Macy's New Bargaining Dates Confirmed!

After months of Macy’s committing unfair labor practices and refusing to come to a fair agreement on a new contract, we, the workers, demonstrated our collective strength through our historic Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike.

Macy's didn't come out looking great in the public eye either, with news outlets from all over the nation, even internationally, siding with workers by highlighting our issues in our fight for a fair contract. Check out some of the media stories about our ULP strike below.
 
In the face of a difficult holiday weekend for the company, Macy’s has agreed to meet and continue negotiations on December 18. Our Bargaining Team is working to prepare for our next date, while also planning on how we’ll keep the pressure on Macy’s.
 
We’ll provide more information as the situation develops, but Macy’s should know that this is not over until we have a fair contract. As workers chanted Sunday night… “WE’LL BE BACK!”

When will I receive my Strike Benefit?

We're currently processing the sign-in sheets to record everyone's hours on the picket line. Checks for those who meet the criteria for the strike benefit will be mailed later this week.
 
As a reminder, a complete W-9 form is required to receive the strike benefit, and failure to complete the form in a timely manner may result in a delay in your strike benefit. If you haven't already, you can complete the W-9 online here:https://www.macysunited.com/strike.

Will I lose attendance credits for participating in the ULP Strike?

No. Macy's is prohibited from deducting attendance credits for your missed shifts during the ULP strike, as it would constitute an unfair labor practice.
 
However, it's possible that Macy’s attendance software will automatically deduct attendance credits from your bank. If this occurs, it will be the responsibility of management to manually restore any lost attendance credits. If you experience any issues with lost attendance credits, please report them to UFCW Local 3000 staff.

News Stories

WALL STREET JOURNAL:A Labor Strike Over Shoplifting
Union walkouts these days are common for pay raises, but get this: Over the weekend hundreds of workers at three Macy’s stores in the Seattle suburbs went on strike to protest rampant shoplifting and risks to employee safety.

NEWSWEEK: 
Macy's Faces Thanksgiving Revolt From Its Own Staff 
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," it added."Workers have had enough."
 
REUTERS!
Macy's workers in Washington state to strike for three days from Black FridayNov 22 (Reuters) - More than 400 Macy's (M.N) workers in Washington state are planning a three-day strike from Black Friday through Sunday, alleging unfair labor practices and demanding better wages, according to UFCW Local 3000's website.
 
Retail News:
Macy’s staff in Washington on three-day strike from Black Friday
Workers at US department store chain Macy’s in Washington state are planning to launch a three-day strike from Black Friday (24 November 2023) through to the following Sunday, labor union UFCW Local 3000 has announced.
 
GUARDIAN:
‘They’ve worked us to death’: Macy’s workers to strike on Black FridayFour hundred workers in Washington state to strike, alleging the company – which pays millions to executives – is not playing fair We would like them to share some of those profits so we can have a liveable wage,” said Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Tukwila, Washington, for 21 years. “Macy’s CEO gets $11m per year while a lot of his workers rely on food banks, and some can’t even afford to see doctors because of the low wages and the expensive healthcare.”
 
GUARDIAN:
Macy’s workers launch Black Friday strike in Washington stateAbout 400 workers walk out in dispute over allegedly unfair labor practices and failure to agree to a new contract. “We are on an unfair labor practice strike because Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,” one employee, Liisa Luick,saidduring a rally outside Southcenter. “Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract.”
 
KIRO-TV:
Macy’s workers to strike Black Friday across Washington over ‘unfair’ labor practices“When workers ask that store safety just be a topic that they can talk about in future meetings with management, Macy’s even says no to that,” Joe Mizrahi, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 21, said on Friday. “Macy’s workers would much rather be inside the store helping customers this Black Friday. But instead they’ll be out here (at the Southcenter Mall) on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
 
KGMI RADIO:
Local Macy’s workers to strike on Black FridayMacy’s Workers United said on their website that over 14,000 customers signed a pledge to not shop at Macy’s during the strike.
 
Bellingham Herald:
Bellingham Macy’s to strike on Black Friday; Bellis Fair employees calling for change“I’ve been at the Bellis Fair Macy’s for 19 years,” Christina Verkist said in the release. “I’m in home goods, and my customers count on my knowledge of the products. But because they cut down on workers, I’m alone a lot in my department. With the threats we face from shoplifters, Macy’s needs to improve security, and we deserve better pay. The price of everything is up but my pay is not. Most of the time I can’t afford to fill up my gas tank. We hope customers will shop elsewhere while we are on strike for safer stores and better pay.”
 
Lynnwood Times:
Macy’s workers to strike on Black Friday throughout Washington“Now we are afraid to call 911 when safety issues come up because we worry we will get in trouble, or even lose our jobs,” Luick said. “Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation, so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat. Macy’s needs to step up and make our stores safer for workers and customers. I’m asking our customers to shop elsewhere this holiday while we are on strike.”
 
Newsbreak (DC):
Hundreds of Macy's Workers Across Washington Set To Go On Strike on Black Friday! In an unprecedented move, over 400 Macy's workers in Washington are set to strike on Black Friday, citing Unfair Labor Practices ("ULP").
 
Edmonds News:
Macy’s workers plan to strike starting on Black Friday at state’s busiest storesHundreds of Macy’s workers Friday announced a countdown to an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike at some of the busiest stores in Washington, including Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham and Southcenter Mall in Tukwila. Striking workers will kick off picket lines on Black Friday — Nov. 24 — with a Macy’s Striking Workers Parade at Southcenter Mall, according to a news release frommacysunited.com.
 
KOMO TV:
 Macy's workers in western Washington plan Black Friday strike over safety concerns, low wages:  “This is what we feel is necessary to stand up for what is right and what we deserve,” Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Southcenter Mall for 21 years. "This is unknown territory for a lot of us, but the time is now. We need to fight for what is right.”...."Macy’s makes billions of dollars a year in profit while many employees are struggling to make ends meet, that’s unacceptable."' Employees said they're hoping customers will support them by not shopping at Macy’s during the strike, whichkicks off with a rally outside Macy’s at Southcenter Mall Fridayat 9 a.m. For more information on the strike,click here.
 
KCPQ FOX 13 TV:
Local Macy's employees go on strike during busiest shopping weekend of the year: "Macy’s, first of all, isn’t even keeping up with inflation, on top of, we don’t feel safe in our stores, which is leading to short staff, us being stretched thin, which is making us more vulnerable," said Azia Domingo…..”"To see the community, to see the other unions, to see politicians, to see moms and dads, our customers out there supporting us, this is amazing. And this gives us the strength to stand together and fight.”
 
KING 5 TV:
Macy's workers striking in Lynnwood, Tukwila and Bellingham over 'unfair labor practices': “We’re tired of being frightened and endangered at work,” said Mary Stephen who works at the Alderwood Mall Macy’s in Lynnwood, “My hope is that it doesn’t last very long and we can come to a fair solution for all of us for safety, better affordable healthcare and better pay.” 
 
KIRO News Radio:
 Washington Macy’s workers strike for higher wages, better crime protection: Liisa Luick, who has worked at the Macy’s in Lynnwood for more than 15 years, says there’s no clear safety procedures in place, and employees are left virtually on their own.“Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,” she says. “Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract. Macy’s has also attempted to restrict our ability to talk with our union representatives about workplace issues and bargaining.”
 
New York Times:
Black Friday Isn’t What It Used to Be: ….“any retailers now make a point of staying closed on Thanksgiving. (Employees at some Macy’s stores in Washington State used Black Friday to make a statement about their working conditions. More than 400 sales associates went on strike over issues they say they’re facing, including theft in stores and low wages.)”
 
Seattle Times:
Seattle-area Macy’s workers strike for better protection from crime
“Some accountant in New York has figured out that it costs them less to just let people steal product than it does for them to have a perception of there being safety issues in their stores,” says Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 secretary-treasurer. Macy’s has “financial incentive to pretend like there’s not a problem.” Yasmina Grainat, 55, who was picketing at Alderwood with other members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 3000, which represents around 400 workers at the state’s three unionized Macy’s stores: Alderwood, Southcenter and in Bellis Fair mall in Bellingham and others say Macy’s management does too little to deter the thieves or protect staff. Employees say they’re not allowed to interfere with thieves, or aid colleagues, but are told to report incidents to store security…“When I call security, no one picks up the phone,” says Grainat, who adds that the stress is too much at a job that pays a 23-year veteran just $20.73 an hour.“We need them to respect us.”
 
Cascadia Daily News:
Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday weekend over safety, wagesUnion workers urge public to go elsewhere on nation's busiest shopping days
Outside Bellis Fair mall, a worker barked into a megaphone, “Their 50 cent. Won’t pay rent,” striking union employees and community members replied in a call-and-response chant. Debbie Walk, who has worked for Macy’s in Bellingham for at least eight years, said it was “ridiculous” that employees were having to bargain for the right to call the police when they felt a situation was unsafe. “We’re seeing a lot of retail theft and they don’t seem to be doing enough to stop it,” said Walk, who works in the retailer's fine jewelry department. “We feel unsafe a lot of times.”
“Macy’s is not the first or last strike in Washington,” Mizrahi said. “Providence nurses and hospital staff and now Macy’s employees are demanding CEOs share the wealth made off of their hard work.”
 
Everett Herald:
Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday at Alderwood Mall
Protesters in Lynnwood called for better wages and safety measures. Staff at other Macy’s stores picketed in Bellingham and Tukwila.
 
Thailand Post:
Employees at Macy’s in Washington state will go on strike for 3 days, starting on Black Friday
 
KIRO 7 TV:
Southcenter Macy’s employees go on strike, seeking more work rights
They chanted loudly with signs in hand. From dawn to dusk, workers at the Macy’s in Southcenter Mall were calling attention to their fight for better rights Friday.Domingo and her colleagues want more safety measures in place after a Macy’s Alderwood employee said she was retaliated against for calling 911 when she witnessed someone shoplifting.
The UFCW 3000 said she was put on unpaid leave because of it. “What we are asking from Macy’s is to provide a clear, concise policy on what to do when a security threat arises and when we can call 911,” Domingo added. “We don’t feel safe in our stores. This leads to short staff, us being stretched thin, and creating more of a security threat because there’s not enough coverage.”

POLITICS

Mother Jones: On Black Friday, Unions Are Striking For a Better DealIt’s been a historic year for labor action—and it’s not over yet.Retail workers are walking out during  the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday, leveraging a weekend of huge profits for retailers to demand better pay and working conditions….In Washington, about four hundred Macy’s employees from three different storeswent on strike, beginning their picket at 3:00 AM on Black Friday. Their union, the United Food and Commercial Workers,saysthat Macy’s isn’t doing enough to address safety threats like violent shoppers and shoplifting, and that pay is not keeping up with the cost of living. “Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat,”explainedsales associate Liisa Luick in a release from UFCW 3000. Azia Domingo, who has worked for Macy’s for 21 years, said, “Macy’s is making billions of dollars and paying their CEO $11 million a year, but most of us workers are struggling to make ends meet…We shouldn’t have to question whether we can afford to have health insurance and go to the doctor.”
 
Mention in
WA State Standardstory on holiday retail workers
Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor 

Everett Herald:
Comment: Retail workers are essential; treat them as such(Liisa Luick)
Retail workers face low wages, short-staffing and threats from shoplifters that stores are ignoring. 
 
Mt Lake Terrace News:
Letter to the editor: Macy’s needs to support its workers(Janet Bates)
That’s why we are united with the power of our union UFCW 3000, ready to strike during the busiest shopping days of the year around Black Friday. We hope our customers and the community will stand with us until Macy’s corporate shows us they care about more than their profits. 
 
Everett Herald LTE:
Back Macy’s workers efforts for better pay  (Daniel Vargo)
So, if you see workers like me united with the power of our union UFCW 3000 holding signs outside Macy’s Alderwood in the upcoming weeks, I hope you will support our fight against Macy’s unfair labor practices and for better pay and improved safety for workers and customers at our stores.
 
Everett Herald LTE:
Pay, safety are major concerns for Macy’s workers(Nicole Hardin)
To make it even tougher, Macy’s management doesn’t take our safety seriously. Shoplifters and even violent customers are constant threats to our security. But Macy’s hasn’t provided safety procedures, and workers who called for help have been retaliated against by management. 

Payless Foods Grocery & Meat - Contract Vote Scheduled!

We have reached an agreement with Payless Food for both the Grocery and Meat bargaining units! Our agreement includes retro pay back to contract expiration, the maintenance of hazard pay, and does NOT include the All-Purpose Clerk (APC) classification that the larger grocery stores have adopted.

A contract ratification vote will be held in the Payless Foods Breakroom on Tuesday, December 5 from 9AM to 1PM. Your Union Representative will also be making visits to the worksite ahead of the vote to share more details about our new agreement.

Tuesday, December 5, 2023

9:00AM – 1:00PM in Breakroom

PRMCE RN We return to the bargaining table!

On November 30 and December 1 we will return to the bargaining table with Providence Everett (PRMCE) management. We will be using a federal mediator to facilitate the bargaining process and we will continue reiterating that PRMCE bargain in good faith so we can reach an agreement which addresses the staffing needs of our community.

Our strike has shown PRMCE that we stand united with the community, elected officials, labor unions, and patients in our demands for better staffing standards. We will be holding a Zoom meeting after our mediation session on December 1 to inform everyone about our progress at the bargaining table and next steps.

Please join us Friday December 1 from 8pm-9pm via Zoom

Additionally, if you completed 20 hours or more of strike duty and filled out your W9 form you should be receiving your strike benefit via mail by December 1st. If you have follow up questions about your strike benefit or where to submit your missing W9 form in-person, please reach out to Union Representative Anthony Cantu, 206-436-6566.

Macy’s ULP Strike Update Day 3: Macy’s Workers ULP Strike ends but the fight continues

ANNOUNCEMENT: After three days our ULP Strike at Macy’s has ended.  Macy’s confirmed today that the company has accepted our return to work beginning tomorrow, Monday 11/27.  At 8pm tonight, after Macy’s closed for business, Macy’s strikers at Alderwood, Bellis Fair, and Southcenter Malls took down the picket signs accompanied by the chant “We’ll be back!”
 
And Macy’s should know that we will be back on the picket line, unless Macy’s bargains fairly and stops violating labor law.
 
These past three days proved three things we already knew:

  • Macy’s Workers are standing united and are ready to fight for safety and a fair contract!

  • Macy’s cannot effectively run these stores without us!

  • The community and our customers HAVE OUR BACK! 

Here are some important questions we’ve been asked now that our strike is over:

What should striking workers do at their next scheduled shift?

Striking members should return to their normally scheduled shift. UFCW 3000 staff and members will be welcoming workers back in the morning and available to answer any questions that people may have throughout the day and week. Call our Member Resource Center if you have questions: 1-866-210-3000.

What should we do when clocking in?

