Press Advisory: St Michael's Medical Center Workers and Their Union to Speak Out

Press Advisory

Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 24

Press Conference Tuesday at Noon Regarding St Michael’s Outbreak

After announced outbreak of COVID cases among staff and patients, St Michael’s Medical Center workers and their union (UFCW 21) are outraged, but no longer surprised by ongoing problems at the Hospital. St Michael’s Medical Center is formerly known as Harrison Hospital and is located in Bremerton, WA.

WHAT: Staff and members of UFCW 21 plan to hold a Zoom Press Conference to communicate the magnitude of the problems at St Michael’s – both how widespread the concerns are and how long the workers have been raising the alarm. Workers and their union will present a list of demands to the WA Department of Health and Kitsap County Public Health.

ZOOM MEETING:

Direct join link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86353217505
Webinar ID: 863 5321 7505
Dial-in #: (253) 215 8782

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 12 PM, NOON

WHO:   UFCW 21 President and staff will be joined by hospital workers who will share their experiences regarding the problems that have been going on at the hospital for months. These individuals will make brief prepared statements including information about their efforts over each and every month since March to raise concerns and the hospital’s failed response. We will be available to answer questions live during the ZOOM call.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2020 is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The history of the ADA is one of people stepping up to fight for their rights, speak out about what they need, and stand together for change, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone in workers’ rights. As the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission put it:

The ADA story began years before its enactment, when people with disabilities and their allies began opposing unfair barriers that kept people with disabilities excluded from vast swaths of life, including joining and thriving in America’s workforce. This movement brought existing inequalities to the attention of those in all levels of government, the press, and the American people.

The ADA continued protections for people beyond what was fought for and won in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which protects workers from employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion or national origin. Bold leaders in the disability rights movement have added to the quality of life not just for people with disabilities, but for all workers. We hope to continue this legacy, now more than ever.

Hear from UFCW 21 member Shayla, a Medical Assistant at Skagit Valley Hospital, about workplace accommodations under the ADA:

I’m a proud UFCW 21 member, and I have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was diagnosed 7 years ago by the University of Washington Autism Center. I think there’s a lot more people on the spectrum than most people realize, and people being diagnosed later in life don’t always know that accommodations are available.

I’ve utilized ADA accommodations in the workplace. I’m pretty high-functioning, but there are some things that I really did need. I’m really sensitive to sound and visual distraction—people that have autism, it’s almost like we have weird superpowers. I’ve exercised my rights to request quieter working conditions, noise-canceling headphones, moving my desk, getting a shade over a light that was triggering migraines.

I have a different learning style. But I have to work, and I try to make things really clear when I hire on. I’m able to get accommodations when I request them, but I’ve really had to fight at multiple employers to get what I need. I think it took me 25 emails one time to actually get that shade over my light, and I ended up buying my own headphones. I’ve experienced discrimination. I think a lot of employers don’t want to have to do this stuff.

I think what the ADA accomplished was great, but I wish it was even stronger. Pushing for even better education and enforcement of the ADA would be tremendous. We need to get out there and let people know that accommodations for disabilities are a resource that we are legally entitled to in the workplace, and we should not be afraid or discriminated against for asking for accommodations.

My advice to workers with disabilities is: Don’t give up! Stand firm. It’s the law. It is our basic right in the workplace to get the accommodations we need.

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This video from Disability Rights Washington is a great introduction to what accommodations at work can look like for people with disabilities, and how to get reasonable accommodations in your workplace. They don’t mention it in the video, but we encourage you to talk to your Union Rep for help at any point in this process—requesting, negotiating, or filing a claim.

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Ways to Celebrate this Anniversary of the ADA

Shaila Jackson at the “capitol crawl” in 1990, photo by tim olin

• Check out ADA 30 In Color from the Disability Visibility Project, a series of original essays on the past, present, and future of disability rights and justice by disabled BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) writers, and attend the #ADAInColor online event (7/26 4pm PT)

• Watch the Seattle Channel’s special programming: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Watch the show Vote for Access, which asks the question: “If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as non-disabled voters, 2 million more votes would be cast. What is getting in the way of disabled voters exercising their rights?”

• Learn best practices for Digital Accessibility from local organization Rooted in Rights — we’re working on implementing these in our own digital communications!

• Read The ADA at 30 from New Mobility magazine, including the history of the “Captiol Crawl” action (pictured left)

• Follow the hashtags #ADA30, #ThanksToTheADA, and #ADA30InColor on social media

2020 scholarship recipients

Congratulations to our 2020 UFCW 21 Scholarship Recipients!

Four-Year Scholarship ($4,000/yr, 4 years)

Alyssa Thilmony

UFCW 21 Member, Sacred Heart Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I recently sent in my Nursing School application, so my plan is to finish my Associates in Nursing, and continue my education to get my Bachelors in Nursing.

What's your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal would be a Psych Nurse Practitioner.

What does the union mean to you?

The job I have now is my first job with a union, and I think they're amazing. I've been a union member for 5 years now and I got to witness the full force of the union last year when we were negotiating the new contract for the hospital. Many stewards spent countless hours at the negotiation table to fight for their members to get a fair contract, and were successful. To me when I was first hired I was a little skeptical about unions as I had never been apart of one, but after having been a member I see the immense value unions have for not only their members, but also to the facilities their members work for.

