Mid Valley Hospital: Our Collective Action Moves Management

PAR I and II’s Receive Retroactive Pay

After management refused to fix an equitable pay issue with PAR’s after ratification our Union Members showed Solidarity and signed a Petition demanding the Administration fix the issue.  Thanks to our Collective Action we moved management to do the right thing.  The effected PAR’s will receive a retro check the next pay period.   

“We showed management that we are a strong Union and I am proud of all us coming together to fix an important issue for our co-workers.” -Patty Spade, PAR II, Mid Valley Clinic

Swains General Store Bargaining Update

As you may have heard, our member bargaining team held its first negotiation session with the employer on March 9, 2020. The team presented management with our proposed changes to the Swain’s contract, which included an aggressive wage proposal and fixes to issues such as holiday pay and retirement. To justify the need for significant wage increases the bargaining team shared their personal stories to management. We shared stories about unaffordable housing, skyrocketing property taxes, and longtime employees being paid close to minimum wage. We all know that the employees at Swain’s General Store are the reason the company has gained the community’s respect and remained profitable against competition such as Walmart. Your bargaining team will return to the table soon and hope management listened and will respond with a counter proposal that respects the hard work and dedication of their employees.

Macy’s Downtown Closure Severance update

On February 20, we signed an agreement with Macy’s over severance for workers laid-off from the Downtown Seattle location. The agreement includes one week of pay for every full year of service with a cap at 26 weeks. Macy’s has begun sending severance paperwork to associates via mail and email that includes the full language of the agreement as well as general release language. In order to receive your severance check, you will need to sign and return this paperwork within 45 days of receiving it. We retain the ability through our union to challenge any miscalculations or issues with payment of severance.

We are also aware that there were schedule changes during the final weeks of February that resulted in a loss of hours for multiple associates. We have an active grievance to remedy the issue.

If you have any questions about the calculation or payment of your severance or vacation cash out, please contact your union representative, Regan McBride at 206-436-6579

Providence St. Joseph and Mt. Carmel Contract Vote

Tentative Agreement Reached Bargaining Team Unanimously Recommends a YES Vote

Mt. Carmel Bargaining Team: Lynette Bell, ER; Rebecca Landers, OB; Kathie Richart, CCU; Lane Thayer, CCU; Lynn Wathne, Surgical Services St. Joseph Bargaining Team: Linda Kline, RN; Maegan George, RN; Tamara Brown, RN

After many months of bargaining we have reached a tentative agreement that includes the following highlights: Wage Increases Each Year Shift Differential Improvements Improvement to Grievance Language Additional Time Off “We look forward to showing everyone the improvement we won in our contract. See you at the Vote meetings” Members in good standing are encouraged to vote.

Ratification Vote

Mt. Carmel Hospital
March 11, 2020 4pm – 8:30pm / St. Catherine Hall
March 12, 2020 10am-2pm / St. Catherine Hall

Providence St. Joseph
March 12, 2020 4:30pm-8:30pm / DEC D across the street from Hospital

Cascade Valley Hospital - Proposal Vote Scheduled

We will be going back to the bargaining table in early March! All members are encouraged to come and have your voice heard on your top priorities at the bargaining table.

Vote Times
Cascade Valley Hospital
330 S Stillaguamish Ave, Arlington, WA 98223

2/25
3pm to 8pm
Baker Room

2/26
6am to 11am
Whitehorse Training Room

Macy’s - Downtown Closure Bargaining Update 2/14/20

Today we met with the employer with our bargaining director in attendance. Macy’s has not moved from their original proposal and has given us their last, best, and final proposal that is less than the Northgate and Everett agreements:

• Cap on severance at 26 weeks—Northgate/Everett severance was capped at 52 weeks

• Macy’s is only willing to cover the employer portion of COBRA for 3 months—Macy’s paid 100% of COBRA for 3 months at Northgate/Everett

We’re meeting with our legal team to explore all options to secure a fair severance for the Downtown Macy’s workers.

If you have questions, please contact your union representative, Regan McBride, at 206-436-6579

In Solidarity, your Member Bargaining Team, Susan Hedman, Patrick Keating

PCC Bargaining Update: Meet our Bargaining Team

On Monday, February 3 our PCC Bargaining Team met together for the first time. From the hundreds of bargaining surveys we received from members to set our bargaining priorities, by a wide margin, members are most concerned with better wages, secure retirement, dependable health care, increasing safety and training in our stores, and raising transparency and worker voices in the governance of PCC as a co-op. As a team we are committed to negotiating a contract we all can be proud of. Our next negotiation sessions will take place in early March. Stay involved, be sure we have your most updated information to stay connected and informed throughout the bargaining process.

Capital Medical Center RN - Bargaining Continues

Our UFCW 21 RN Bargaining Team met with Management in December 2019 and declined management’s one year offer of a 1.25% wage increase. Management was buying time until Providence hospitals settled their contract; historically Management has accepted an agreement like Providence hospitals’ contract. Since then, Providence hospitals have come to an agreement and have kept their EIB program and received 3% across-the-board wage increases for each year of the contract.

We resumed bargaining on January 28 and 29. Management proposed decreasing the EIB benefit and offered 1.75% wage increase for the first year; with the remaining two years of the contract not going above 2.25%. We are continuing to fight to maintain our EIB and higher wages, shift differential pay, floating pay, paid education days, and a higher rate of “continuing education” reimbursement.

“Management’s proposal of 1.75% increase for the first year is not sufficient. We know that non represented employees recently received a 3% wage increase.”
Carol Cairone, RN

“We are fighting to obtain competitive market wages in order to hire and retain quality nurses, which will allow us to have safe staffing levels and provide quality care to our community. This is our highest priority! Our patients come first.”
Bernie Ammons, RN

“We have reached agreement on some contractual provisions and continue to fight to retain our hard-earned benefits.”
Bonnie Verellen, RN

“We work hard for Capital Medical Center and our community. We will continue to hold the line at the table and negotiate for a fair and equitable contract.”
Sara McFarland, RN

Working on Wage Increases: Contract Proposal Meeting Scheduled

tentative agreement reached with the Sequim school district: Contract Vote Scheduled

The bargaining committee is fully recommending this tentative agreement, which includes improvements to the contract and no take-aways! Thursday, January 30 2pm to 4pm Sequim School District Office in the Board Room 503 N Sequim Ave, Sequim, WA 98382

UFCW 21 Providence Workers’ Votes Announced

For Immediate Release:
January 15, 2020
Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421 

UFCW 21 Providence Workers’ Votes Announced

 “We showed that through unity, and a commitment to our patients and each other that we could win a fair contract that is better for patient care and safety, better for staffing and better for the future of our hospitals.”

*The changes are reflective of wins across our union’s Providence bargaining units. Specifics may vary by location.                                                                      

The Tentative Agreement reached held the line on every one of the employer’s takeaways including: 

• NO cuts to our paid time off/sick leave that would have taken millions of dollars from years of our earned benefits

• ONLY accepting the new leave system after significant improvements and where it benefits us—at Holy Family and St. Mary’s

• NO changes to our health care

We fought for and won: 

• Improved safety standards for workers so we can be safe at work

• Improved staffing levels so we can take care of our patients with enough co-workers on shift

• Significant wage increases for every scale so we can better recruit and retain high quality staff at all our hospitals 

• Ratification bonus payments  

• Many market adjustments and increases to premiums to make sure we are fairly compensated and our workplaces remain competitive

• Better language in our contract to increase our power as unionized workers so we can stand up to Providence in the future and push back against their attempts to intimidate

• Lines up contract expirations in a way that will allow us to take action together in greater numbers in the next round of negotiations

Now the time has come for members at each location to vote. At their vote meeting, members will review the full details of the proposed new contract, get questions answered and vote.

Pro-Tech in Everett

DATE: 01/21/20

TIMES: 6:00am – 9:00am, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

LOCATION: Colby Campus  Olympic, Conference Room, 1700 13th St, Everett, WA 98201

DATE: 01/21/20

TIMES: 6:00am – 9:00am, 11:00am – 2:00pm

LOCATION: Everett Labor Temple Room 106, 2810 Lombard Ave Everett, WA 98201

Centralia RN

DATE: 01/22/20

TIMES: 6:00am – 9:00am, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

LOCATION: Koreski Conference Room 914, S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531

St. Peter’s RN

DATE: 01/23/20

TIMES: 6:00am – 9:00am, 11:00am – 2:00pm, 5:00pm – 9:00pm

LOCATION: Nisqually Conference Room, 413 Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506

St. Mary’s RN

DATE: 01/23/20

TIME: 5:30pm – 8:30pm

LOCATION: Mother Joseph Room A & B, 401 W Poplar St, Walla Walla, WA 99362

DATE: 01/24/20

TIME: 11:00am – 2:00pm, 4:00pm-6:00pm

LOCATION: Mother Joseph Room A & B, 401 W Poplar St, Walla Walla, WA 99362

BACKGROUND:

We started out as nine different negotiations across our one union. For months we got essentially nowhere and we were suffering from an increasing number of Unfair Labor Practices. Then we started to turn that around. We coordinated actions across our union, took strike authorization votes and developed a Unity commitment with SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW and WSNA. We worked together and ramped up the pressure on Providence to change. They still didn’t move. And then just hours before we collectively would have issued our 10-day notices to strike, we had a breakthrough. Together. This was followed by around the clock negotiations and ongoing unity that resulted in historic Tentative Agreements being reached across all of our bargaining units. We did it together. We remain committed to supporting SEIU healthcare 1199 NW until they reach a Tentative Agreement. And we are committed to keeping up with this collective spirit to enforce our contracts and negotiate together again in years ahead.

Tentative Agreement Reached contract votes scheduled: Providence PRMCE • Centralia • St. Peter • St. Mary

Providence PRMCE • Centralia • St. Peter • St. Mary

Tentative Agreement Reached

contract votes scheduled

After months of negotiations working in coalition with UFCW 21, SEIU 1199NW and WSNA, dozens of actions across the state and connecting with our communities about our issues, our Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement and recommends a YES VOTE! Now the time has come to make your voices heard again. Come to a vote meeting to review the full details of your proposed new contract, get questions answered, and vote.

PRMCE Pro-Tech
01/21/20
6:00am – 9:00am 11:00am – 2:00pm 5:00pm – 9:00pm
Colby Campus Olympic Conference Room
1700 13th St, Everett, WA 98201

01/21/20
6:00am – 9:00am 11:00am – 2:00pm
Everett Labor Temple Room 106
2810 Lombard Ave Everett, WA 98201

St. Peter’s RN
01/23/20
6:00a – 9:00a 11:00a – 2:00p 5:00p – 9:00p
Nisqually Conference Room 413
Lilly Rd NE, Olympia, WA 98506

Centralia RN
01/22/20
6:00a – 9:00a 11:00a – 2:00p 5:00p – 9:00p
Koreski Conference Room
914 S Scheuber Rd, Centralia, WA 98531

St. Mary’s RN
01/23/20
5:30pm – 8:30pm

01/24/20
11:00am – 2:00pm 4:00pm-6:00pm
Mother Joseph Room A & B
401 W Poplar St, Walla Walla, WA 99362

*These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 Providence Workers. Active members are eligible to vote at whatever time is most convenient.

Providence Sacred Heart & Holy Family - Contract Vote Scheduled

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

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.

Holy Family Tentative Agreement Reached

News Update: January 9, 2020 – early AM
Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 21: 206-604-3421

Holy Family Tentative Agreement Reached

In a continuation of Tentative Agreements reached in the last 72 hours at Providence Hospitals, the UFCW 21 Service and Maintenance members at Holy Family reached a Tentative Agreement last night. Also yesterday, Tentative Agreements were reached at UFCW 21’s Sacred Heart Service and Maintenance unit, as well as two bargaining units (Professional and Technical) at Providence Regional Medical Center in Everett. These advances for patient care and safety and improvement of workplace conditions achieved so far have been the result of 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.

Ongoing negotiations are taking place today with UFCW 21 RNs at Providence Hospitals of St Peters, Centralia and St Mary’s.

UPDATE – 2nd and 3rd Tentative Agreements of the Day Reached with UFCW 21 at Providence Everett Medical Center, other Tables Continue Talks

For Immediate Release: January 8, 2020 - 1:00 PM
Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 21 Cell: 206-604-3421

UPDATE – 2nd and 3rd Tentative Agreements of the Day Reached with UFCW 21 at Providence Everett Medical Center, other Tables Continue Talks

After months of contract negotiations, the UFCW 21 Professional and the Technical units at Providence Everett have both reached a fully recommended Tentative Agreement for new contracts. This resolution came within hours of the Tentative Agreement reached with UFCW 21’s Service and Maintenance workers at Sacred Heart in Spokane. These wins are a result of the strong unity between UFCW 21, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW and WSNA.

Negotiations with UFCW 21 service and maintenance workers at Holy Family have resumed today, and our RNs from Centralia and St Peter Hospitals are gathering to return to negotiations later today as well. Our RNs at St Mary’s in Walla Walla are planned to be in negotiations tomorrow.

Tentative Agreement Reached with UFCW 21 at Providence Sacred Heart, other Tables Continue Talks

For Immediate Release: January 8, 2020 -   9:30 AM
Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 21 Cell: 206-604-3421

Tentative Agreement Reached with UFCW 21 at Providence Sacred Heart, other Tables Continue Talks

After months of contract negotiations, the service and maintenance workers at Sacred Heart reached a fully recommended Tentative Agreement in the early morning hours on January 8th. This win was a result of the strong unity between UFCW 21, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW and WSNA.

Negotiations between UFCW 21 Pro and Tech members at Everett Medical Center have been ongoing over the night and into this morning. Additionally, UFCW 21 will go into another round of negotiations with Service and Maintenance workers at Holy Family in Spokane later today, and then our RNs from Centralia and St Peter Hospitals are gathering for returning to negotiations later today as well. Our RNs at St Mary’s in Walla Walla are planned to be in negotiations tomorrow.

Unity of Unions Leads to Tentative Agreement for WSNA – coalition continues push for Agreements at all Providence Hospitals

For Immediate Release: Tuesday, January 7, 2020

SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
UFCW 21
WSNA

Unity of Unions Leads to Tentative Agreement for WSNA – coalition continues push for Agreements at all Providence Hospitals

This morning the Washington State Nurses Association (WSNA) announced the reaching of a Tentative Agreement in contract negotiations with Providence at Sacred Heart in Spokane. Over 13,000 nurses and health care workers of our three unions have been in contract negotiations with Providence for months to protect patient care and safety. SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW, UFCW 21, and WSNA stand united for patient care and safety and our unity has made us strong. This was the key to reaching the Tentative Agreement at Sacred Heart with WSNA. Now we will continue our hard work and unity to ensure that every worker at Providence gets a fair contract that helps protect patient care and safety and improves the working conditions at all these Providence hospitals across Washington.

Progress in Negotiations Results in Postponement of Strike Date

(Jan. 3, 2020)

—After ongoing discussions, the three unions representing 13,000 health care workers at 13 Providence hospitals statewide have agreed to pause plans to announce a strike. The parties have made significant progress on key issues. The parties will go back to the table to continue bargaining their respective contracts. We are committed to working through outstanding shared interests regarding patient safety, workplace violence prevention, and recruitment and retention.

For many months, and in some cases more than a year, health care workers and nurses at Providence Hospitals across Washington have been in contract negotiations. Because of ongoing challenges and a lack of progress to protect patient care and safety, these workers passed strike authorization votes in October. Negotiations in November and December did not produce adequate progress. However, over the last 24 hours joint discussions with all three unions – UFCW 21, SEIU Healthcare 1199 NW and WSNA – and Providence have resulted in the most significant progress to date. As a result of this progress, and the commitment to hold ongoing negotiations during the coming days, the unions have agreed to pause today’s filing of the 10-day notice of a strike.

When we stand together, we win! Thank you!

When we stand strong and stand together, we win. Over the last twelve months we built a successful campaign for a fair contract through our actions, our stories, and our unity. Back in November of 2018, a record number of members from stores all across the region participated in the bargaining survey which provided the focus, direction, and priorities for our member bargaining team. The next twelve months would see us come together for Contract Action Team meetings, community partner gatherings, leaflets, neighborhood canvasses, and then summer informational pickets. During it all we wore our buttons, united with other UFCW members up and down the West Coast, and shared 25,000 Better Jobs–Better Communities union grocery store bags with our customers and community allies.

Because of our shared strength and purpose we ratified the strongest grocery store contract in decades, with no takeaways. We did this together; every department, every store, every community. Together, we win.

A strong new contract means new language about our rights and wages to learn, be trained on, and enforce. Sign up for safety training, Steward training, member action teams, and more.

Here’s what UFCW 21 members are saying about our new contract:
(if you’re on your phone and don’t see the quotes, turn your phone sideways)

“I’ve been working in the deli for 21 years. I never thought I’d see these wages. I wore my union button the whole time, I went to both info pickets. I am so excited!” -Madeline, Safeway deli

“I was really surprised that there were no takeaways. I’m glad to be part of a union that gets stuff done.” -Stefanie, QFC Meat/Seafood

“This is outstanding. Look at the whole package.” -Dave, Safeway, 41 year member

“This is the best contract we’ve gotten in years.” -Dee (L), Fred Meyer

“We addressed the pension, which is important to me. I like the fact that there’s something in there for journey people. I’ve been here for 30 years.” -Susie, Fred Meyer Alderwood

“We’re very fortunate to have this health care. The cost of health care is skyrocketing.” -Harry, Issaquah Safeway, 12 years

“I think it’s a great contract! And we won’t have to worry about our pension.” -Angela, Fred Meyer

“We like the scheduling. You can get the days you want, and the days off you want.” -Honesta (R), Albertsons Renton

“Right now, my schedule is closing at 9pm, and coming back in at 7 in the morning. That’s not enough time to rest. I want to pick my day off.” -Keo (L), Albertsons Renton

“It’s good that the union looked at safety this time.” -Carson (R), U-District Safeway, UFCW member since 1973

“My husband lost his insurance & is on different insurance now, and we’re really learning how important our good health coverage is. I’ve been with QFC for 20 years, and you don’t realize until you lose it just how good the coverage is. When I go to the eye place, they say, ‘You have great insurance!’ I’m putting him back on mine as soon as I can. Nothing’s changing, and that’s great! You’re not going to get these benefits anywhere else.” -Patricia, QFC Pine Lake

“I worked at nonunion jobs for 15 years, and this is my first union contract vote. After talking to my coworkers, I feel really good about it.” -Caitlin (L), Lynnwood Fred Meyer

“I’m really impressed by this contract. There’s more work to be done, but I’m really pleased.” -Donna, Safeway

“We feel really good about this contract. Thanks for fighting for us!” -Maninder (R), Auburn FM

“I think you did awesome! Thanks for all your hard work, bargaining team.” -Rosie, Auburn Fred Meyer

Puget Sound Grocery Store Workers are proud of a contract that includes:

• Strongest journey wage increases in UFCW 21’s history.

• Full back pay to expiration .

• A long-term solution to our pension with projected improvements.

• Health care benefits that are projected to be fully-funded, include benefit improvements and NO increases to premiums or deductibles.

• First scheduling overhaul in decades, giving us more control over our schedules.

• Strong safety language for the first time ever in our contract.

• A plan for the future of technology and workforce training.

• Protections for our wage scales, so as minimum wage goes up, so do our wage steps.

• NOT ONE SINGLE CUT OR TAKEAWAY!

---

Members have been reporting that they are receiving their retro-pay checks and journey pay increases, be sure to check your check!

Retro-pay:

• Journey persons under contracts that expired before contract ratification are entitled for retro-pay under the newly negotiated pay scale. Check with your Steward or call your Rep if you think you were eligible but have not received retro-pay.

New minimum wage:

• On January 1st, the state’s minimum wage goes to $13.50 an hour, and all wages by contract are at least 10¢ above minimum and each step at least 10¢ above the last step. Our union was one of the leading forces that helped pass the law that requires the minimum wage to rise as the cost of living goes up.

Look closely at pay around the holidays:

• For work after 6 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, you should be paid time and a half.

• All hours worked on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and other holidays is paid at time and a half. In addition, if you qualify for Holiday Pay, make sure you receive it.

If you think you have a problem, read the contract and contact your steward, or call your Rep.