Macy’s - It’s Time to Take Action

Bargaining Team: Azia Domingo, Curtisy Bryant, Emily Hunter, Liisa Luick

Our Union Bargaining Team met with management again on May 11 to continue negotiations for our next contract. After winning stronger safety language earlier in the week, our Bargaining Team decided it was finally time to submit our initial economic proposal.

Workers reported on the bargaining survey that new hires are being paid nearly the same as long term employees, draw vs. commission deficits are pilling up, and our current healthcare options are eating away at our paychecks.

In response, our Bargaining Team proposed:

• A significant wage scale revamp that ensures our wages keep up with the cost of living and honors our years of service,

• ...Increases to all commissions,

• ...Bimonthly deficit wipe-offs for all draw vs. commission associates,

• ...and a new high-quality and affordable Union healthcare option.

We know that Macy’s will not give into any of our demands without a serious fight, but we are willing to do what it takes to earn the respect that we deserve from our employer.

Show Macy’s that you are willing to join the fight and do whatever it takes to win a fair contract by SIGNING THE STRIKE PLEDGE CARD!

We, the workers at Macy’s, demand that Management agrees to a fair contract that offers:

• Fair wage increases that keep up with skyrocketing inflation,

• High quality affordable healthcare,

• Significant safety improvements for both workers and customers.

Northwest Center - in the Right Direction

Northwest Center
Steps in the Right Direction

We spent the bargaining session on May 17 discussing in depth some of the most important priorities of early supports: caseloads, the right to remote work, geographic location assignments, and onboarding and mentorship.

Northwest Center struck down our language around remote work and geographic assignments and we highlighted that this is a major priority for Union members. The back-and-forth conversation showed us that we do have some shared interests with Northwest Center, but to win the language we want around these topics, we are going to need to show solidarity and take action together.

Our Bargaining Team pushed for clarity around the financial future of Northwest Center. Early Supports Leadership assured us that they are NOT for sale and have no plans to sell in the future. They were not willing to provide any details regarding the purpose of the meeting on Wednesday, May 24. We requested that our Union Rep Ian Jacobson be included in the meeting.

Bargaining resumes in June and we will continue conversations about caseloads and remote work. Our team will be meeting with SEIU Early Learning Union members to support one another in our fights for fair first contracts. Stay tuned for information on next steps and solidarity actions!

“We are excited about the progress we made with Onboarding, Orientation, and Mentorship Program. Our team spent a lot of time crafting these proposals and Management responded positively to our ideas. There is still more work to be done, but language is moving in the right direction.”

- Our Northwest Center
UFCW 3000 Bargaining Team
Jenica Barrett, Speech Language Pathologist; Cassie Villarreal, Speech Language Pathologist; Kimmy Burns, Physical Therapist; Julia Szilard, Physical Therapist (not pictured)

Join your coworkers for the next Contract Action Team meeting on Zoom!
Monday, May 22 @ 12:30—1:30pm

Contact Bargaining Team or Union Rep for meeting details

Read our Join Solidarity Statement with SEIU 925 at:
bit.ly/NWC-Solidarity23

For questions or to get more involved, contact your Bargaining Team Stewards or Union Rep Ian Jacobson, 206-436-6550.

Tri-Cities Community Health RNs Bargaining Continues

Our Union Bargaining Team has finished an additional three sessions since last week. We have been able to get tentative agreements on most of our new contract which include; a grievance process, seniority language, improved working conditions secure union representation and membership but will continue to work on compensation and protect the benefits we currently have.

“We continue to work hard on behalf of our co-workers to make sure that we secure a contract that will be a solid foundation for building on in the future.” — Karen Engel RN, Auburn campus

“We are securing and locking in language in many areas, but we still have to work hard to come to an agreement on wages.” — Hilda Torres RN, 515 Court St. campus.

Our next bargaining session will be June 6, 2023. Please reach out to one of our Bargaining Team Members or our Union Rep. Juanita Quezada at 509-340-7407 with any questions or concerns.

LabCorp Bargaining Begins!