First in Family  

Jeanett Quintanilla Herrera

UFCW 21 Member, PCC Edmonds

What do you plan to study?

I am a foreign attorney from Peru, and I am planning to study my master’s in law at the University of Washington. This university has various master’s in law, so I decided to study the Sustainable International Development, LLM.

This program will prepare me to help the world recover from the global pandemic, which threatens the stability of economies worldwide and the livelihoods of people across the planet. In addition, this program is focused on key subjects in the area of law and policy that will help the private sector, government institutions, and civil society, to achieve responsible sustainable growth in the face of challenges to global health, food security, the environment and global trade and supply chains.

What's your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is getting my license as a lawyer in Washington state, and represent workers. I would love fight for the rights, hazard pay, and equal opportunity for essential workers, and immigrants in our state. Also, I would like to be representative of the Washington state Legislature, and then represent WA state in the congress.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe that the union play a very important role in our society because labor union represents the collective interest of workers, bargaining with employers over such concerns as wages, hazard pay, and working conditions. The role that the union plays right now in this pandemic is very important because we are in a global pandemic and we need a strong union. I also believe that all the industries work needs to collaborate with our union and be part of them. The idea is not just be a member, so the idea is be activist, and speak up for our rights with no fears.

First in Family

Rosa Conejo

UFCW 21 Member, Monica Sauno Mascote, Draper Valley Farms

What do you plan to study?

I’m currently trying to get my Associates in Pre-Nursing 

What's your ultimate career goal?

After receiving my Associates in Pre-Nursing I plan on transferring to a University to get my Bachelors in Science of Nursing. I eventually want to become an Oncology Nurse. At some point in my nursing career I want to be a travel nurse. I think that would be really fun. 

What does the union mean to you?

What I know about Unions is that they are the voice of the workers for a better working environment or getting them a better wage. I feel like they are an amazing group of people that are able to stand up for what’s right and what they believe their workers deserve. Without them the workers would not be able to fight for better wages or even better working conditions. They are with the people who are sometimes too scared to stand up to their superiors because they think they’ll put their job at risk. They’re like the light at the end of the tunnel. If a member needs help or feels something needs to be fixed the union is the voice of the people to keep on fighting to work in the best conditions.

Health Care ($3,000)

Marcellis Dodson-Smith

UFCW 21 Member,
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center

Health Care

Hannah Little

UFCW 21 Member, Connie Little, Olympic Medical Home Health

What do you plan to study?

I am currently studying to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima.

What's your ultimate career goal?

I want to become a family practice physician or pediatrician for a rural community in the Pacific Northwest.

What does the union mean to you?

Unions were founded to protect workers in their workplaces and lives: fighting for safe conditions, establishing the 9-5 work week, and introducing fair compensation. Unions continue to fight for workers in these ways and many more today. They represent solidarity of the workforce, and ensure fair treatment and living for work. People like my mother are able to focus on their work without worrying about working conditions, and know that she and her fellow workers can advocate for change when needed.

Full-Time Student ($2,000)

Keith Wilwert

UFCW 21 Member, Tracy Wilwert, Olympic Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I think it would be awesome to be an automotive engineer. That's kind of my goal.

What does the union mean to you?

As the son of a longtime Union member, Keith been aware of unions but didn’t know much about how they operate. “I know I learned about unions during U.S. history classes. I know that they're to protect workers from being fired for dumb reasons.”

Full-Time Student

Ishmael Togi

UFCW 21 Member, Lesa'o Togi
Fred Meyer #28 - Burien

What do you plan to study?

Multimedia, but probably business administration.

What does the union mean to you?

Ishmael mom has worked at Fred Meyer for about 20 years. She's the one who let him know about the scholarship opportunities. "They help our fight for the worker's rights."

Full-Time Student

Soleil Wieland

UFCW 21 Member, QFC #822 - Factoria

What do you plan to study?

At first, my plan was to study Mechanical Engineering. However, as I continued taking classes, I realized that it is really not my passion. I decided to change majors to Math and add an English minor. So now I am majoring in Math and double minoring in English and Mechanical Engineering. I feel so happy with what I am studying!

What’s your ultimate career goal?

I want to be an Algebra teacher. Algebra is my favorite part of Math, so I would love to teach it. Additionally, my Mom is a teacher and I have always admired how passionate she is about teaching and I feel really connected to that passion. I also had a great Algebra teacher; she made the subject fun and easy to understand, and I hope to be able to do that as well.

What does the union mean to you?

I have been a part of the union since I started working at QFC in 2015. I have always appreciated that the union has stood for ensuring that their members are treated fairly. This has been abundantly clear during these difficult times. The union has fought to not only to ensure that we have the protective equipment we need to do our jobs safely, but also to ensure that we have continued to receive additional compensation for the risks we take every day going to work. I am so grateful that the union never stops protecting its members and that I am a part of it!

Full-Time Student

Robin Grant

UFCW 21 Member, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I am working towards my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My goal is to teach 1st grade, but I will be happy with any grade.

What does the union mean to you?

I have been a part of UFCW 21 for 19 yers, since I worked for Labcorp in Seattle in 2001, and 2003-present at Sacred Heart MC. Since being a part of the union, I have received steady raises and support. In recent years, Providence has tried to make many changes to our benefits, the Union has stepped in and made sure we get the best possible.

Full-Time Student

Nicholas Subocz

UFCW 21 Member,
QFC #827 – Holman Rd

What do you plan to study?

I plan to study public policy and public administration, and in the future I will perhaps pursue law school. I already have a declared major, titled Law, Economics, and Public Policy (LEPP).

What’s your ultimate career goal?

In the future I wish to be on the senate or house floor debating among future (and perhaps current) congressmen and congresswomen, and working with the people of my state that I grew up in to pursue a better future for America. My ultimate career goal would be to have done everything in my ability to have helped the American people, especially the working class.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe unions are a symbol of the solidarity of the working class against the larger corporate forces. I know that unions offer services and protection for workers across the country, offering rights and representation for laborers who would otherwise be under the thumb of the large companies they work for. One example might be being unrightfully terminated or receiving a sudden massive cut in hours, especially when the employee in question has been working there for over a decade. I know that if I or my father are brought into the manager’s office, I could ask to have a union representative represent me instead if I feel they are going to ask questions that may result in my termination.

Full-Time Student

Troy Schmidt

UFCW 21 Member, Laura Schmidt
Safeway #1472 – Mt Vernon

What do you plan to study?

I will be studying Instrumentation and Control Technology from Bellingham Technical College beginning in the fall. This is a program that covers calibration, maintenance, problem solving, etc. of different electrical tools, software, and systems at industrial type facilities (power plants, refineries, etc.). In short, it is a cross between engineer and electrician.

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to complete this program in Bellingham, and then apply my knowledge by receiving a job in that field. By achieving this goal, I hope to be able to start and provide for a family as well as still live the lifestyle I choose and partake in activities I enjoy. I want to be the best and most successful person I can be and in 30 years be able to look back and be proud of the person I am and be glad I made the career decisions I did to help me become that person.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe I have a decent general understanding about unions and and what they represent/offer members. My mom is a UFCW Union member herself and as a journeyman hydro mechanic, my dad is a member of the IBEW Union. I have seen from both of them how hard the union works to protect workers, their rights, and improve working conditions.

Full-Time Student

Emily Drozynski

UFCW 21 Member, Jenny Drozynski
Kaiser Permanente – Tacoma

What do you plan to study?

I am studying Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Astronautics.

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to be an astronaut and work in space. I would love to work for a small, private company such as Blue Origin. I also have a dream to serve my country, so I plan to join the Air Force as an officer after college for some time.

Full-Time Student

Kayshish Pichette-Cline

UFCW 21 Member,
Safeway #3285 - Bellingham

Providence Centralia (Tech Unit and Support Services) - Register now to discuss your first UFCW 21 contract

Welcome to UFCW 21 Providence Centralia Tech Unit and Support Services Unit

Our next step is to fight and win a good collective bargaining agreement! We will be having a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, July 21 from 5pm to 6:30pm to talk about contract bargaining and to answer any questions. In addition, a bargaining survey has been sent out via email to both units. We will compile survey results, comments from the Webinar, and your bargaining committee’s advice to create our first contract proposal. Please attend the Zoom meeting or fill-out the bargaining survey to have your voice heard!

Please register with the following link and an email with the Zoom Webinar link will be sent to your email: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ev5wvrSNQJqvsO_dFE667w
OR
If you do not have a computer/smartphone, you may call in
Phone: (253) 215-8782
Webinar ID: 824 2705 5245 (no password required)
 
If you have questions please contact your Union Rep, Erin McCoy (206) 436-6598

Complete your PHA and save money

If you’re participating in the Sound Health & Wellness health care plan we want to remind you that right now you’re able to earn $300 in your HRA, and up to $600 if you have family coverage, by simply filling out your annual Personal Health Assessment. It is easy, its confidential, and it’s a benefit we’ve negotiated on your behalf. Don’t miss out on this great benefit.

Go to: www.soundhealthwellness.com

LOG-IN https://secure.soundhealthwellness.com/index.php?action=

HRA FAQ (PPO) https://soundhealthwellness.com/ppo/benefits/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra/

HRA FAQ (KP) https://soundhealthwellness.com/kp/benefits/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra/

If you have Questions, or need help Troubleshooting contact the Trust @ (206) 282-4500

July 13 Telephone Town Hall Calls

UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall Monday, July 13 at 6:30 PM 
Call-in Phone Number:  888-652-0386 Meeting ID: 4947 

TO JOIN: This Monday, July 13, listen for a phone call from UFCW 21 between 6:30 and 6:40 pm. (Note that sometimes this call appears on phones as “potential spam.”) If you miss the call or don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number above to join the call at any time. 

Health Care UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall Monday, July 13 at 7:30 PM 
Call-in Phone Number:  888-652-2664  Meeting ID: 4948 

TO JOIN THE CALL: This Monday, July 13, listen for a phone call from UFCW 21 between 7:30 and 7:40 pm. (Note that sometimes this call appears on phones as “potential spam.”) If you miss the call or don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number above to join the call at any time. 

Workers Win Historic $2 Million Settlement from Macy’s Over Secure Scheduling Violations in Seattle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2020

Contact: Joe Mizrahi, jmizrahi@ufcw21.org

Workers Win Historic $2 Million Settlement from Macy’s Over Secure Scheduling Violations in Seattle

Macy’s owes more than 800 workers back pay and damages in the largest settlement in the history of Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards

SEATTLE - Workers are celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Seattle’s Secure Scheduling law, a law their union UFCW 21 was involved in passing, with a $1,999,839.35 settlement stemming from claims they filed with Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards (OLS) around Macy’s scheduling practices.

“When I first reported scheduling issues, I was just hoping that Macy’s would have to follow the law like everybody else,” said Susan Hedman, who worked at the downtown Seattle Macy’s for more than 30 years. “fact that our settlement turned out to be the biggest one in OLS history is beyond my wildest dreams.” Hedman, a shop steward with UFCW 21, encouraged coworkers to track their schedules and hours after noticing a discrepancy between the city’s scheduling law and the treatment she was experiencing at work, especially when it came to the premium pay she was supposed to earn for last-minute schedule changes. “I noticed something with my schedule that didn’t feel right, so I started documenting what was happening and I went to my union. It took some effort, but it was pretty easy to keep track of the violations. It’s not enough to have strong labor laws on the books—we need to enforce them. Strong city enforcement coupled with the backing of my union helped me and my coworkers get what we deserved.”

Macy’s, which closed its two Seattle locations in 2019 and early 2020, owes back pay and damages to 803 employees who worked in those stores between July 1, 2017, and February 24, 2020. Workers will receive about $2,500 on average, with some receiving upward of $10,000.

“We hope this sends a strong message to employers, especially retail employers in Seattle, that you cannot break the law and expect no consequences,” said Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 21 Secretary-Treasurer. “UFCW 21 members and other workers in Seattle fight hard to both pass strong workers’ rights laws and adequately fund the office that enforces these laws. This historic outcome is what happens when we have elected officials who prioritize workers over corporations, and we appreciate the continued leadership of our city council and the hard work of OLS investigators.”

The Secure Scheduling ordinance, which went into effect on July 1, 2017, requires large retail and food-service businesses to post workers’ schedules two weeks in advance, compensate workers for employer-requested schedule changes, and offer additional work hours to current employees before hiring new people.

“In 2016, I co-sponsored the passage of our Secure Scheduling Ordinance because I believe that all work is dignified,” said Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez. This law has always been about forcing massive corporations, like Macy's, to respect the time of workers that are key to their success. This settlement shifts respect back to Macy's workers and makes them whole, while holding Macy's accountable. Thank you to our OLS staff and the UFCW Local 21 members that played a role in upholding this important labor protection.”

“I want to thank the workers whom this has directly impacted for years. You deserve the money owed to you,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “Secure Scheduling requires employers to schedule 14 days in advance, and if that schedule needs to change then employers must compensate their employees.  Time is money and last minute disruption of the schedules of parents, caregivers, students, and people with second jobs has real economic impacts. I also want to thank OLS and UFCW for bringing this injustice to light and setting the record straight.”

Any worker who believes their employer is violating Seattle’s labor laws should document what is happening and contact their union or file a complaint directly with OLS at seattle.gov/laborstandards or by calling (206) 256-5297.

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UFCW 21 is building a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. UFCW 21 is the state’s largest private-sector union with over 46,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, cannabis, and other industries in Washington State. More than 10,000 UFCW 21 members live or work in Seattle. Whenever workers are ready to form a union, give UFCW 21 a call.

Pride 2020

Every year we celebrate Pride, our hard-fought right to bring our whole selves to work and to be who we are at work and in our communities. People have sacrificed and died for the right to love who we love and live as who we are. In 2020, in the face of the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and institutionalized racism in the US, we must be vigilant in not sliding back but moving forward for all workers. We know LGBTQ and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face discrimination in our workplaces and our communities. We continue to make vital contributions to healthcare, grocery, retail and all of our workplaces so that all our communities can be healthy and thrive.

We hope you can join us in celebrating Pride 2020!

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Attend Pride 2020 Events online: 

This year’s Seattle-area Pride celebrations have moved online, and we encourage any and all interested UFCW 21 members to attend. Register for free at the link below.

www.togetherforpride.org 

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Check out the gallery of past years when we could celebrate Pride in person: 

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There are a few in-person Pride events as well:

As with all in-person actions at this time, please be careful and follow all best practices: wear a face covering, bring hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, and do not attend if you are feeling unwell or are in a high-risk category for COVID-19.

Black LGBTQ+ Lives Matter   
Saturday, June 27, 1:00pm
Wright Park, 501 S I Street, Tacoma

This rally and march organized by three young activists focuses on the impact of police brutality on Black LGBTQ lives.

Capitol Hill Pride March  
Saturday, June 27, 10:00am
Seattle Central College Campus Lawn, 1701 Broadway

This event is organized by the Capitol Hill Festival directors Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson. Help bring a message that strengthens connections between the issues particularly facing the Black and LGBTQ community today.

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Further reading:

Read the open letter from LGBTQ organizational leaders to Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan: 

“Here we are, more than 50 years later, still fighting the same systems of anti-Black violence and lack of police accountability that spurred our movement.” Read the full letter >>

Read the letter from UFCW 21 community partner LGBTQ Allyship to Mayor Durkan and Seattle City Council: 

“It is in our tradition to fight for justice, to demand for equitable treatment, and advocate for fairness. The brutal murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Shaun Fuhr, Manual Ellis and Tony McDade and so many others at the hands of the police is unconscionable. Over the last week many in the LGBTQ+ community went to the streets in Seattle to protest police brutality targeting our black community.”  Read the full letter >>

Read UFCW 21’s statement on the recent Supreme Court ruling banning workplace discrimination against LGBTQ people nationwide: 

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling confirms the legal precedent of what our union already knows: all working people deserve a workplace that is free from discrimination based on who we are. No one deserves to be fired or denied a job because of our gender identity or sexual orientation. That has now been upheld as federal law by the highest court in the country, offering millions of workers legal protection from discrimination at work.”  Read the full statement >>

Support Whole Foods workers in Seattle who were kicked out of work for wearing Black Lives Matter masks, then watched management take down the store’s Pride flag as a show of neutrality. Follow these workers on Twitter: twitter.com/WfmWsl 

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Learn how to get involved in LGBTQ rights in the labor movement year-round by getting in touch with these organizations:  

• UFCW OUTreach is a UFCW constituency group working to ensure full equality for LGBTQ+ workers on their jobs and in their unions. 

• Pride at Work is a UFCW 21 community partner organization dedicated to mutual support between the organized labor movement and the LGBTQ community to further social and economic justice. Learn more at prideatwork.org  

• LGBTQ Allyship is a UFCW 21 community partner building power among LGBTQ communities and allies in Washington State to work towards economic, racial, and gender justice. Learn more at allyship.org 

• Ingersoll Gender Center is a UFCW 21 community partner and one of the oldest organizations by and for transgender and gender nonconforming communities in the United States. Learn more at ingersollgendercenter.org 

• Gender Justice League is a UFCW 21 community partner working to empower trans activists and our allies to fight oppression based on gender & sexuality in Washington State. Learn more at genderjusticeleague.org 

A message from election Chairperson Maria Milliron

Dear Members,

I’ve received numerous ballots returned due to incorrect addresses.  If you have not received your ballot and believe it is due to a wrong address please send me an email directly at maria@ufcw21.org with your updated address.  Please note: only returned ballot envelopes in my possession can be resent out, no new ballot envelopes can be reproduced.  Updated addresses I receive by 12 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 will be back out in the mail by end of day June 30, 2020.  Any updated addresses received after 12 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 is not guaranteed to be resent out.

Please email or call me at (206) 436-6571 if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Maria Milliron
Election Chairperson

Governor Announces Statewide Mask Mandate

Many UFCW 21 members have been wearing masks to work for months already, but the public has not been required to do so. We wear masks to protect our customers, patients, and each other, but we know masks are most effective when everyone is wearing them. That’s why UFCW 21 members have been pushing for the public to be required to wear masks when they visit our workplaces—like stores, pharmacies, and clinics.

This week the governor has listened to essential workers and issued a mandate that everyone wear face coverings when going out in public. We know we had an impact, because members have been demanding this for months and that has been repeatedly passed on to state officials. When we speak up together, we make change. UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther joined Governor Inslee for a press conference announcing this safety proclamation on Tuesday, June 23.

Meanwhile, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen have cut hazard pay for front-line grocery store workers. Employers should be implementing hazard pay for all essential workers immediately. Get in touch with your Shop Steward or Union Rep to get involved in actions for hazard pay at your workplace.

Read the Governor’s proclamation about mask-wearing here:

Beginning June 26, every Washingtonian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, will be legally required to wear a face covering…

MLK Labor Council Kicks Out SPOG

For Immediate Release: 10:29 PM, June 17th

MLK Labor Council Kicks Out SPOG

Seattle, WA – In a dramatic show of building a labor movement that is better connected with the local community and taking action to address historic and ongoing racism in our society, the MLK Labor Council affiliates voted tonight to expel the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild from the Council.

“Two weeks ago we gave yet another chance for the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild to make immediate and drastic changes to correct the systemic and institutional racism in the Department. That was not done, and tonight we followed through on our commitment for change by voting for accountability, for justice, for Black Lives Matter and for reform by kicking SPOG out of the MLK Council,” said Joe Mizrahi Secretary Treasurer of UCFW 21.

“As a worker, as a labor leader, as a Black man in Seattle, I am honored to be part of this action tonight. We have made the voice of the community and the voice of the workers in our city loud and clear. We will not tolerate racism and we are demanding that SPOG make systemic changes to address the racism in the Police Department,” said Sam Dancy, a UFCW 21 member from QFC in West Seattle.

UFCW 21 is the state’s largest private sector union with over 46,000 members working in grocery stores, health care, retail and other industries.

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Resources from our Guardian Nurses

Resources for UFCW 21 Town Hall on June 15, 2020

1. National Suicide Prevention Line: 800.273.8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

2. King County Crisis Line: 866.427.4747 or 206.461.3222 or https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/mental-health-substance-abuse/services/crisis-services.aspx

3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)/Washington office: NAMI Washington is the state office of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health conditions. (206) 783-4288 or website: https://www.namiwa.org/

4. Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS); promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, effective and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services.  https://acrs.org/ or 206-695-7600

5. Black Mental Health Alliance.  A national organization whose mission it is to develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities. https://blackmentalhealth.com/ or (410) 338-2642

6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Check out Headspace for hundreds of articles for any mind, any mood, any goal.  Articles about sleep, anxiety, meditation, movement and healthy living. https://www.headspace.com/ or check out https://www.calm.com/

7. Domestic Violence Hotline (with on-line chat functionality) www.thehotline.org or 800-799-7233

8. Sexual Assault National Hotline (with on-linen chat functionality) www.rainn.org or 800-656-HOPE

9. On-line emotional support: www.7cups.com offers 180 professional therapists and over 300,000 trained listeners.

10. National Parent Helpline:  powerful online resource for parents and caregivers of children all across the United States.  https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/

11. El Centro de la Raza Center. A local community organization whose mission it is to confront problems of racism, sexism and other forms of inequality http://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/

Find additional resources for UFCW 21 Members here

UFCW 21 Celebrates Today’s Supreme Court Ruling Affirming LGBTQ Workers’ Rights

UFCW 21 Celebrates Today’s Supreme Court Ruling Affirming LGBTQ Workers’ Rights 

Today’s Supreme Court ruling confirms the legal precedent of what our union already knows: all working people deserve a workplace that is free from discrimination based on who we are. No one deserves to be fired or denied a job because of our gender identity or sexual orientation. That has now been upheld as federal law by the highest court in the country, offering millions of workers legal protection from discrimination at work. For this decision to be announced during Pride Month makes it extra joyous, and we lift up and join in UFCW OUTreach’s celebration of a meaningful victory and continued dedication to the work of building a more inclusive world. 

From today’s Supreme Court ruling: 

In Title VII, Congress adopted broad language making it illegal for an employer to rely on an employee’s sex when deciding to fire that employee. We do not hesitate to recognize today a necessary consequence of that legislative choice: An employer who fires an individual merely for being gay or transgender defies the law. 

While employment discrimination based on sexual orientation/gender identity is already prohibited here in Washington State where most of our members live, and we are proud of the organizing we have done in our home state to further the rights of LGBTQ workers, no one should lose their basic rights just because they crossed state lines. Our union stands in solidarity with all our LGBTQ members and LGBTQ workers across the country.

How to get involved in LGBTQ rights in the labor movement: 

• UFCW OUTreach is a UFCW constituency group working to ensure full equality for LGBTQ+ workers on their jobs and in their unions. UFCW members can sign up for updates from UFCW OUTreach or join the group at ufcwoutreach.org/join-1 

• Pride at Work is a UFCW 21 community partner organization dedicated to mutual support between the organized labor movement and the LGBTQ community to further social and economic justice. Learn more at prideatwork.org 

• LGBTQ Allyship is a UFCW 21 community partner building power among LGBTQ communities and allies in Washington State to work towards economic, racial, and gender justice. Learn more at allyship.org

• Ingersoll Gender Center is a UFCW 21 community partner and one of the oldest organizations by and for transgender and gender nonconforming communities in the United States. Learn more at ingersollgendercenter.org

• Gender Justice League is a UFCW 21 community partner working to empower trans activists and our allies to fight oppression based on gender & sexuality in Washington State. Learn more at genderjusticeleague.org

More on this court ruling: 

• Pride at Work Applauds Supreme Court Ruling Banning LGBTQ Workplace Discrimination 

• Justices rule LGBT people protected from job discrimination (Seattle Times/Associated Press) 

• LGBTQ Americans Just Won A Massive Civil Rights Victory At The Supreme Court (Buzzfeed News) 

• Supreme Court Rules LGBTQ Workers Protected Against Sex Discrimination (National Public Radio) 

Telephone Town Hall Monday June 15

Special Opportunity for Telephone Town Hall Monday June 15 at 6:30 PM

Many workplaces are as stressful or even more stressful than they have ever been before. It can impact our health at work and at home. We want to hear about your concerns and help answer your questions.

As you are aware, we have been doing Telephone Town Halls for the past three months to keep members informed and answer questions. Next week, on Monday June 15th at 6:30 PM we are inviting all members to join our call with our special guests – expert professional nurses who can help us learn how to keep ourselves mentally and emotionally safe and sound during the ongoing crisis.

Please call in to the Town Hall, Monday at 6:30.

888-652-0380
Meeting ID: 4922

Over the coming days we would love to hear from you about questions you may have so we can prepare for the call. Reply to this email and let us know:

• How have the stresses in your workplaces changed as a result of more workload and fewer staff or more pressures?

• How are levels of anxiety about furloughs or reduced hours leading to less take home pay?

• As the economy opens up and Stay at Home orders are relaxed, are you at all concerned about how this could increase your exposure to COVID 19? If yes, how does that make you feel and would you like to learn more about how to address that fear and anxiety?

• Other concerns you have questions about that you would like to hear answers to?

On top of the COVID 19 pandemic, the recent killing of George Floyd has brought to the surface long-standing racial injustices that have been part of the United States since before we were a nation. We as a union have been and are continuing to work at becoming an anti-racist organization and are also working on creating systemic changes in our workplaces and society so all workers have equal opportunities for employment that is safe and has the benefits of a union.

On Monday we will be joined by two professional nurses to answer your questions live:

Stephen Mitchell, RN, BSN, MPA: Stephen was born and raised in the Seattle area and went to nursing school at Seattle University.  He has been a nurse for more than 10 years and most of that time he has worked in mental health nursing in a variety of settings and facilities around the Puget Sound. In his role as the mental health nurse for the Sound Trust Mobile Care Coordinator Program, Stephen supports members through the often complex world of mental health as well as members struggling with and recovering from drug and alcohol abuse.

Andy (Andrea) Votendahl, RN, BSN:  Andy is also a native Seattleite, having lived and worked here all her life.  She has been a nurse for more than 28 years in a variety of roles.  Immediately prior to joining the Mobile Care Coordinator team at Sound Trust, Andy worked as an organizer representing nurses and other healthcare workers at local area hospitals including Swedish Medical Center and Harborview, where she was the immigrant rights organizer. Andy has taken and led various trainings on structural racism and antiracism work, and focuses right now on coordinating care with members who have acute medical needs.

We look forward to hearing from you soon and your joining the call on Monday the 15th at 6:30 PM. Again, the call in number is:

888-652-0380
Meeting ID: 4922

Retirement Planning Webinar for Union Members

Whether you're just starting your career or reaching that point where you’re ready to relax, planning for retirement can be a daunting process. UFCW 21 members have a great retirement resource in their Sound Retirement pension. Understanding your benefit and how to access it are the keys to successful retirement planning. Your union along with Zenith Administrators is committed to guiding you through your work life and into successful retirement. We will be offering free retirement planning webinar open to all UFCW 21 members who participate in the Sound Retirement pension. Please plan on joining us on one of the date/times. You can register for the webinar by clicking on the link.

Please call your Union Rep for information and to RSVP to a webinar.

Tuesday June 23, 5:00p
Wednesday June 24, 12:00n
Thursday June 25, 6:30P
 
We will be offering additional dates/times in the future for those unavailable at the dates/times listed above.

Albertsons, Safeway, Haggen Announce End to Hazard Pay – Let’s Take Action

Albertsons, Safeway, and Haggen just announced they plan to eliminate our hazard pay tomorrow (Sat 6/13/20). While we appreciate that corporate plans to acknowledge our hard work with one last additional bonus, cutting hourly pay during a pandemic is an unacceptable way to treat workers on the front lines and at risk every day. We have been helping our communities and our company through this crisis for months, and we continue to do so.

TAKE ACTION: If you work at Safeway, Albertsons, or Haggen, take a moment to speak up about what you’ve been through, how your job has changed, and what you think management should do to compensate you and keep you safe.

Friends, family, customers, and community can contact Albertsons/Safeway’s corporate office and let corporate know how they feel by calling 877-276-9637 or 877-723-3929.

Important Note for UFCW 21 Members Regarding a Silent March and General Strike in Support of Black Lives

UFCW 21 fully supports the mission of the BLM Silent March and General Strike. Please note that under most of our contracts striking is prohibited when the contract is in effect.

Please feel free to join the strike if you are not scheduled for work this Friday, June 12th. Members should not call in sick to attend the strike.

We hope this clarifies questions regarding attendance of the General Strike. Any questions, please call your Union Rep.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21 Joins Call for Resignation of Mayor Durkan

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 8, 2020

Press Contact:
Joe Mizrahi, jmizrahi@ufcw21.org,
(619) 955-2970

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 21 Joins Call for Resignation of Mayor Durkan

This weekend, Seattle residents once again experienced a massive deployment of chemical weapons from the Seattle Police Department, choking a city neighborhood during a respiratory virus pandemic.

“Many of our fellow UFCW 21 members who are essential workers have faced a choice between losing a paycheck or traveling to work during confusing curfews and consistent use of tear gas, pepper spray, and explosive devices in neighborhoods where we live and work,” said Seattle members of the UFCW 21 rank-and-file executive board Sam Dancy (QFC), Jeannette Randall (Safeway), Greg Brooks (PCC), and Amy Dayley Angell (QFC). “The distance between Mayor Durkan and the values of the membership of UFCW 21 is growing clearer each day.”

Unfortunately, it has become clear that Mayor Durkan is unable to enact the changes required to respond to community demands around the city’s budget and to protect working people from ongoing police violence. Our community’s constitutional rights and our safety is being compromised due to failed leadership.

A mayor who allows for the use of weapons of war against her own community cannot remain in office and cannot lead on the critical changes needed for public safety. We are joining the community call on Mayor Durkan to resign her position and allow the city to begin the meaningful process of seeking out community voices and listening to their calls for justice, without enacting added state violence. We need a mayor who can restore our right to peaceful assembly and free speech, which are bedrock values of the labor movement. The trust between our city and our mayor has been irrevocably broken.

We know that Mayor Durkan’s resignation will not solve the deep-seated systemic issues with policing in Seattle. As Seattle City Council member Teresa Mosqueda said earlier today, “a change in office without radical change in the institution that is policing is not transformational.” We will stand with our community and we will stand with Seattle City Council to demand this change.

UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 46,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, cannabis, and other industries in Washington State. More than 10,000 UFCW 21 members live or work in Seattle. Whenever workers are ready to form a union, give UFCW 21 a call.

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Join us for UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall calls

You’re invited to call into our weekly Telephone Town Hall using the call-in information below: 

Monday, June 8 at 6:30 PM 

Call-in Phone Number: 888-652-0380 
Meeting ID: 4899 

Health Care:

Monday, June 8 at 7:30 PM 

Call-in Phone Number: 888-652-0383 
Meeting ID: 4900 

State of Race: Outrage, pain and tentative hope

UFCW 21 member Wil Peterson

Driving while Black. Walking while Black... 

In the wake of Minneapolis resident George Floyd’s tragic murder, a Rainbow Coalition of people are full of anguish, rage, despair, frustration and myriad other soul-wrenching emotions. Seemingly countless other African-Americans have perished at the hands of police officers and self-appointed community “enforcers” — Ahmaud Arbrey, Trayvon Martin, Eric Gardner, Breonna Taylor, Michael Brown, Charleena Lyles, Freddie Gray... and on... and on... — but something about Floyd’s death resonates on an arguably unprecedented level and has created an escalating outcry and numerous protests across the nation.  

Shopping while Black. Working while Black... 

Perhaps it was the widely circulated footage of his final moments on earth: handcuffed from behind and helplessly pinned down by Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin’s unrelenting knee that forcefully applied pressure on his neck until he died while repeatedly whispering the heartbreaking words, “I can’t breathe” and, finally, “Mama.” Or was it the collective anger over the fact that Chauvin was quickly fired but initially wasn’t charged with anything? Or the forceful and tyrannical police and military actions that the current White House occupant ordered against protesters who stood in the way of his Bible-gripping photo-op this week? 

Regardless of the reason(s) for this widespread rebellion, a firestorm is raging, literally and figuratively. And while I’ve never experienced anything remotely close to the terrifying circumstances mentioned here, I’m all too familiar with daily concerns about what might happen during a routine traffic stop, a neighborhood walk or a work-related interaction. 

Existing while Black...   

As a North Carolina transplant who relocated here in 2003, I naively expected to leave all traces of racial conflict behind in the South. Back there, it wasn’t uncommon to casually be called the N-word, to be excluded from social gatherings or to be held to different standards at work. I grew up accustomed to that culture, even if it confused, saddened and angered me. As an adult, I rebelled against it by learning to speak up for myself and rising above uncomfortable, racially offensive situations. I was stronger, but I was also weary of having to constantly remain on guard and high alert.  

Moving to Washington offered me a fresh start and clean slate. I figured the prevailing mindset here would be infinitely better and different on the race-relations front. And, for the most part, it was. But there’ve been disturbing reminders that people are people, regardless of their geographical location. Not long after starting my job as a Fred Meyer clerk, I was: 

• Called the N-word twice by a white woman who was suspected of shoplifting. Instead of being ordered to leave the store, she was allowed to make a purchase and leisurely stroll out the door. 

• Told by a white customer I was assisting that he didn’t want to buy the wrong product and “N-word it up.” He actually looked confused when I immediately excused myself and angrily walked away. 

• Forcefully ordered by another white woman to sell her an item at the price she wanted to pay, not what it actually cost. When I called my manager for a price check, she mistakenly and inexplicably assumed I was contacting the police. “If they come here, of course they will believe me over you,” she said.  

• Blocked by a driver who was talking to a policeman in the store parking lot after my late-night shift ended. I thought about getting out of my car and politely asking him to move, but I didn’t want to risk possibly angering the officer, who — after all — had a gun. So I waited until their conversation ended and then drove off... frustrated and angry, but still alive. 

Even everyday activities that are taken for granted by most folks can suddenly become intimidating. Once, during an evening walk to the grocery store in my predominately white neighborhood, I saw two white police officers with a police dog far in the distance. As I slowly and cautiously approached them, I silently prayed that nothing would go sideways. When one of them ordered me to stop moving because the dog was searching for someone, I immediately complied. After what felt like an eternity, he allowed me to proceed. I did so, grateful that this trip would otherwise be uneventful. Still, I couldn’t help but wonder, what about the next one? 

Coping while Black... 

Incidents such as what I’ve described — while certainly nothing compared to the literal life-and-death situations that have claimed scores of precious and irreplaceable lives — are examples of what happens here on the West Coast, back on the East Coast and at all points in between. This undoubtedly is an uncomfortable topic for many of those who have never experienced, and hopefully never will experience, similar concerns and treatment. But for far too many of us, it’s a daily reality. 

Hoping while Black... 

Fortunately, the vast majority of my encounters with others — especially my treasured Fred Meyer coworkers and customers, as well as fellow UFCW 21 members, colleagues and friends — are positive, uplifting and rewarding. It’s this much-needed virtual safety net that offers a support network from which to draw strength. And this Union’s passionate commitment to achieving racial equity and empowerment to people of color, and fair treatment for everyone, provides a sense of hope that didn’t exist during my decades in North Carolina. 

But, despite all of that, I still can’t help but worry — if only a bit — just about each time I leave my home. Will this trip be uneventful? Will I make it back here alive? 

By UFCW 21 member Wil Peterson 

Read UFCW 21’s statement on the killing of George Floyd, our nation’s history of racism, and our union’s commitment to solidarity over white supremacy 

Speak up about how racism has affected you and how you want our union to work on racial equity going forward using the form below. You can also sign on to the statement at the link above and sign up to be part of our work on this issue going forward.