When clocking in the time system may prompt you by asking if shifts missed while on strike were because of an absence. Workers should answer that the missed shifts were due to an absence. Though Macy’s cannot count time on an official strike as an unexcused absence, the time keeping system could automatically deduct attendance credits. If this happens, contact your union rep, steward, or call the Member Resource Center at 1-866-210-3000 so we can work to get all attendance credits restored and ensure that no worker is disciplined because of the strike.

What protections do Holiday Hires have?

Holiday hires who participated in the ULP strike are protected under the National Labor Relation Act (NLRA) for their activity of participating in a strike. If management attempts to discipline holiday hires, they should assert their Weingarten Rights and ask for union representation. If discipline is issued to holiday hires, our union will challenge the discipline as an illegal act by Macy’s that violated the NLRA. Any worker that receives unfair treatment or discipline upon returning from the ULP strike should contact their stewards or call their union representative or the Member Resource Center at 1-866-219-3000 immediately.

What will happen next?

We have reached out to Macy’s to get back to the bargaining table. We expect to get new dates on the calendar early next week. Our hope is that Macy’s will come to the table, ready to engage in good faith over solutions on safety, living wages and a contract with NO takeaways. As always, your member bargaining team and strike captains will keep you up to date.

Workers sent a clear message to management that we are united, we are strong, and we aren’t going anywhere! Tomorrow when we go back let’s continue to stay united by working safely, making sure to take our breaks and support each other.
 
Our stories have been heard around the world. We are speaking up for a fair contract that protects our wages scales, holidays, increases our pay, and demands that Macy’s respects our rights under labor law. Check out some of the dozens of news stories below:

News Stories

NEWSWEEK: Macy's Faces Thanksgiving Revolt From Its Own Staff 
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," it added. "Workers have had enough."
 
REUTERS! Macy's workers in Washington state to strike for three days from Black FridayNov 22 (Reuters) - More than 400 Macy's (M.N) workers in Washington state are planning a three-day strike from Black Friday through Sunday, alleging unfair labor practices and demanding better wages, according to UFCW Local 3000's website.
 
Retail News: Macy’s staff in Washington on three-day strike from Black Friday
Workers at US department store chain Macy’s in Washington state are planning to launch a three-day strike from Black Friday (24 November 2023) through to the following Sunday, labor union UFCW Local 3000 has announced.
 
GUARDIAN: ‘They’ve worked us to death’: Macy’s workers to strike on Black FridayFour hundred workers in Washington state to strike, alleging the company – which pays millions to executives – is not playing fair We would like them to share some of those profits so we can have a liveable wage,” said Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Tukwila, Washington, for 21 years. “Macy’s CEO gets $11m per year while a lot of his workers rely on food banks, and some can’t even afford to see doctors because of the low wages and the expensive healthcare.”
 
GUARDIAN: Macy’s workers launch Black Friday strike in Washington stateAbout 400 workers walk out in dispute over allegedly unfair labor practices and failure to agree to a new contract. “We are on an unfair labor practice strike because Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,” one employee, Liisa Luick,saidduring a rally outside Southcenter. “Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract.”
 
KIRO-TV: Macy’s workers to strike Black Friday across Washington over ‘unfair’ labor practices“When workers ask that store safety just be a topic that they can talk about in future meetings with management, Macy’s even says no to that,” Joe Mizrahi, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 21, said on Friday. “Macy’s workers would much rather be inside the store helping customers this Black Friday. But instead they’ll be out here (at the Southcenter Mall) on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
 
KGMI RADIO: Local Macy’s workers to strike on Black FridayMacy’s Workers United said on their website that over 14,000 customers signed a pledge to not shop at Macy’s during the strike.
 
Bellingham Herald: Bellingham Macy’s to strike on Black Friday; Bellis Fair employees calling for change“I’ve been at the Bellis Fair Macy’s for 19 years,” Christina Verkist said in the release. “I’m in home goods, and my customers count on my knowledge of the products. But because they cut down on workers, I’m alone a lot in my department. With the threats we face from shoplifters, Macy’s needs to improve security, and we deserve better pay. The price of everything is up but my pay is not. Most of the time I can’t afford to fill up my gas tank. We hope customers will shop elsewhere while we are on strike for safer stores and better pay.”
 
Lynnwood Times: Macy’s workers to strike on Black Friday throughout Washington“Now we are afraid to call 911 when safety issues come up because we worry we will get in trouble, or even lose our jobs,” Luick said. “Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation, so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat. Macy’s needs to step up and make our stores safer for workers and customers. I’m asking our customers to shop elsewhere this holiday while we are on strike.”
 
Newsbreak (DC): Hundreds of Macy's Workers Across Washington Set To Go On Strike on Black Friday! In an unprecedented move, over 400 Macy's workers in Washington are set to strike on Black Friday, citing Unfair Labor Practices ("ULP").
 
Edmonds News: Macy’s workers plan to strike starting on Black Friday at state’s busiest stores Hundreds of Macy’s workers Friday announced a countdown to an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike at some of the busiest stores in Washington, including Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham and Southcenter Mall in Tukwila. Striking workers will kick off picket lines on Black Friday — Nov. 24 — with a Macy’s Striking Workers Parade at Southcenter Mall, according to a news release frommacysunited.com.
 
KOMO TV: Macy's workers in western Washington plan Black Friday strike over safety concerns, low wages:  “This is what we feel is necessary to stand up for what is right and what we deserve,” Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Southcenter Mall for 21 years. "This is unknown territory for a lot of us, but the time is now. We need to fight for what is right.”...."Macy’s makes billions of dollars a year in profit while many employees are struggling to make ends meet, that’s unacceptable."' Employees said they're hoping customers will support them by not shopping at Macy’s during the strike, whichkicks off with a rally outside Macy’s at Southcenter Mall Fridayat 9 a.m. For more information on the strike,click here.
 
KCPQ FOX 13 TV: Local Macy's employees go on strike during busiest shopping weekend of the year: "Macy’s, first of all, isn’t even keeping up with inflation, on top of, we don’t feel safe in our stores, which is leading to short staff, us being stretched thin, which is making us more vulnerable," said Azia Domingo…..”"To see the community, to see the other unions, to see politicians, to see moms and dads, our customers out there supporting us, this is amazing. And this gives us the strength to stand together and fight.”
 
KING 5 TV: Macy's workers striking in Lynnwood, Tukwila and Bellingham over 'unfair labor practices': “We’re tired of being frightened and endangered at work,” said Mary Stephen who works at the Alderwood Mall Macy’s in Lynnwood, “My hope is that it doesn’t last very long and we can come to a fair solution for all of us for safety, better affordable healthcare and better pay.” 
 
KIRO News Radio: Washington Macy’s workers strike for higher wages, better crime protection: Liisa Luick, who has worked at the Macy’s in Lynnwood for more than 15 years, says there’s no clear safety procedures in place, and employees are left virtually on their own.“Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,” she says. “Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract. Macy’s has also attempted to restrict our ability to talk with our union representatives about workplace issues and bargaining.”
 
New York Times: Black Friday Isn’t What It Used to Be: ….“any retailers now make a point of staying closed on Thanksgiving. (Employees at some Macy’s stores in Washington State used Black Friday to make a statement about their working conditions. More than 400 sales associates went on strike over issues they say they’re facing, including theft in stores and low wages.)”
 
Seattle Times:Seattle-area Macy’s workers strike for better protection from crime
“Some accountant in New York has figured out that it costs them less to just let people steal product than it does for them to have a perception of there being safety issues in their stores,” says Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 secretary-treasurer. Macy’s has “financial incentive to pretend like there’s not a problem.” Yasmina Grainat, 55, who was picketing at Alderwood with other members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 3000, which represents around 400 workers at the state’s three unionized Macy’s stores: Alderwood, Southcenter and in Bellis Fair mall in Bellingham and others say Macy’s management does too little to deter the thieves or protect staff. Employees say they’re not allowed to interfere with thieves, or aid colleagues, but are told to report incidents to store security…“When I call security, no one picks up the phone,” says Grainat, who adds that the stress is too much at a job that pays a 23-year veteran just $20.73 an hour.“We need them to respect us.”
 
Cascadia Daily News:Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday weekend over safety, wagesUnion workers urge public to go elsewhere on nation's busiest shopping days
Outside Bellis Fair mall, a worker barked into a megaphone, “Their 50 cent. Won’t pay rent,” striking union employees and community members replied in a call-and-response chant. Debbie Walk, who has worked for Macy’s in Bellingham for at least eight years, said it was “ridiculous” that employees were having to bargain for the right to call the police when they felt a situation was unsafe. “We’re seeing a lot of retail theft and they don’t seem to be doing enough to stop it,” said Walk, who works in the retailer's fine jewelry department. “We feel unsafe a lot of times.”
“Macy’s is not the first or last strike in Washington,” Mizrahi said. “Providence nurses and hospital staff and now Macy’s employees are demanding CEOs share the wealth made off of their hard work.”
 
Everett Herald:Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday at Alderwood Mall
Protesters in Lynnwood called for better wages and safety measures. Staff at other Macy’s stores picketed in Bellingham and Tukwila.
 
Thailand Post:Employees at Macy’s in Washington state will go on strike for 3 days, starting on Black Friday
 
KIRO 7 TV:Southcenter Macy’s employees go on strike, seeking more work rights
They chanted loudly with signs in hand. From dawn to dusk, workers at the Macy’s in Southcenter Mall were calling attention to their fight for better rights Friday.Domingo and her colleagues want more safety measures in place after a Macy’s Alderwood employee said she was retaliated against for calling 911 when she witnessed someone shoplifting.
The UFCW 3000 said she was put on unpaid leave because of it. “What we are asking from Macy’s is to provide a clear, concise policy on what to do when a security threat arises and when we can call 911,” Domingo added. “We don’t feel safe in our stores. This leads to short staff, us being stretched thin, and creating more of a security threat because there’s not enough coverage.”

POLITICS

Mother Jones: On Black Friday, Unions Are Striking For a Better DealIt’s been a historic year for labor action—and it’s not over yet.Retail workers are walking out during  the busiest shopping day of the year, Black Friday, leveraging a weekend of huge profits for retailers to demand better pay and working conditions….In Washington, about four hundred Macy’s employees from three different storeswent on strike, beginning their picket at 3:00 AM on Black Friday. Their union, the United Food and Commercial Workers,saysthat Macy’s isn’t doing enough to address safety threats like violent shoppers and shoplifting, and that pay is not keeping up with the cost of living. “Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat,”explainedsales associate Liisa Luick in a release from UFCW 3000. Azia Domingo, who has worked for Macy’s for 21 years, said, “Macy’s is making billions of dollars and paying their CEO $11 million a year, but most of us workers are struggling to make ends meet…We shouldn’t have to question whether we can afford to have health insurance and go to the doctor.”
 
Mention inWA State Standardstory on holiday retail workers
Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor 

Everett Herald:Comment: Retail workers are essential; treat them as such(Liisa Luick)
Retail workers face low wages, short-staffing and threats from shoplifters that stores are ignoring. 
 
Mt Lake Terrace News:Letter to the editor: Macy’s needs to support its workers(Janet Bates)
That’s why we are united with the power of our union UFCW 3000, ready to strike during the busiest shopping days of the year around Black Friday. We hope our customers and the community will stand with us until Macy’s corporate shows us they care about more than their profits. 
 
Everett Herald LTE:Back Macy’s workers efforts for better pay  (Daniel Vargo)
So, if you see workers like me united with the power of our union UFCW 3000 holding signs outside Macy’s Alderwood in the upcoming weeks, I hope you will support our fight against Macy’s unfair labor practices and for better pay and improved safety for workers and customers at our stores.
 
Everett Herald LTE:Pay, safety are major concerns for Macy’s workers(Nicole Hardin)
To make it even tougher, Macy’s management doesn’t take our safety seriously. Shoplifters and even violent customers are constant threats to our security. But Macy’s hasn’t provided safety procedures, and workers who called for help have been retaliated against by management. 

Macy’s ULP Strike Update Day 2: Workers stand up!

ANNOUNCEMENT: We are walking the line and we are WINNING!
We knew that Macy’s could not run these stores without us. We knew it would be chaos in the stores. We knew thousands of customers would refuse to cross our picket lines. As a result of this massive show of solidarity Macy’s was pushed to announce that for the third consecutive day, on Sunday, hours will be reduced at the three locations UFCW 3000 members are on an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike.

In response we will shorten our strike line tomorrow (Sunday). Join the ULP Strike Line starting  at 6 a.m. Sunday morning and send a united message to Macy’s, we are united, we are strong, and we aren’t going anywhere!
 
Over the past two days Macys workers at the Bellingham, Alderwood and Southcenter stores have stood up and shown their power. 

  • We have walked the strike line alongside hundreds of community and labor allies. Some picketers walking over 50,000 steps in one day!

  • On one of the biggest sales weekends of the year thousands of customers have been turned away by striking workers.

  • Hundreds of workers and community members joined us at our very own Macy’s Parade to show that working conditions are customers’ shopping conditions and we are standing together for safer workplaces and communities. 

We have notified Macy’s that we will be reporting to work Monday 11/27.

Our stories have been heard around the world. We are speaking up for a fair contract that protects our wages scales, holidays, increases our pay and demands that Macy’s respects our rights under labor law.

Check out some of the dozens of news stories:

NEWSWEEK!: Macy's Faces Thanksgiving Revolt From Its Own Staff 
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, it added."Workers have had enough."
 
REUTERS! Macy's workers in Washington state to strike for three days from Black Friday Nov 22 (Reuters) - More than 400 Macy's (M.N) workers in Washington state are planning a three-day strike from Black Friday through Sunday, alleging unfair labor practices and demanding better wages, according to UFCW Local 3000's website.
 
Retail News: Macy’s staff in Washington on three-day strike from Black Friday
Workers at US department store chain Macy’s in Washington state are planning to launch a three-day strike from Black Friday (24 November 2023) through to the following Sunday, labor union UFCW Local 3000 has announced.
 
GUARDIAN: ‘They’ve worked us to death’: Macy’s workers to strike on Black Friday Four hundred workers in Washington state to strike, alleging the company – which pays millions to executives – is not playing fair We would like them to share some of those profits so we can have a liveable wage,” said Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Tukwila, Washington, for 21 years.“Macy’s CEO gets $11m per year while a lot of his workers rely on food banks, and some can’t even afford to see doctors because of the low wages and the expensive healthcare.”
 
GUARDIAN: Macy’s workers launch Black Friday strike in Washington state About 400 workers walk out in dispute over allegedly unfair labor practices and failure to agree to a new contract.“We are on an unfair labor practice strike because Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,”one employee, Liisa Luick, said during a rally outside Southcenter.“Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract.”
 
KIRO-TV: Macy’s workers to strike Black Friday across Washington over ‘unfair’ labor practices “When workers ask that store safety just be a topic that they can talk about in future meetings with management, Macy’s even says no to that,”Joe Mizrahi, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 21, said on Friday.“Macy’s workers would much rather be inside the store helping customers this Black Friday. But instead they’ll be out here (at the Southcenter Mall) on one of the busiest shopping days of the year.”
 
KGMI RADIO: Local Macy’s workers to strike on Black Friday Macy’s Workers United said on their website that over 14,000 customers signed a pledge to not shop at Macy’s during the strike.
 
Bellingham Herald: Bellingham Macy’s to strike on Black Friday; Bellis Fair employees calling for change “I’ve been at the Bellis Fair Macy’s for 19 years,” Christina Verkist said in the release.“I’m in home goods, and my customers count on my knowledge of the products. But because they cut down on workers, I’m alone a lot in my department. With the threats we face from shoplifters, Macy’s needs to improve security, and we deserve better pay. The price of everything is up but my pay is not. Most of the time I can’t afford to fill up my gas tank. We hope customers will shop elsewhere while we are on strike for safer stores and better pay.”
 
Lynnwood Times: Macy’s workers to strike on Black Friday throughout Washington “Now we are afraid to call 911 when safety issues come up because we worry we will get in trouble, or even lose our jobs,”Luick said.“Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation, so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat. Macy’s needs to step up and make our stores safer for workers and customers. I’m asking our customers to shop elsewhere this holiday while we are on strike.”
 
Newsbreak (DC): Hundreds of Macy's Workers Across Washington Set To Go On Strike on Black Friday! In an unprecedented move, over 400 Macy's workers in Washington are set to strike on Black Friday, citing Unfair Labor Practices ("ULP").
 
Edmonds News: Macy’s workers plan to strike starting on Black Friday at state’s busiest stores Hundreds of Macy’s workers Friday announced a countdown to an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike at some of the busiest stores in Washington, including Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood, Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham and Southcenter Mall in Tukwila. Striking workers will kick off picket lines on Black Friday — Nov. 24 — with a Macy’s Striking Workers Parade at Southcenter Mall, according to a news release frommacysunited.com.
 
KOMO TV: Macy's workers in western Washington plan Black Friday strike over safety concerns, low wages: “This is what we feel is necessary to stand up for what is right and what we deserve,”Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s in Southcenter Mall for 21 years."This is unknown territory for a lot of us, but the time is now. We need to fight for what is right.... Macy’s makes billions of dollars a year in profit while many employees are struggling to make ends meet, that’s unacceptable." Employees said they're hoping customers will support them by not shopping at Macy’s during the strike, which kicks off with a rally outside Macy’s at Southcenter Mall Friday at 9 a.m. For more information on the strike,click here.
 
KCPQ FOX 13 TV: Local Macy's employees go on strike during busiest shopping weekend of the year: "Macy’s, first of all, isn’t even keeping up with inflation, on top of, we don’t feel safe in our stores, which is leading to short staff, us being stretched thin, which is making us more vulnerable," said Azia Domingo... To see the community, to see the other unions, to see politicians, to see moms and dads, our customers out there supporting us, this is amazing. And this gives us the strength to stand together and fight.”
 
KING 5 TV: Macy's workers striking in Lynnwood, Tukwila and Bellingham over 'unfair labor practices': “We’re tired of being frightened and endangered at work,”said Mary Stephen who works at the Alderwood Mall Macy’s in Lynnwood,“My hope is that it doesn’t last very long and we can come to a fair solution for all of us for safety, better affordable healthcare and better pay.” 
 
KIRO News Radio: Washington Macy’s workers strike for higher wages, better crime protection: Liisa Luick, who has worked at the Macy’s in Lynnwood for more than 15 years, says there’s no clear safety procedures in place, and employees are left virtually on their own.“Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief,”she says.“Macy’s has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract. Macy’s has also attempted to restrict our ability to talk with our union representatives about workplace issues and bargaining.”
 
New York Times: Black Friday Isn’t What It Used to Be: …“any retailers now make a point of staying closed on Thanksgiving. (Employees at some Macy’s stores in Washington State used Black Friday to make a statement about their working conditions. More than 400 sales associates went on strike over issues they say they’re facing, including theft in stores and low wages.)”
 
Seattle Times: Seattle-area Macy’s workers strike for better protection from crime
“Some accountant in New York has figured out that it costs them less to just let people steal product than it does for them to have a perception of there being safety issues in their stores,” says Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 secretary-treasurer. Macy’s has “financial incentive to pretend like there’s not a problem.”

Yasmina Grainat, 55, who was picketing at Alderwood with other members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 3000, which represents around 400 workers at the state’s three unionized Macy’s stores: Alderwood, Southcenter and in Bellis Fair mall in Bellingham and others say Macy’s management does too little to deter the thieves or protect staff. Employees say they’re not allowed to interfere with thieves, or aid colleagues, but are told to report incidents to store security…“When I call security, no one picks up the phone,” says Grainat, who adds that the stress is too much at a job that pays a 23-year veteran just $20.73 an hour.“We need them to respect us.”
 
Cascadia Daily News: Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday weekend over safety, wages Union workers urge public to go elsewhere on nation's busiest shopping days
Outside Bellis Fair mall, a worker barked into a megaphone,“Their 50 cent. Won’t pay rent,”striking union employees and community members replied in a call-and-response chant. Debbie Walk, who has worked for Macy’s in Bellingham for at least eight years, said it was“ridiculous”that employees were having to bargain for the right to call the police when they felt a situation was unsafe.“We’re seeing a lot of retail theft and they don’t seem to be doing enough to stop it,”said Walk, who works in the retailer's fine jewelry department.“We feel unsafe a lot of times.”

“Macy’s is not the first or last strike in Washington,” Mizrahi said.“Providence nurses and hospital staff and now Macy’s employees are demanding CEOs share the wealth made off of their hard work.”
 
Everett Herald: Macy’s employees strike on Black Friday at Alderwood Mall
Protesters in Lynnwood called for better wages and safety measures. Staff at other Macy’s stores picketed in Bellingham and Tukwila.
 
Thailand Post: Employees at Macy’s in Washington state will go on strike for 3 days, starting on Black Friday
 
Mention in WA State Standard story on holiday retail workers

Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor 

Everett Herald: Comment: Retail workers are essential; treat them as such (Liisa Luick)
Retail workers face low wages, short-staffing and threats from shoplifters that stores are ignoring. 
 
Mt Lake Terrace News: Letter to the editor: Macy’s needs to support its workers (Janet Bates)
That’s why we are united with the power of our union UFCW 3000, ready to strike during the busiest shopping days of the year around Black Friday. We hope our customers and the community will stand with us until Macy’s corporate shows us they care about more than their profits. 
 
Everett Herald LTE: Back Macy’s workers efforts for better pay  (Daniel Vargo)
So, if you see workers like me united with the power of our union UFCW 3000 holding signs outside Macy’s Alderwood in the upcoming weeks, I hope you will support our fight against Macy’s unfair labor practices and for better pay and improved safety for workers and customers at our stores.
 
Everett Herald LTE: Pay, safety are major concerns for Macy’s workers (Nicole Hardin)
To make it even tougher, Macy’s management doesn’t take our safety seriously. Shoplifters and even violent customers are constant threats to our security. But Macy’s hasn’t provided safety procedures, and workers who called for help have been retaliated against by management. 

