and heartbreaking situations.” - Nonie Kingma, RN, Sacred Heart Hospital, Spokane

 

“Implementing safe staffing standards in every Washington hospital is the one thing that will make patient care safe again and keep healthcare workers like me at the bedside. Patient care is devastated, and that’s devastating for those of us at the bedside. Where I work, folks’ fingers are on the send button to resign. They are ready to move to outpatient care, retire — frankly, anything else. This bill makes working in a hospital safe again. This bill is what will keep and bring healthcare workers back to the beside.” - Melissa Swetland Leaptrot, RN, St. Anne Hospital, Burien

A person speaking in front of a bookshelf

Senate Hearing on Safe Staffing Law a Huge Success!

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Watch UFCW 3000 member Kelli Johnson, Providence Everett ER nurse, speak to state senators about the importance of safe staffing standards.

This week UFCW 3000 members and our allies at SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and WSNA, along with community supporters, made our presence known at the State Capitol during a state senate hearing on Safe Staffing bill SB 5236. Health care workers testified during the committee hearing and met with lawmakers to ensure they know how desperate the staffing crisis is—and how important it is to pass statewide safe staffing standards now.

Watch the Full Hearing

“Less than one year ago I provided testimony on House Bill 1868 hoping the state would pass a law ensuring nurses and patients have a safe healthcare environment. Instead, staffing got worse,” said UFCW 3000 member and Providence Everett emergency RN Kelli Johnson to the senate committee. “The shortage is not nurses, the shortage is safe work environments. No amount of money can keep nurses repeatedly experiencing moral injury and burnout, two of the top three reasons nurses leave the profession.”

We are not alone: Firefighters, mental health advocates, rare disease patient advocates, and others also testified in support. And more than 2,000 people signed in “Pro” in support of the bill, more than twice as many as those opposed!

Take action to support SB 5236:

Email your lawmakers
Share your staffing experience

Safe Staffing Bill Scheduled for a Hearing

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This week the coalition of healthcare workers from UFCW 3000, WSNA, and SEIU 1199NW, relaunched the WA Safe + Healthy campaign and Senate Bill 5236 to pass safe staffing standards to address the worsening hospital staffing crisis.

Please join healthcare workers from across the state for our first hearing in the Senate Labor and Commerce Committee scheduled for:

Tuesday, January 17 @ 10:30AM
Washington State Capitol - Senate Hearing Rm 1
John A. Cherberg Building and Virtual

(John A. Cherberg Building to the Capitol map link HERE)

Even if you are unable to testify in committee due to time constraints or distance, there are several other ways for members of the Senate Labor Committee hear from you about how unsafe staffing levels have impacted you, your patients, colleagues, and communities across the state.

Health Care Workers: Click here to email your legislators
Family or Community: Click here to email your legislators

The more healthcare workers and community our elected leaders hear from, the more likely they are to pass this critical legislation! Next week we will be wearing stickers in the worksites to show our support for safe staffing. Your Union Representatives will be in touch and getting those to workplace leaders for distribution.

Questions, or to get involved in helping lead the fight for safe staffing, please reach out to your Union Representative.

The fight's not over: We’re heading back to Olympia to address the staffing crisis

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We haven’t given up the fight for safer staffing. Last legislative session, we made momentous progress in elevating the staffing recruitment and retention crisis to lawmakers, media, and the public. Unfortunately, we weren’t able to secure safe staffing standards in 2022. But we know the crisis hasn’t gotten better – if anything, it’s gotten worse.

We’re gearing up now to take the fight back to Olympia and do what it takes to make sure healthcare workers have the staffing they need to provide excellent care. We look forward to sharing more policy specifics soon. But we need you to keep fighting, too.

 

Last year’s success was only possible because of activism from healthcare workers like you. Your voices are powerful. They move legislators to act. Help us make the most compelling case to legislators by sharing your personal staffing story!

Share your experience
 

Read what our members have to say about why they’re back in the fight to win safe staffing...