LabCorp Bargaining Begins

Earlier this week, our Union Dynacare/LabCorp Bargaining Committee met to continue preparing for upcoming negotiations. Our bargaining team has been working hard red-lining the contract, addressing departmental concerns, drafting proposals to resolve issues with scheduling and staffing, and collecting wage comps to ensure fair compensation for us all. We're confident in our strong position and are eagerly awaiting Management's readiness to meet. Get ready for an exciting win as we fight to secure the contract we all deserve!

We’re collecting stories to share about who we are, why we’re committed to improving our working conditions, and continuing to provide vital—outstanding patient care. If you have a story you think Management or our communities need to hear, reach out to a Steward, our Union Rep, or a member of our Union Bargaining Committee.

Update your contact information and make sure you’ve opted in to email and text communications! ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Join our first Contract Action Team meeting next week!

Wednesday, May 24 at 7pm via Zoom

Keep up the Slack!

Join our Union Slack channel, Lab Force 3000, for bargaining updates, office hours with your Rep, training and education resources, and more!

If you have any questions, you can contact our Union Rep Christie Harris at 206-436-6606 or you can call the MRC at 1-800-219-3000.

Planned Parenthood: Bargaining Starts Soon - Get Involved Now!

You're likely already aware that our current contract was set to expire on June 1. We agreed to extend the contract by one month to the end of June to allow more time for negotiations. Your bargaining team will meet with PPGNHAIK leadership to bargain on May 24 and then again on June 6. As with bargaining sessions in the last decade, HR has been slow to agree to the many dates we have proposed. Their stalling tactics have only emboldened our team to become more united in our demands.  We look forward to getting these negotiations started and fighting for the contract we all deserve!

Meet Your Bargaining Team!

L to R: Michel Avery, Clinical Trainer - Monalisa Bauman, MA Certified - Alison DeBoise, Insurance Biller - Melissa Grindstaff, Patient Access Rep - Mollie Overby, Capacity Building Specialist

Get Involved

How can you help us win the contract we all deserve?​

1. Fill out the bargaining survey. Thank you to those who have already made your voice heard.

2. If you prefer to spell out concerns by phone or email, please reach out to Charlie at (206) 436-6518 or a union Shop Steward or Bargaining Team member.

3. Join a Thursday night Zoom check-in at 7pm and let us know what’s important to you.

4. PP Leadership has posted the GAHC Coordinator position, but is still vague on the timeline of the return of new patients.  If you have not already signed the petition demanding transparency on the GAH pause, please do so here.

5. Finally, let’s cheer on our fellow Planned Parenthood and UFCW Local 324 on filing for an election to unionize!

Deep Roots tattoo and Body Piercing - First Full Day of Bargaining

Deep Roots Tattoo and Body Piercing
First Full Day of Bargaining

Our union Bargaining Team met with the Employer on May 16.

Our Bargaining Team member, Hannah Corprew, from the University Way location was representing her colleagues and coworkers at the bargaining table.

During a long and productive bargaining day, the Employer responded to our first proposal from April 21 with a counter proposal, including on noneconomic issues such as union recognition and representation, employment practice, and more.

Our Bargaining Team worked to draft proposals on holidays, seniority and hours of work and overtime.

We agreed to continue our bargaining meetings later this summer when the Employer will be available to meet again.

Meanwhile, our Bargaining Team will be working on drafting more bargaining proposals, including our opening economic proposal.

“As we complete our first full day of bargaining with Deep Roots I feel hopeful that we will be able to win a good first contract that respects all parties and helps make Deep Roots a better company.”

- Hannah Corprew, Bargaining Team Member

Jefferson County Bargaining commences!

Our Union Bargaining Team met with the Employer on May 16 to present our initial proposals including both economic and non-economic issues. Our initial conversations were productive, and the Employer seemed receptive to some of our ideas.

We look forward to the hard work of securing a collective bargaining agreement that improves pay and working conditions for all.

We will meet with the Employer again on June 6 and 7 with more tentative dates scheduled later in June.

Don’t miss out on important bargaining updates, union benefits, and contract vote updates.

Make sure your contact information is up to date

Bartell Drugs - Bartell Bargaining Prep continues

Our Bargaining Team: Trevor Peterson, Dani Fisher, and Mary Grace Diaz

This week, our Bartell Bargaining Committee met to audit the contract and plan next steps for building power within our stores. The committee discussed the upcoming bargain with Bartell Drugs, now owned by Rite Aid. We reviewed the current contract and discussed language changes and article proposals, focusing on the top priorities that we identified last meeting, including winning better pay, increasing safety at the stores, keeping good affordable healthcare coverage, maintaining strong retirement, addressing scheduling issues and building more power in the drug store industry.

The committee will be meeting again in May to continue crafting bargaining proposals and discuss how we can best address safety concerns at our workplaces.

Do you have ideas for how to make our workplaces safer? If yes, contact your Union Representatives or stewards to share!

Need to update your contact info?

For questions or to get more involved, contact your Union Representatives Mohamed Bonah at 206-436-6514 and Dominic Ojeda at 206-436-6586.

MFUSED - Bargaining Begins—Management Starts By Dragging Their Feet!

On May 3 your Bargaining Team met with Management for our first bargaining session. We started out hopeful that it would be productive and had a federal Mediator join us for joint training. Unfortunately, it appears that Management intends to draw out the process, proposing to meet only once a month for a maximum of 4 hours. It was a struggle to even get them to agree to future dates!

“Management said that eight hours of work (negotiating) is too grueling. They expect us to work a full shift and then negotiate after work. This is unacceptable!”

— Bargaining Team  

We need Management to take us seriously and meet with us at reasonable times and dates to address our issues and negotiate a Fair Contract Now! 

Want to show Management we are united? Stand in solidarity with us by wearing our new buttons and T-Shirts on May 23 and May 30. Reach out to your Bargaining Team to get yours!

Next Bargaining Dates: May 30 and June 13

Our Bargaining Team: Ariel Simmons, Kimberly Greenside, Jennifer Wade, Robert Elkins, and Diba Kamayo 

Have questions? Reach out to a Bargaining Team member or Your Union Rep Chris Arellano at (360) 409-0241

Mariners Retail New Member meeting!

Our Union will be holding an online New Member Meeting on May 17 at 4:30pm to inform members about the dues structure and timeline. This meeting will also give everyone an overview of our Union, your rights, and what’s going on with the parking and promotional giveaways grievance. If you have not yet done so, take a few minutes today to complete your Union application: join.ufcw.org/join/3000

If you cannot make it to the May 17 meeting, please call our Membership Services Representative Cassy Wolle at 360-662-1983 to learn more about your dues.

In response to the grievance meeting our union held with Mariners management in April, the Mariners responded stating that, “consistently throughout bargaining, the Mariners expressly rejected paying any retail employee parking expenses going forward.” They additionally stated that, “the Mariners had the management right to alter any parking practices and/or its Employee Handbook on this topic...[and] the Mariners had the management right to stop providing [promotional giveaways] without prior discussion or negotiation with the Union.”

The Mariners reiterated their misunderstanding of our grievance against their discrimination for Union activity by removing parking and promotional giveaway benefits. Also, the Mariners are contraindicating the understanding we had at the bargaining table that they will continue providing subsidized parking and promotional giveaway items in accordance with negotiations and their employee handbook.

Our Union is confident in our grievance and will continue this to the next step, arbitration. If you have any questions, reach out to our Union Rep Dominick Ojeda 206-436-6586.

New Member Meeting: May 17 @ 4:30PM via Zoom

Kraken Retail First Contract Bargaining Begins!

First Contract Bargaining Begins!

What an amazing year for the for Kraken retail workers, first we won a union and are going to be fighting for our first contract, and now the Kraken are making a strong playoffs push!

Our Union is going to begin bargaining in June and we want to hit the ice with you all knowing what’s going on. Since it’s been a few weeks since our Union won recognition with the Kraken, here is an update about next steps. Our Union Bargaining Team, will meet together to finalize our first proposals before the first bargaining session with Management. As bargaining moves along in June and July, we will be sending regular updates about the bargaining progress and answering questions along the way.

Union Bargaining Survey

This is our Union and your voice matters in how strong the first contract can be. If you have not yet completed the Union Bargaining Survey take a few minutes to fill out to tell our Bargaining Team what’s most important to you in a first contract – the things you want improved on and the things you want solidified.

Join us for Bargaining 101 & Know Your Rights Training

Our Union is holding a Know Your Rights and Bargaining 101 session online on Tuesday, May 16 at 5pm. Where we will walk through the rights you already have as Union members and the typical contract bargaining process.