Macy's ULP Strike Update

We invite all members to attend our informational zoom meeting tonight @ 5PM >>

We will begin our 3-day ULP strike on Black Friday (11/24) at 3:00 AM and will be giving Macy’s notice that we will be ready to return to work beginning Monday 11/27 at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham.

DO I NEED TO CALL OUT FROM WORK BEFORE THE STRIKE?

No, employees are NOT required to notify or inform Macy's management of their absence due to the strike. Moreover, Macy's is prohibited from taking disciplinary action or deducting attendance credits for your involvement in the ULP strike, as it would constitute an unfair labor practice, violating the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). If there are any attempts by management to discipline, or even the threat alone, promptly report the incident to your Picket Captain.

WHEN SHOULD I WALK THE LINE?

We recommend that you walk the strike line about the same time you would work your normal shift, or at the time of your choice if it’s your day off. This will help ensure that we have a strong strike lines throughout the day, especially during mall operating hours.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I REPORT TO THE STRIKE LINE?

When you arrive, please report to your Picket Captain who will be on your worksite’s main strike line wearing an orange vest. Your Picket Captain will have a clipboard that you will use to sign in and out of the strike line so that we can count your hours towards the strike benefit. As a reminder, the strike benefit is $500 for 20 hours (per week or less), or $300 for 12 hours (for our 3-day ULP strike) on the strike line. If you haven't had a chance to complete your W9 for strike benefits you can complete it online today by visiting macysunited.com/strike.  
 
Main Strike Lines:
Bellingham: South Entrance
Alderwood: South Entrance
Southcenter: North Entrance

ARE WE STRIKING THE FURNITURE GALLERIES?

No, we are not striking the furniture galleries at this time. If you are a Furniture Gallery employee you should report to work as usual then, before or after your shift or on your day off, come support your fellow Macy's workers on the strike line at one of the mall locations.  
 
In the event management asks you to cross the picket line and work in a mall location, you should inform your manager that you are invoking your right to not cross the picket line. If your manager persists, comply with their order to avoid discipline, and report the incident to your Union Representative immediately. The incident will then be referred to a UFCW Local 3000 attorney for possible unfair labor practice charges against Macy’s.

CAN HOLIDAY HIRES JOIN THE ULP STRIKE?

Holidays hires that work in the Mall Stores have protection under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to participate in collective action such as striking. Any Holiday hires who choose to strike will qualify for the same Strike Benefit as all other Macy’s workers who are covered under our agreement so long as they satisfy the requirements for the benefit.  That would include withholding their labor for the duration of the strike, walking the strike line for 12 hours ($300) or 20 hours ($500), and completing a W-9 form.

WHO IS MY PICKET CAPTAIN?

Southcenter:  

  • Jeanne Peterson 

  • Tammy Poole  

  • Azia Domingo  

  • Curtisy Bryant 

  • Romeo Juco 

  • Wilda Branca 

Alderwood:  

  • Janet Bates 

  • Liisa Luick 

  • Nicole Hardin 

  • Daniel Landon 

  • Mary Stephen 

  • Sama Yazdani 

Bellingham:

  • Samantha Wilson 

  • Christina Verkist 

  • Debbie Walk 

WHERE CAN I FIND MORE INFORMATION?

 Additional information regarding our upcoming ULP strike can be found at www.macysunited.com/strike.

Olympic Medical Center - ProTech contract vote scheduled

Olympic Medical Center - ProTech
Contract vote scheduled

After several months of bargaining, we have reached a tentative agreement.The Bargaining Team fully recommends a “YES” vote this agreement!

Highlights of the tentative agreement include:

  • 19% wage increases

  • Market increases

  • $2000.00 total bonuses prorated by FTE

  • $3.00 for evening/$5.00 for night shift differentials

Join your coworkers and vote on the new agreement!

Sequim
Thursday, November 30 @ 3:00pm-5:30pm
Medical Services Building (MSB) - Conference Room, 840 N 5th Avenue, Sequim WA 98382

Port Angeles
Friday, December 1 @ 11am-6pm
Olympic Medical Center - Fairshter Meeting Room, 939 Caroline Street, Port Angeles WA 988362

UFCW 3000 members in good standing are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions, and vote on the contract. Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Rep Aimee Oien for any questions @ 360-662-1981.

Update Your Contact Info
ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Macy's ULP Strike Update

We will begin our 3-day ULP strike on Black Friday (11/24) at 3:00 AM and will be giving Macy’s notice that we will be ready to return to work beginning at 3am on Monday 11/27 at Southcenter Mall in Tukwila, Alderwood Mall in Lynnwood and Bellis Fair Mall in Bellingham.

WHAT SHOULD I DO WHEN I REPORT TO THE STRIKE LINE?

When you arrive, please report to your Picket Captain who will be on your worksite’s main strike line wearing an orange vest. Your Picket Captain will have a clipboard that you will use to sign in and out of the strike line so that we can count your hours towards the strike benefit. As a reminder, the strike benefit is $500 for 20 hours (per week or less), or $300 for 12 hours (for our 3-day ULP strike) on the strike line. If you haven't had a chance to complete your W9 for strike benefits you can complete it online today by visiting macysunited.com/strike.  
 
Main Strike Lines:
Bellingham: South Entrance
Alderwood: South Entrance
Southcenter: North Entrance

ARE WE STRIKING THE FURNITURE GALLERIES?

No, we are not striking the furniture galleries at this time. If you are a Furniture Gallery employee you should report to work as usual then, before or after your shift or on your day off, come support your fellow Macy's workers on the strike line at one of the mall locations.  
 
In the event management asks you to cross the picket line and work in a mall location, you should inform your manager that you are invoking your right to not cross the picket line. If your manager persists, comply with their order to avoid discipline, and report the incident to your Union Representative immediately. The incident will then be referred to a UFCW Local 3000 attorney for possible unfair labor practice charges against Macy’s.

CAN HOLIDAY HIRES JOIN THE ULP STRIKE?

Holidays hires that work in the Mall Stores have protection under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA) to participate in collective action such as striking. Any Holiday hires who choose to strike will qualify for the same Strike Benefit as all other Macy’s workers who are covered under our agreement so long as they satisfy the requirements for the benefit.  

That would include withholding their labor for the duration of the strike, walking the strike line for 12 hours ($300) or 20 hours ($500), and completing a W-9 form.

WHO IS MY PICKET CAPTAIN? 

Southcenter:  

  • Jeanne Peterson 

  • Tammy Poole  

  • Azia Domingo  

  • Curtisy Bryant 

  • Romeo Juco 

  • Wilda Branca 

Alderwood:  

  • Janet Bates 

  • Liisa Luick 

  • Nicole Hardin 

  • Daniel Landon 

  • Mary Stephen 

  • Sama Yazdani 

Bellingham: 

  • Samantha Wilson 

  • Christina Verkist 

  • Debbie Walk 

 Join us at our All-Macys Workers meeting Wednesday 11/22 @ 5PM >>

Providence St. Peter Hospital (PTAs/COTAs)

Providence St. Peter Hospital (PTAs / COTAs)
Memorandum of agreement ratification vote

Our union Bargaining Team is happy to announce our tentatively agreed Memorandum of Understanding that brings us into the UFCW 3000 Professional and Technical Collective Bargaining Agreement will be ratified by a vote of our members.

We are strongly recommending a “YES” vote so that we can join our Union siblings in the existing bargaining unit! Please join us in the Nisqually conference room at the above time to review the M.O.U. and cast your vote.

Join your coworkers and vote “YES” the new agreement!

Tuesday, December 5
11:30am—1:30pm

Providence St. Peter Hospital—Nisqually conference room

Directions to the Nisqually conference room:

Upon entering the main entrance of the hospital, head right and travel past the information desk until you see the “Main Elevators” wall. You will have passed Starbucks on your left hand side.

Take the “Main” elevator to Floor 2 (Café Level).

Exit left off the elevator on the 2nd Floor. Turn right at the entrance to Cabrini’s (Café). Continue on this main corridor, through the cafeteria, off to the left, then right and go down the hall until you can turn right, then take the first left, then go right past the Lab and the Nisqually Room is at the end of the hallway.

Please speak with our Bargaining Team members or call Union Rep Brandan Zielinski @ 206-436-6603 if you have any questions.

Bargaining Team Members: Cynthia Miner, Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant; Heidi Ranger-Geh, Physical Therapy Assistant

REI (Bellingham) - Bargaining Begins

REI (BELLINGHAM)
BARGAINING BEGINS

Our first bargaining session on Tuesday, November 14, is the start of a long fight. Our introductory session included our Bargaining Team, some of our REI Bellingham coworkers as observers, and REI’s legal counsel at the table. Our initial proposals focused on union security to ensure we keep the union we’ve won and representation language (including union access, bulletin boards, meeting spaces, and stewards). From REI’s counterproposals, it is clear that we have a long way to go to finding agreement.

Our Bargaining Team discussed the recent changes head on and questioned the Employer’s decision to make unilateral changes to working conditions. We will continue that conversation as we bargain over the effects of the changes, continue our Unfair Labor Practice charges against REI, and work together with the REI members across the country who are also dealing with these issues while bargaining their first contracts.

We are looking forward to our next session on December 12. If you’re interested in joining virtually, please contact Union Rep Dominick Ojeda @ (206) 436-6586.

"Our first day felt really shallow, but it was nice to finally meet and put faces to the names. Feels like the beginning of a long relationship." —Tini Alexander, Bargaining Team member

Our REI Bargaining Team (L—R): Tini Alexander, Sue Cottrell, Sharon Martinez, Alex Pollitt, Johnny Cooke (not pictured)

PRMCE RN We walked the line to ensure safe staffing!

We Walked the Line to Ensure Safe Staffing – Our Community, Patients and Co-workers stood with us 

Over the last five days over a thousand nurses, family, friends, labor unions, elected officials, and community have walked the picket line with us to demand that Providence consider our common-sense staffing proposals in good faith.  

Over the last five days, one thing is for sure: Providence has heard us loud and clear. 

Watch the strike round-up slideshow! >>

This morning, 11/19, we return to work with the hope that Providence will engage in meaningful bargaining and really listen to the solutions we are demanding. If you have any issues with your return to work, call your Union Representative Anthony Cantu or the Member Resource Center at 1-888-210-3000. 

Throughout the ten-day strike notice period and throughout the ULP strike, Providence chose not to negotiate. But now, with our ULP strike concluded, they've expressed an interest in returning to the bargaining table. This time, as we resume negotiations, a federal mediator will join us to facilitate a fair and productive process. 

While we await the negotiation date, it's essential to plan our next steps and reflect on the impact of our ULP strike. Join us for a strike captain meeting on Tuesday, November 21st, at 8 pm to debrief the strike and discuss next steps. 

If you completed 20 hours of strike duty and filled out your W9 form completely, your strike benefit check will be sent by Friday November 24 via regular mail to your address.  If you did not complete your W9 form, please fill it out and arrange a time to submit your form in-person to UFCW staff. >>

“We are not going let our community suffer—that’s not what we’re here for. Providence has to step up. They need to understand: all that we ask is that you come to the table with open minds, open hearts, open ears, open eyes. Let’s get this done so we can get back to work.” -Juan Stout, bargaining team member 

 

“We all could have made the decision to believe Providence when they said the best they could do is what we’ve been experiencing for the past year and a half, and that that’s what they wanted for us in the future. We disagree. They can do better and we need them to do better.” -Kelli Johnson, bargaining team member 

Our journey is far from over. Together, let's persist, let's continue to stand united, and let's keep pushing until we secure the changes we're fighting for. 

Strike Captain Meeting (& open to all nurses!)- Tuesday 11/21 8pm via zoom 

  • Debrief Strike- lessons learned, feedback, what went well and could be improved in future 

  • Discuss Next Steps 

PRMCE RN Plans for our return to work

Our ULP strike will end on Sunday November 19 at 6am. You should receive a message from your supervisor with instructions on your return to work if you are scheduled to work on November 19th. 
 
If your November 19 shift start time is before 6am, please report to work at 6am. If your November 19 shift end time is between 6am to 7am, please report to work at 6am unless your supervisor tells you otherwise. 
 
We encourage you to join us from 4am to 6am to help walk nurses back to work and finish our ULP strike strong.We stand united and will continue to be united until PRMCE bargains in good faith and we reach a contract which addresses the staffing needs of our patients and community! 
 
We will send out a bargaining update on Sunday November 19 with details of our next steps. 

Macy's 3-Day ULP Strike Announced

At a press conference this morning held at Southcenter Mall, UFCW Local 3000 announced that Macy’s workers will be going out on a 3-day unfair labor practice strike starting on Black Friday through Sunday November 26.

“Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation, so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat. Macy’s needs to step up and make our stores safer for workers and customers. And I’m asking our customers to shop elsewhere this holiday while we are on strike.” — Liisa Luick, Alderwood Mall

“Until Macy’s shows that they respect and value us with better security and better pay, they will lose more workers. I hope our customers will stand with us in this fight and not shop at Macy’s while we are on strike.” — Azia Domingo, Southcenter Mall

UFCW Local 3000 staff will be on the strike line for the entire duration of the strike to answer any questions and ensure everything runs smoothly. We also have other UFCW members and staff from around the United States who have made arrangements to support our fight for a fair contract.

To kick-off our ULP strike there will be the Macy’s Striking Workers Parade at the Southcenter mall on Black Friday @ 9AM. The parade will feature hundreds of supporters from around the community, a speaker line up, and a Cher impersonator just like Macy’s parade in New York City!

We encourage all members to attend an informational zoom meeting tonight (11/17) to learn more about the impending strike and have your questions answered.

What happens with our strike benefit during a 3-day strike?

Members who withhold their labor and walk twenty hours on the picket line during the three days will still earn a $500 strike benefit. However, a new option is available that offers a $300 benefit for members who spend just 12 hours on the picket line instead. While taxes will not be withheld from your strike benefit, members are still required to complete a W-9 form to receive payment.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Friday, November 17 @ 5PM: All Member Virtual Meeting! >>

Tuesday, November 21 @ 1PM, Picket Sign Making Party! Alderwood Strike HQ (Residence Inn by Marriott 18200 Alderwood Mall Pkwy, Lynnwood, WA 98037)

Black Friday 9AM, Southcenter Mall: Macy’s Striking Workers Parade >>

Macy’s Strike HQ Website >>

C.C. Filson - Layoff severance and amendments to Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Vote

C.C. Filson
Layoff severance and amendments to Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) Vote

Last week, we met with Filson’s regarding the upcoming layoff of 25 Manufacturing positions. We reached a tentative agreement that includes severance pay and extends the timeframe for healthcare benefits. Additionally, Filson’s had proposed some amendments to Article 12 to eliminate the Productivity Bonus Pay. We were able to get Filson’s to accelerate the February 1, 2024 wage increases, and provide an additional wage increase for all employees effective April 1, 2024.

We will be holding a vote to allow all members an opportunity to vote on the proposed MOU (Memorandum of Agreement) regarding the layoffs as well as the proposed amendments to the contract.

Vote Details

Monday, November 27
10:30am—3:30pm
C.C. Filson break room, 6111 S 228th Street, Kent, WA 98032

All the details of the proposed amendments will be available at the meeting.

If you have any questions or concerns, please call Union Rep Jose Veliz @ 360-409-0615.

NO DEAL REACHED with Macy’s. Macy’s Workers, It’s Time to Stand UP.

OUR UNION BARGAINING TEAM: Azia Domingo, Curtisy Bryant, Emily Hunter, Liisa Luick, Nicole Hardin, Sean Embly, Faye Guenther.

Last night, we did not reach a deal and after 3 bargaining sessions, Macy’s refused to in good faith consider bargaining proposals to address our concerns. We remain ready and willing to bargain at any time when Macy’s is ready to bargain in good faith and can send a decision maker to the Bargaining Table.

Next Steps:

  1. Join the press conference on Friday, November 17 at 9 a.m. at the Southcenter Mall or view it at the Facebook Live.

  2. Sign up for at least 20 hours on your store’s Strike Schedule (see your store’s Picket Captains).

  3. Complete a W9 form and return the completed form to a UFCW 3000 Union Representative or complete a W9 online by visiting Macysunited.com/strike to make sure you will get paid your strike benefit.

In the event we do end up on a ULP strike, our Bargaining Team has planned a “Macy’s Striking Workers Parade” action on Black Friday at the Southcenter location that will be supported by community partners and other UFCW 3000 members.

We Are in This Together to Improve Safety and Increase Worker Pay

We need safer workplaces. We need better security. We need to retain our staff. We need better wages to retain staff. Macy’s CEO gets over $11 million per year, while some of us rely on food banks and can’t afford to see the doctor.

Macys Striking Workers Parade, Black Friday, 9AM, Southcenter Mall

Downtown Dog Lounge - Another Session at the Negotiation Table!

Your union team met with DDL management and their lawyer again Tuesday, November 14, and dug in on bereavement, vacation, and management’s dress code. After many back and forth we walked away with no deals yet on any of these important subjects. We hope to have a more fruitful session December 2 when we meet again!

Talk to your union bargaining team for updates and more information!

From L to R: Joe Mizrahi (Union Secretary-Treasurer), Ayla (Bather), Maribeth (Night Owl), Grace (Evaluator/Concierge), Judy (Concierge), Elsie (Pack Leader), and Faye Guenther (Union President)

Macy's - BARGAINING TODAY!

Our Bargaining Team will meet with Macy’s management again today, November 15, beginning at 2PM and possibly into the night. We have a late start today due to the availability of the federal mediator.

We come today trying to find a path to an agreement that will both improve workers lives by putting more money into our checks, but also creating a safer working environment that addresses the increasing amount of crime in our stores.

However, we come to the table today in the face of continued unfair labor practices from the employer that has frustrated the bargaining process. Such behavior from Macy’s has made it difficult to have honest and fruitful talks with the employer.

Regardless, we are committed to bargaining in good faith today and hope management comes to the table with a similar mindset.

We will keep you updated as the situation develops.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Thursday 11/16

  • 11AM - 1PM: W-9 Collection in Breakroom (All Stores)

  • 1PM - 2PM: Southcenter CAT Meeting
    Southcenter Mall Food Court (2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188)


Friday 11/17


Black Friday 11/24

  • 9AM: Macy’s Striking Workers Parade, Black Friday, Southcenter Mall
    >> RSVP Here!

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (Technical) - Bargaining Begins

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center (Technical)
Bargaining Begins

Our Bargaining Team met with Providence Administration on November 9 and November 10.

On the first day, our union Bargaining Team was able to get all proposals, including economics, to the Employer and the Employer responded on the second day. We have tentative agreements on expanding the grievance timeline to 21 days in step one, transferring onto an online staffing form and cleaning up language in areas that we no longer use. Unfortunately, the parties are very far apart in terms of compensation, and the Employer has proposed significant changes to Medical, Dental, Credit for experience, attendance and some other articles that we consider takeaways.

Our next bargaining dates are December 18 and December 19. In the meantime, our Bargaining Team will be meeting to discuss further steps and actions going forward. There is no time better than the present to get organized so that our voices are heard.

“It is my first time on the Bargaining Team, and I am very happy to be part of the process and to represent my co-workers during this very difficult time. Hopefully, each bargaining session gets better. Right now, it looks like we will have to STAND STRONG TOGETHER MORE THAN EVER.” —Lee Lidman, IR Tech and Bargaining Team

Providence Sacred Heart Technical Workers in Spokane Support Providence Regional RNs on ULP Strike!

Our Providence Sacred Heart Bargaining Team: (Top L—R) Joseph Sikkila, Respiratory Therapist; Craig Kistler, MHC; Derek Roybal, CV Tech; Lee Lidman, IR Tech; Janelle Mathias, Pharmacy Technician; Shane Sullivan Peds Echo; Teresa Bowden, Respiratory Therapist; (Bottom L—R) Holly Granly, Surgical Technologist; Angela Holmes, Surgical Technologist; Juanita Quezada, Union Rep; (Not pictured) Miriam Critelli, Pharmacy Technician

QUESTIONS? Please reach out to a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Juanita Quezada @ 509-340-7371.

Macy's Know Your Rights

Has your manager threatened to discipline workers who participate in the unfair labor practice (ULP) strike? Perhaps they threatened to mark you down as a no-call no-show, remove attendance credits, or even terminate striking workers?

If so, your manager likely violated federal law and you should notify your Picket Captain and/or Union Representative immediately.

UFCW Local 3000 has been investigating reports of Macy’s managers making illegal and false threats against workers in an attempt intimidate workers into not participating in protected activities such as striking. If these threats are verified, the local will be filing federal charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) against Macy’s.

Federal law safeguards workers participating in protected concerted activities, such as a legal strike, from any retaliation by management. This protection explicitly prohibits management from disciplining workers (e.g., removing attendance credits) who join our increasingly likely ULP strike.

Furthermore, federal law prohibits management from making threatening or intimidating statements intended to discourage workers from participating in the strike. Even if management is unlikely to carry out these illegal threats, the mere act of making such threats is, in itself, against the law.

If the reports Local 3000 have been receiving turn out to be true, then this is further evidence of Macy’s engaging in unfair labor practices, hindering the bargaining process. The best way to fight against their behavior is to continue preparing for an unfair labor practice strike!

Shoppers have pledged not to shop at Macy’s if we go on strike!

A petition has been circulating throughout the community to support our fight for a fair contract.

PCC workers overwhelmingly voted NO on PCC’s latest offer

Yesterday, November 9, PCC workers overwhelmingly voted NO on PCC’s latest offer, with over 92% rejecting the contract. Our bargaining committee will be seeking more bargaining dates with PCC and continue fighting for the best contract possible. In the meantime, if we are unable to reach a deal that benefits all workers at PCC, we need to get ready to take action. Upcoming Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings are being scheduled and information will be sent out as soon as possible. It’s important to attend one of those meetings, as we will be prepping for informational pickets at various locations. 

Solidarity is key as we try to secure a contract that we hope will put us ahead of other union grocers in the region. You can stay updated by visiting our news & updates section on our website, reaching out to your union rep, or attending an open bargaining session when they resume.

It is important to get informed and stay informed during this process, It is your right to talk about these negotiations on the shop floor. You can always send a message to our PCC union bargaining team here >>