“Nurses and other healthcare workers continue to burn out under the stress of caring for more and more patients. Across the state, we’re seeing long backups in emergency rooms and patients waiting in the ER until there’s a bed and a nurse to take care of them. We’re seeing nurses and other healthcare workers run ragged trying to keep up. That’s why we can’t let up on our fight for safe staffing. We need state-level solutions, which is why we’re headed back to the legislature to win safe staffing in 2023.” -Jacob Garcia, Med-Surg Registered Nurse, Astria Sunnyside

“We need to do something now to retain our experienced staff and attract new caregivers to the field. We have lost too many co-workers to burnout already. It’s painful to see just how much short staffing is affecting patient care. I’m encouraging my co-workers and all fellow healthcare workers to speak up so state lawmakers can hear directly from those of us on the front lines. Solving this problem is going to require lawmakers to act in the interest of patients and ensure our communities have access to quality healthcare with safer staffing.” -Iliana Ramirez, Medical Assistant, Lourdes Medical Center

“Safe staffing cannot wait. We are going back to the legislature more united than ever for safe staffing standards for all healthcare workers. We’re asking everyone for their support, and to be ready to talk to their legislators, friends, and family. We are moving forward, now join us!” -Ade Adeyemo, Certified Nursing Assistant, UW Medicine - Northwest Hospital

Stop the Kroger Albertsons Merger and the Cash Grab - Add your name!

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Stop the Kroger Albertsons Merger and the Cash Grab - Add your name!

We would like to send an email to the FTC’s AntiTrust division and add your name to the growing list endorsing the letter we sent on 11/3 expressing concern about this proposed merger.

On November 3, 26 organizations, including UFCW 3000, wrote a formal letter to the Federal Trade Commission raising serious concerns regarding the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons. That letter concluded with the following:

 “The bottom line is that this proposed merger is bad for workers, bad for consumers, bad for communities, bad for the economy—indeed, bad for everyone not associated with Cerberus Capital Management or owning shares in these two companies. We urge you to take immediate action to stop the special dividend payment and block this merger altogether.”

Harbor Regional Health - Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Informational Picket!

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Harbor Regional Health

Members of the local community came out along with many hospital workers to send a strong message to management: We need a contract NOW! At the end of the Informational Picket community members stepped up and spoke to HRH workers offering overwhelming support! It was a beautiful fall day, a perfect day to make some noise in front of Harbor Regional Health.

Richland Fred Meyer Community Action

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This community has our back! Give us a fair first contract!

Show your support for Richland Fred Meyer workers, join us on the sidewalk outside the Richland Fred Meyer to demand a first contract for workers at the Richland Fred Meyer.

Friday, October 7 @ 1PM

Richland Fred Meyer workers organized at the end of last year and have been bargaining with the company since early spring for a first contract.

RSVP and join us!▸

Take Action with Organizing Starbucks Workers This Labor Day Weekend!

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Our fellow coffee and food workers at Starbucks stores across the country have been organizing for change at work, including forming Starbucks unions, and UFCW 3000 members have been taking action alongside them here in our area. This weekend, Starbucks Workers United are asking allies to join "Sip-In" actions on Sunday and Monday, by visiting specific Starbucks locations at certain times and showing support for the organizing effort. We encourage any UFCW 3000 members to join in solidarity if you can.

More information about these actions is in the flyer and below, and further Starbucks solidarity actions are planned for later this month, on Tuesday September 13. Find that 9/13 event information on our events calendar >>.

When workers are organizing, especially in our region or industries, we stand with them because we know that it takes a powerful, united movement of working people to make real change. And during our contract negotiations and workplace actions, other workers, unions, and community groups stand with us.

Want to get more involved in supporting organizing efforts at Starbucks? Sign the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge, or get in touch with your Union Rep about ways our union is supporting these workers.

Labor Day Weekend Actions at Seattle Starbucks Locations:

SUNDAY SEPT 4

  • 11am: Broadway & Denny Sip-In

    101 Broadway E, Seattle

  • Noon: University Way Sip-In

    4147 University Way NE, Seattle


MONDAY SEPT 5

  • 10am: Holman Road Sip-In

    9999 Holman Rd NW, Seattle

  • 2pm: Reserve Roastery Sip-In

    1124 Pike St, Seattle

How to Participate:

  • Order simple drinks! Avoid Frappuccinos, Refreshers, or anything with cold foam (or just get a water if you don't want to give Howard Schultz your money)

  • Give your name as: "Union Strong," "Workers Rights," "Solidarity," etc. (if you use the Starbucks app, change your name in the app, as it puts your name in automatically)

  • Leave thank-you notes and words of encouragement on community boards. Tell workers how inspiring they are!

  • Encourage customers to tip

  • Sign the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge