MultiCare Health Systems Bargaining Update

Over the last few months, bargaining surveys were collected from hundreds of UFCW Local 3000 members across MultiCare Health System. This includes workers at Tacoma General Hospital, Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital, Allenmore Hospital, Auburn Medical Center, Tacoma Family Medicine, and various Clinics.

The results of the survey were clear – workers believe that our wages have become uncompetitive and our healthcare far too expensive.

Our Union Negotiating Committee met on December 5 for an entire day to review the full results of the bargaining survey, audit our current contracts, and have a robust discussion about the issues in our workplaces. During this discussion we began working on our initial non-economic proposal to be presented to MultiCare on our first day with the Employer.

We also have a research team that is currently conducting a comprehensive market review of wages so that our committee can make informed decisions about our initial economic proposal. This review will include, but is not limited to, a review of wages offered to workers at Virginia Mason Franciscan Health (e.g., St. Joseph Medical Center), Providence Health System, UW Medicine (e.g., Valley Medical Center), Swedish Medical Center, and Seattle Children’s Hospital.

We have reached out to MultiCare Managament to schedule our first bargaining dates in January and February, however, they have not yet responded. We’ve pushed back, recognizing that our contract expires March 1, and expect to hear back soon so that we can get started.

GET INVOLVED, STAY INFORMED!

Our Negotiating Committee recommends that members attend regular Contract Action Team meetings, which provide more detailed updates regarding contract negotiations and upcoming workplace actions. Our next meetings are on February 6th:

In person at 12PM: Allenmore Basement Conference Room and at 9AM and 5PM via Virtual ZOOM meeting. RSVP to a meeting here >>

Lourdes Medical Center RNs - New union contract ratified

Lourdes Medical Center RNs
New union contract ratified

“We are glad we are finally competitive with the market!”

—Jennifer Powell, RN and Bargaining Team member

Our Bargaining Team: Jennifer Powell, Jessica Leon, and Holly Kelly

The new contract was overwhelming voted and approved on December 27 and it includes:

• Significant wage increases making Lourdes more competitive

• Additional Step 32 at the top of the scale

• Premium increases to:

• Charge Nurse Differential

• Night Shift Differential

• On-call Differential

• Preceptor Premium increase

• Increase PTO accrual for 5-15+ years of services

• Memorandum of understanding (MOU) compensation for SANE

• Two-year extension to the current contract: The new contract will now expire January 1, 2027.

QUESTIONS? Contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Juanita Quezada @ 509-340-7407.

MFused - Contract ratified!

MFused
CONTRACT RATIFIED!

On December 29, after months of negotiations with Management, UFCW Local 3000 members at MFused voted to ratify OUR FIRST UNION CONTRACT! Our Union contract is now in full force and effect, including benefits and protections such as:

• JUST CAUSE: Our contract protects against unfair discipline, ensuring workers cannot be disciplined or terminated arbitrarily, only for legitimate and evenly enforced violations of established policy. Going forward, call the Membership Resource Center at 1-866-210-3000 if you believe you have been unfairly disciplined.

• LOWER MEDICAL COSTS: The Employer is now responsible for 65% of our total medical premium, up from the former 50%.

• HIGHER VACATION ACCRUAL: Employees with over one year of service will now accrue more vacation time compared to the previous company policy.

  • Up to 1 year (0-1) years employment 80 hours

    One to two (1-2) years employment 96 hours

    Two to four (2-4) years employment 128 hours

    Four or more (4 +) years employment 144 hours

• WORK CANCELATION PAY: If Management needs to cancel your shift with less than forty-eight (48) hours’ notice then you will be entitled to pay for no less than half of your regular shift.

• WAGES & BONUS: All wage increases, including our $750 ratification bonus, will take effect in the first full pay period after today's ratification vote.

Our MFused contract sets a new standard for the cannabis industry, not only in Washington State but nationwide, as workers seek to unionize to improve of their workplaces.

However, our journey is far from complete. We must now enforce our contract, address new issues that arise over its duration, and advocate for improvements in cannabis legislation within our state and beyond.

The achievement of our first contract stands as a testament to the strength of our union and the transformative power of our collective power in creating positive change in our workplace.

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Legislative Day of Action in Olympia

Take action with us this next month by coming down to Olympia for our upcoming Legislative Day of Action to advocate for improved worker and cannabis legislation.

Monday, January 29

RSVP now! Go to: mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/595097/

PRMCE - Back to the Bargaining Table!

We will be bargaining on January 22, 2023! We're gearing up to head back to the bargaining table with PRMCE, and a federal mediator will be joining us. Before we step into mediation, our bargaining team will carefully analyze the survey results. These results shed light on the priorities and concerns of our bargaining unit.

Remember, the deadline to submit your survey responses is December 31, 2023. If you haven't already completed the survey, you can access it through the link below:

Come January, we'll be sharing a summary of the survey findings via Zoom ahead of our mediation session. Keep an eye out for the scheduled meeting date—we'll promptly share it with you.

Our goal on January 22, 2023, is to tackle the priorities highlighted in the survey. As representatives of the RN bargaining unit, our bargaining team holds the authority to potentially reach a tentative agreement on that day. This tentative agreement will then be subject to a vote. The team will carefully assess various factors, including the survey results, to ensure that any proposal aligns with the unit's priorities.

Your participation and input through the survey is crucial. Let's work together to address our concerns and strive for an agreement that reflects our shared priorities.

For questions or to get more involved, please reach out to Union Rep Anthony Cantu at (206) 436-6566.

Olympic Medical Center Support Services - CONTRACT RATIFIED!

Olympic Medical Center Support Services
CONTRACT RATIFIED!

On December 21 and 22, union members overwhelmingly voted to approve a new Union Contract which includes:

• 18% Wage Increases over 3 years

• Market Increases

• Bonuses

• Differential Increases

• Premium Increases

For additional information contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Aimee Oien @ 360-662-1981.

Update Your Contact Info!
https://www.ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

PCC Bargaining Update

On Tuesday, December 19, PCC workers participated in informational pickets at six different locations. Despite the grey skies and rain, workers made their voices heard, demonstrating to PCC management that their last offer was insufficient.

Bargaining dates with a mediator are scheduled for January 23 and 24. If a tentative agreement is not reached, we will hold strike authorization votes on January 26. The locations and times for the strike vote will be announced in early January.

In the meantime, our focus will be on training strike captains and circulating strike schedule sign-up sheets in all our stores.

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CAT meetings are planned for the week of January 7 – 14. Attend these meetings to learn how to manage a strike line and to ask questions about what to expect during a strike.

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>> RSVP for our next CAT meeting via Zoom on Thursday, December 28, at 6:00 PM

>> Contact the bargaining team!

>> Visit the PCC contract page & read the PCC Strike FAQ

 

Informe sobre las Negociaciones con PCC

El martes 19 de diciembre, los trabajadores de PCC participaron en piquetes informativos en seis locales distintos. A pesar de los cielos nublados y la lluvia, los trabajadores se hicieron escuchar, manifestando ante la gerencia de PCC que su última oferta fue insuficiente.

Las fechas de negociación con el mediador están fijadas para el 23 y 24 de enero. Si no se logra un acuerdo tentativo, vamos a votar por autorizar una huelga el 26 de enero. Se anunciarán los lugares y las horas de la votación de huelga a principios de enero.

Por mientras, nuestro enfoque será la capacitación de los capitanes de huelga y pasar las hojas para apuntarse para un horario de huelga en todas nuestras tiendas.

Tenemos planificadas reuniones de CAT para la semana del 7 a 14 de enero. Asista a estas juntas para informarse sobre cómo manejar una línea de huelga y para hacer sus preguntas acerca de lo que pueden esperar de la huelga.

>> Súmase a nuestra próxima junta de CAT por Zoom el jueves, 28 de diciembre a las 6:00 PM

>> ¡Comuníquese con el equipo de negociaciones!

>> Visite la página del contrato de PCC y lea las preguntas frecuentes sobre la Huelga de PCC

Swain's General Store - Negotiations Commence

On Wednesday, December 20th, our Bargaining Team met with Swain’s Management for our first day of negotiations. Initial proposals were put forth by both teams on economic and non-economic issues and tentative agreements were reached on the duration of the contract, establishing a safety committee, and allowing Union Stewards or Union Representatives time with new hires to introduce them to our Union!  

While the Employer did not present any proposals on economics, we are hopeful they will be able to in our next negotiation session (we are still working to establish more dates after the holidays). Our team was able to present some proposals around economics but given that this was late in the day the Employer did not have time to respond on these issues.  

We are hoping to have a swift and productive contract negotiation when we reconvene in January, but also are hoping to speak with our coworkers before the next session at a Contract Action Team meeting. We want to continue to keep everyone engaged so that we can be united in winning the best contract we can. Please stay tuned for details about this in the New Year! 

"The Swain's bargaining team is negotiating for a better tomorrow!"
- Robert Sommers

Our Swain’s Bargaining Team: Robert Sommers, Michael Nichols, Shawn Price, Richard Drake

Willapa Harbor Hospital (RN) Bargaining Begins

Willapa Harbor Hospital (RN)
Bargaining Begins

Our Bargaining Team (L—R): Kenadee Westerback, Robyn Taylor

We have finally started bargaining our union contract with Management after delays due to Management lack of availability.

Our initial contract package proposal included competitive wage increases, premium increases, equity and diversity language, staffing, and reducing health care costs. We had constructive conversations around scheduling, vacations, credit for experience and the hospital's financial status.

We will come back to the table on January 12 for a response to our proposals. We are looking forward to the Management response.

QUESTIONS? Contact a Bargaining Team member or Union Rep Brandan Zielinski @ 206-436-6603

Update Your Contact Info!
https://www.ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Macy's - STRIKE AUTHORIZED (AGAIN)

BARGAINING TEAM: Azia Domingo, Curtisy Bryant, Emily Hunter, Liisa Luick, Nicole Hardin.

On December 21, Macy’s workers spoke loud and clear as we voted over 99% to authorize another strike, which is a stronger authorization than our first vote!! Our vote sends a strong message to Macy’s – we are not afraid to show our collective power again!

This happened after our Union Bargaining Team met with management on Monday December 18 and they showed very little movement on the key issues that we’re fighting for. Specifically, parties are still far apart on wages, the employer is still proposing to take away our wage scales and our MLK Day personal day.

However, that is not to say that no progress was made. While the employer only officially made movement on one of our safety proposals, we did have very productive conversations about where the possible deal could be. But until we have formal proposals that address our concerns, we still must be prepared to continue our fight.

As the parties continue to work on an agreement at our January 4 bargaining session, our vote showed Macy’s that we are ready to go out on strike again if they don’t come to terms with our value as workers. The significance of yesterday’s vote cannot be overstated, and the increased authorization strength from our previous vote empowers our Bargaining Team and instills a sense of urgency in Macy's to hopefully reach a resolution soon.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center - Bargaining continues

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center
Bargaining continues

“The Employer actually asked the Bargaining Team to TRUST them when they proposed to eliminate our guaranteed coverage of Health, Vision and Dental insurance. Would you trust Providence?” —Derek Roybal, CV Tech and Bargaining Team member

Our Bargaining Team met with Management on December 18 and had a long discussion about attendance, benefits, and compensation.

While we were able to make significant progress on many issues, the Employer also sent a clear message they want to come after some of the core pillars of our Union contract. This included Management proposal to add language that limits our ability to grieve or arbitrate in many areas of our contract and troublesome language that removes mush of our contractual protections on benefit plans as the wish for us to receive the same as non-represented Employees. We believe in the Union difference and Providence’s proposals clearly show they are attempting to weaken our bargaining unit.

Making matters worse, Management sent conflicting and possibly deceptive information which created the need to take a break and cut bargaining short on December 19.

We will meet again with Providence on January 9, and hope they come to the table ready to work together to address retention and recruitment issues, affordable benefit options, and fair compensation.

Our Bargaining Team is committed to protecting the rights and benefits in our contract. Please contact any of your Bargaining Team members or your Union Rep Juanita Quezada with any questions or concerns.

Join us at our next bargaining update meeting!
Thursday, January 4
6pm — 8pm
UFCW 3000 office, 2805 N. Market St. Spokane WA

Mfused - Tentative Agreement Reached

Mfused
Tentative Agreement Reached

Our Bargaining Team unanimously recommends a “YES” vote!

Last winter, we came together to improve our workplace, our industry, and our lives by forming our MFused union. Less than a year later, we’re proud to say we’ve won a tentative agreement that raises the bar for cannabis workers in Washington. On December 29, all of us in the bargaining unit will vote “yes” to ratify our contract.

• Industry-leading wage increases for all union positions

  AR/AP Clerk $ 26.00

  Packager I – Generalist $ 21.50

  Packager II – Filler $ 22.50

  Packaging Lead $ 23.50

  Distribution Associate $ 21.50

  Distribution Lead $ 24.00

  Distribution Supervisor $ 27.00

  Formulation Technician $ 23.50

  Lead Formulation $ 26.50

  Drivers $ 23.50

• 3% guaranteed annual increases

• $750 ratification bonus

• Lower monthly healthcare costs: $127.01 for Employee-only coverage

• Increased PTO accrual & 120 hours yearly carryover

  Up to 1 year (0-1) years employment 80

  One to two (1-2) years employment 96

  Two to four (2-4) years employment 128

  Four or more (4 +) years employment 144

• 2 additional paid holidays

• New Year’s Day, MLK Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Fourth of July, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day

• Just cause for discipline and grievance and arbitration procedures

• Union security, stewards, bulletin board, new hire orientation

• Additional safety and anti-discrimination protections

Our MFused Bargaining Team: Ariel Simmons, Diba Kamayo, Robbie Elkins, Jenn Wade, Kimberly Ramzan

Join your coworkers and vote “YES”!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 29
8am – 9am and 1pm – 2pm
MFused, Breakroom - 9369 8th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108

Card Kingdom - Defending our contract

Card Kingdom
Defending our contract

Our Labor Management Committee: Hans B. (Production), Rune S. (Shipping), Alex F. (Production)

Members on our Labor Management Committee (LMC) has been working hard to finalize the language a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Card Kingdom regarding forced use of PTO and our grievance department is continuing to fight through our wage grievance.

Here is an update on both:

PTO

We met with Card Kingdom Management again on December 13 to continue negotiations regarding forced use of PTO and how it relates to the unsatisfactory attendance section of your contract. LMC members proposed language that would protect our contractual rights and make sure no one is disciplined for missed time covered by PTO or make-up time.

Our LMC and Card Kingdom are not far apart on this agreement and we hope to have a MOU to vote on in the beginning of 2024.

WAGES

We have made clear that the Employer has a gross misinterpretation of Article 21 Wages. We have filed a grievance and after two grievance meetings, we are still in disagreement with the Employer. We will now be moving to arbitration to settle this grievance. If you believe you’re having any issues with your wages, please reach out to your Union Rep Dominick Ojeda @ 206-436-6586.

Crossroads Trading Co. - Vote Scheduled

Crossroads Trading Co.
Vote Scheduled

Last year, workers at Crossroads Trading Co. voted to ratify their first contract including job security, wage increases, safety language, and more. Now, workers have an opportunity to solidify their wage increases earlier and set a precedent for future negotiations.

Our wage scale was tied to Seattle minimum wage increases, and the contract wages increase was set to take effect the April following the minimum wage increase to ensure contract wages are not consumed by the minimum wage increase. Because of this memorandum of understanding (MOU), workers can vote on receiving the same wage increase in January instead of April.

This means many workers will receive about a $1.00 increase three months earlier.

Join the upcoming meeting

Tuesday, December 19 @ 9am
Ask questions about the wage increase and discuss other issues at work, like scheduling. Contact Union Rep Dominick Ojeda for Zoom meeting details. Details will also be sent to your email.

Online vote

Friday, December 22 @ 1pm-4pm
In order to vote and get your unique identifier sent to your email from SimplyVoting, make sure your information is updated at: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

REI - Bargaining Continues

On December 12 at 9:30 AM, your bargaining team met again to continue negotiations with REI. Bargaining across the country with REI has shown that our fight ahead requires strong solidarity and action to win our first contract.

We discussed the implementation of the restructuring plan and will continue to request information to keep members informed. REI stated that the implementation should be complete by January 28. Your store manager should begin having conversations with members this week to talk through their classification. If you have any questions or issues about your classification, work with your union rep, Dominick Ojeda, on next steps.

Our next bargaining dates are set for the last few weeks of January 2024, with potentially two in-person days. We hope to make progress at these meetings, and at our next bargaining prep meeting, your bargaining team will be planning our plan of action to win a fair first contract!

Ultimately, it is your process, and it will be successful to the extent that you, as a team, own this process.

Forward together, not one step back!

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Join our next ZOOM bargaining prep meeting at 9:30 AM on January 11, 2024.

January 11 • 9:30 AM

Contact your Bargaining Team or Union Rep for call-in details. Details will be also emailed out.

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Are you interested in joining bargaining with REI Corporate? A few things to know:

• RSVP with your union rep, Dominick Ojeda.

• Members not on the bargaining team are attending as observers; no comments are allowed during sessions with the Employer unless discussed beforehand.

• Be open-minded; consider each other’s viewpoints; and attack the issue, not the person.

• Once a position is adopted or decided, we all support that approach.

Kraken (Retail) - Bargaining Continues

Kraken (Retail)
Bargaining Continues

After months of negotiations, UFCW 3000 members at BDA made our voices heard when we voted down the Employer’s latest contract offer.

As a result of the vote, the parties are moving our contract dispute into binding arbitration scheduled for March 6 and 7. This process provides both the Union and the Employer the chance to present arguments supporting their respective last proposals to an arbitrator, who will then make a binding decision on the terms of our final agreement, which would immediately take effect.

During the arbitration process our union will be advocating for a contract that:

• Increases wages for all workers

• Addresses overall benefits including bonus pay structure

• Protects scheduling and hours for workers that want more

Our union looks forward to resolving negotiations through arbitration and coming to a settlement that advances our working conditions and wages. In the meantime, if you have any questions or face any discipline at work, please call Union Rep Dominick Ojeda @ 206-436-6586.

PRMCE RN Contract rejected.

Today, December 15, nurses have spoken and have rejected the tentative agreement by a 51% (463 out of 893 cast ballots) and have rejected strike authorization by a 47% (425 out of 893 cast ballots) meaning that we have not reached the necessary two-thirds threshold to authorize a strike.

We will be continuing our quest for improved staffing levels crucial to delivering the quality care our patients and community deserve. Since the beginning, our unwavering dedication to refining staffing language, amplifying our voices within the Hospital Staffing Committee, and aligning with staffing law guidelines has been steadfast.

Nurses have democratically voiced their opinion that the tentative agreement will not do enough to resolve our staffing challenges, but it is a step in the right direction. Our skepticism toward Providence’s resolve to address staffing issues is loud and clear.  

Every individual's commitment is crucial; we urge all to push forward in advocating for better working conditions and superior patient care.

Your invaluable insights are needed now more than ever. We seek your guidance on where to focus our attention for our next bargaining session. Your voices remain integral in charting our path forward in this ongoing journey toward improved working conditions and unwavering dedication to superior patient care.

What to expect for next steps: 

• UFCW will inform Providence that the contract was rejected and request bargaining dates to return to the bargaining table.

• A Union Survey will be sent out to all nurses to hear feedback on what you would like to see specifically improved in the contract offer.

• The Bargaining Team will meet to review the surveys and strategize on how best to address those issues

Providence St. Peter Hospital RN - Case Manager Rns Bargaining Update!

Our bargaining team met with management on Tuesday, December 12. While we have not come to a tentative agreement, we have made it clear, and management has grasped, that we have no interest in a wage scale that is different (and economically worse) than the existing RN scale. At this point, management has not agreed to any retroactive pay, and we still have not reached a consensus on where our years of experience would place us on the wage scale.

We appreciate the supermajority of our coworkers signing strike pledge cards! We will be holding another Contract Action Team meeting to discuss next steps and get your input. This will be held at the Olympia Center, located at 222 Columbia St. NW, Olympia, WA, 98501, on January 4 at 5:00 PM in Room 101.

Please reach out to us or Union Representative Brandan Zielinski (206 436 6603) with any questions.

Bargaining Team, left to right: Alison Studeman, Case Manager RN; Melissa Macchiarella, Case Manager RN; Mary Briles, Case Manager RN.

Macy’s Strike Authorization Vote Notice

In anticipation of our first bargaining session with Macy’s since our ULP strike, we must show Macy’s our readiness to take decisive action again if we fail to reach an agreement. Our Bargaining Team has scheduled another vote on Wednesday, December 20, just two days following our next bargaining date.

Similar to our last vote, two ballots will be given to voters:

CONTRACT VOTE: Vote on the latest offer made by Macy’s during our December 18, 2023 bargaining session bargaining session;
and

STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE: If the offer made by Macy’s is not recommended by our Bargaining Team, we will be voting to authorize another strike.

After workers stood up, and the media carried our message across the country, we are hopeful that Macy’s will come to the bargaining table in good faith prepared to make progress on an agreement that addresses some of our core concerns around wages, safety, holidays and more. If not, we will vote to authorize another strike!

Strike Authorization Vote: Wednesday, December 20 at 8AM—11AM and 3PM—6PM

SOUTHCENTER: DOUBLETREE SUITES BY HILTON HOTEL 16500 SOUTHCENTER PKWY, SEATTLE, WA 98188

ALDERWOOD: LYNNWOOD EVENT CENTER 3711 196TH ST SW, LYNNWOOD, WA 98036

BELLINGHAM: FOX HALL EVENT CENTER NEW LOCATION 1661 W. BAKERVIEW RD. BELLINGHAM, WA 98225 New Location!

RSVP to the vote today!>>

WhidbeyHealth Professional and Technical Contract Ratified!

On Wednesday, December 13, the WhidbeyHealth collective bargaining agreement for professional and technical workers was ratified, with 98% of those voting “Yes” to approve the tentative agreement!

Our Bargaining Team wishes to congratulate everyone on their contract and thank them for their patience throughout 2023 as we negotiated this agreement.

Ratification bonuses of $1,200 pro-rated by FTE (for instance, a .5 FTE will receive $600) will be on our pay checks this December 22, less standard deductions.

“We are happy to have been able to help facilitate settling this contract. Getting paid for our ‘real’ experience is huge! We’re always looking for co-workers to get involved in this process to help continue to support one another.”- Jennifer MacNeill, Medical Technical Lead

Bargaining Team: Jennifer MacNeill, Medical Technical Lead; Rosalie Nguyen, Pharmacy.

PCC Update - Take Action! Info Pickets on Tuesday!

In our last session, your union bargaining team put forward a proposal. It included, among other improvements, the following demands.

• To maintain the best of our healthcare plan!

• To give us industry leading wages and a shortened path to Journey!

• To develop lasting worker representation in the governance of PCC as well as a path to a worker ownership that would give us a share of future PCC success!

Unfortunately, despite our efforts to come up with creative ways to achieve a good contract, PCC was unwilling to offer a response to our proposal. As a result, we have requested to go to mediation for our next bargaining sessions. PCC has agreed to this option.

With months of bargaining behind us, where PCC has been unwilling to offer wages that even match what others in the industry achieved years ago, it is time that we show PCC how serious we are about securing a great contract!

To demonstrate strength of our solidarity, we want every available worker to join us on December 19 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the various locations where we are holding Informational Pickets:

• Columbia City 3610 S Edmunds St, Seattle, WA 98118

• Issaquah 1810 12th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

• Green Lake Village 450 NE 71st St, Seattle, WA 98115

• Edmonds 9803 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020

• Redmond 11435 Avondale Rd NE Suite 101, Redmond, WA 98052

• Central District 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122