May 16, 2023 @ 5:00PM via Zoom Meeting

PRMCE DAY SIX BARGAINING UPDATE

PRMCE

DAY SIX BARGAINING UPDATE

Today our Nurse Bargaining Team stayed at the table until 10:30pm, and we were willing to negotiate all night working hard to ensure you get a contract that includes fair wages throughout the life of our contract, strong language around staffing to incentivize the hospital to prioritize safe staffing over profits. Providence continues to reject common sense language that will benefit the hospital and the community. Our Union Bargaining Team has prioritized creating a contract that focuses on recruiting and retaining staff, and now more than ever we need you to stand in solidarity with us and get ready to take Action!

Happy Nurses Week!

“We don’t cherry pick when it comes to patient safety”

— Trevor Gjendem

EvergreenHealth Kirkland - Disrespect from Management!

Our Bargaining Team: Justy Hedrick, CT Scanning; Anna Hennager, Resp Therapy; Chris Dizon, Echocardiology; Desiree Huttinger, Cardiology; Kimberly Mitchell, Surgery/ Labor and Delivery; Jennifer Bradshaw, Mammography; Kevin Daly, Lab; David Dimalanta, Radiology; James Kerr, Surgery/OR

Monday, May 8, our Union Bargaining Team met with Management. The Team has given many proposals to Management, both proposals with an economic impact and those which improve or clarify existing contract language, making the contract better for workers AND Management.

During Monday’s bargaining session, Team members let Management know that their coworkers were disappointed that Management had still not responded to any Union proposals. 

Management replied with a firm, disrespectful statement saying that they were not going to counter any proposals given so far and wanted to see everything economic as well as non-economic before giving anything back. The Union Team stayed strong through this, challenging management’s statement and their attitude! 

For additional information, contact a Bargaining Team Member or Union Representative Jack Crow 206-436-6614.

PRMCE DAY FIVE BARGAINING UPDATE

Today Our Union Bargaining Team had more productive conversations around staffing plans and movement within staffing language. Providence went from staffing ratios being a non-starter to having deeper conversations around what staffing should look like at Providence and we are anticipating language that both parties can agree on.

Our discussions around staffing included talking in great length about staffing committee language and the role that the committee will play in improving patient care and safety throughout the hospital. We had discussions around retention and Providence stated that retention is also a priority for them but have yet to commit to any language that supports retention.

“We want Providence to know we HEAR them and we want them to do better for Nurses and the community!”

— Kristen Crowder

PRMCE DAY FOUR BARGAINING UPDATE

PRMCE

DAY FOUR BARGAINING UPDATE

Today Providence came back with economic responses to our last proposals, including wages and responses to our staffing ratio language. It was clear from the Nurses who completed the Union Bargaining Survey that staffing and having confidence in administration to make efforts to adhere to staffing plans, is our number one priority. But Providence still has not countered or discussed with our Union Bargaining Team the staffing ratios that we proposed multiple times. We have reminded Providence that staffing ratios are a priority, and we are encouraging Providence to agree with our counter.

“Providence, DO BETTER!”

— Our Union Bargaining Team

St. Michael Medical Center Protech - Bargaining Continues

Our Bargaining Team: Paul Harris, ER Tech; Chris Young, Transport; Don Szabo, Lead Medical Imaging; Rob Shauger, CNA 8th floor; Angela Roberson, Heart and Vascular; Connie Baker, RT; Kain McLeod, Pharm Technician

Bargaining continues, but it is slow. We have made proposals that would protect all our coworkers and help us recruit and retain qualified workers. Management fails to listen to our concerns and address our needs. We are frustrated and disappointed that instead of seeking to find mutually beneficial solutions, they have threatened our union security and healthcare benefits. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE! We work hard day in and day out taking care of patients and our community, but management proposes language that would harm us instead of strengthen us. Management needs to listen, and give us what we deserve; Better Pay, Better staffing and More Respect!

We believe it is vital that Management listens to our concerns and gives us the respect and support we deserve. We are asking for better pay, better staffing levels, and more respect at work. These are reasonable requests that would benefit not only us but our patients and the community we serve.

We need your support now more than ever—if you believe that it is time for Management to respect and protect us, please sign the petition calling on them to do the right thing at the bargaining table. Your voice is essential in helping us to achieve a fair and equitable contract that benefits everyone.

“The cost of living has gone up and their wage proposals are not competitive and keep us below the market.”

— Rob Shauger

“Inflation is not an imposition, it’s an opportunity to work more—don’t get more money, just work more—that’s Management theory.”

— Paul Harris

“Management continues to try and divide us by stating, ‘nurses are more valuable because their skillsets cover everyone.’ It’s time for them to recognize that we are all valuable for our skill to make the patient healthcare team, we all work hard to take care of our patients.”

— Connie Baker

St. Michael Medical Center Service & Dietary - We Have a Historic Tentative Agreement!

Our Bargaining Team:
Vanessa Rosadino, Dietary Caterer
Christy Sammons, EVS Relief
Susan Meyer, Dietary Cook
Pam Reese, EVS Discharge

After many months of bargaining, we finally have a tentative agreement. We worked hard to get a contract that works for all! We won historic wage increases that can help recruit and retain qualified staff!

We also won:

• New wage scales and job classifications

• Filled in all ghost steps

• Pay for call in advance of shift

• Management will pay for certifications including food handler’s card!

• Pandemic Language

• And other great wins!

“We did it! We are DONE!!!”

— Pam Reese

“This is a historic contract. I have never seen such high percentages in my 20 years of working here! “

— Susan Meyer

“I am so happy for our new contract. We worked really hard and we got a successful contract and we encourage everyone to vote YES!”

— Vanessa Rosadino

“We worked really hard to get a contract that will help us recruit and retain new workers! “

— Christy Sammons

Please keep stay tune for more information about vote times so you can vote on your new contract!

If you have any questions, please reach out to your Bargaining Team.

Macy's - Bargaining dates scheduled

Macy’s
Bargaining Dates Scheduled

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management last on March 23, more than an entire month ago. We tried to work with the Employer to get dates in April, but they were not quick to respond to our proposed dates until it was too late. Now that we finally have confirmed four bargaining sessions in the month of May with more scheduled in June.

Workers have been ramping up the pressure in the meantime by wearing our “Respect, Protect, Pay” buttons while at work. Wearing your button has shown both customers and Management that we deserve a fair union contract, and this is just the beginning!

Learn more about what you can do to win a fair contract by attending your Contract Action Team Meeting next week:

Alderwood: Wednesday, May 10 @ 3PM—4PM
Elemental Pizza, 3000 184th St SW #948, Lynnwood, WA

Southcenter: Tuesday May 9 @ 11AM – 2PM
Southcenter Mall Food Court, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA

Macy's Furniture Gallery - Bargaining Dates Scheduled

Macy’s
Bargaining Dates Scheduled

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management last on March 23, more than an entire month ago. We tried to work with the Employer to get dates in April, but they were not quick to respond to our proposed dates until it was too late. Now that we finally have confirmed four bargaining sessions in the month of May with more scheduled in June.

Workers have been ramping up the pressure in the meantime by wearing our “Respect, Protect, Pay” buttons while at work. Wearing your button has shown both customers and Management that we deserve a fair union contract, and this is just the beginning!

Learn more about what you can do to win a fair contract by attending your Contract Action Team Meeting next week:

Southcenter Gallery and Furniture Store
Monday, May 8 @ 10AM—11am
For Zoom meeting details, contact Union Rep Dominick Ojeda @ 206-436-6586

St. Joseph Medical Center Technical - CONTRACT RATIFIED!

On Tuesday May 2, members in the technical bargaining unit at St. Joseph Medical Center overwhelmingly voted to ratify their new collective bargaining agreement!

Our new contract includes some of the highest pay in the region, a completely revamped wage scale with no ghost steps, a historic $1.00/hr increase to standby pay, and much more. Other than our pay increases, which will go into effect no later than two pay periods after ratification, all provisions of our new contract are now in effect!

After contracts have been voted on and ratified by the membership, the process of review between the union and the employer begins. This is a process is to ensure all new changes are incorporated into the agreement. This can take time, but is necessary for accuracy, we will post the contract on our website as soon as the review process is finished. In the meantime, you can find a redlined version at ufcw3000.org!