U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, nurses and healthcare workers call on Trump administration

/

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, April 3, 2020 

CONTACT: 
Nina Jenkins, SEIU 775 nina.jenkins@seiu775.org 206.618.6718
Amy Clark, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW amyc@seiu1199nw.org 425.306.2061
Tom Geiger, UFCW 21 tgeiger@ufcw21.org 206-604-3421
Ruth Schubert, WSNA rschubert@wsna.org 206.713.7884


U.S. Sen. Patty Murray, nurses and healthcare workers call on Trump administration to drive coordinated, transparent response to protect healthcare workers, patients and communities

Sen. Patty Murray (D-WA) and frontline healthcare workers from SEIU 775, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW, UFCW 21 and WSNA today called on the Trump administration to show the leadership the country needed since before this crisis began, and ensure all healthcare workers have the personal protective equipment they need to safely care for their patients and elderly clients.  

Union members are demanding the Trump administration immediately invest in the health and safety of every worker, including taking the following actions to increase the supply of PPE: 

Immediate distribution of the masks and equipment held in the Strategic National Stockpile.

Identifying reserves of masks/equipment in other industries, such as construction, and redistributing them to healthcare providers.

Using all powers of the federal government to speed immediate production of new equipment and ensure it is routed to states for distribution across acute care, home care and long term care settings.

Ensuring that all frontline healthcare workers across all settings and emergency response workers can be tested easily to slow the spread of the virus.

Desirae Hernandez, Home Care Provider, Tri-Cities, SEIU 775
“Healthcare workers are on the frontlines of this crisis and we need personal protective equipment to care for our clients’ safely,” said Desirae Hernandez, a home care aide in the Tri-Cities. “I can’t do my job while staying stay 6 feet. This is intimate, personal work with a high-risk and vulnerable population. No one knows if they have this virus for weeks before symptoms. I need PPE now so I can prevent my clients from getting and spreading this virus.”

Katy Brehe, Hospital Registered Nurse, Seattle, SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
“What we need is action,” said Katy Brehe, an RN in the critical care unit at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle. “Adequate supplies, not someone’s old t-shirt that was sewed into a mask. Expanded testing, so all healthcare workers will know whether or not we have been exposed and could infect others. And administrative flexibility for healthcare workers in high-risk categories such as immunocompromised, so our coworkers can stay on the job and not get needlessly sick. This is a call for help. We’re all in this together, and we need action today to keep us safe."

Katherine Piana, Emergency Room Registered Nurse, Everett, UFCW 21
“Our hospital had one of the earliest confirmed COVID cases in the country,” said Katherine Piana, an ER nurse at Providence Everett and member of UFCW 21.  “Now, six weeks later we are still suffering with a serious lack of supplies to do our work safely.”

Adam Halvorsen, hospital registered nurse, Richland, WSNA
“Nurses and health care workers are stepping up to meet the needs of patients in the face of this pandemic. But we are going to get sick. We are going to die. That is a hard truth to swallow, and it isn’t right,” said Adam Halvorsen, a registered nurse at Kadlec Regional Medical Center and a member of the WSNA Board of Directors. “We are calling on the federal government and private businesses to do everything possible to step up and make more protective equipment available.”

U.S. Senator Patty Murray, Washington state
“I’m so incredibly grateful for the frontline health care workers in Washington state and across the country, who are going above and beyond to keep us all healthy. I’ve repeatedly pushed this Administration to give Washington state the supplies we need to address this pandemic and ensure that our workers on the frontlines can stay safe. We have a long, hard road ahead of us and I’ll keep doing everything I can to make sure those on the frontlines of this response get the protection and support they so deeply deserve,” said Senator Murray.

As COVID-19 spreads, members of Washington state healthcare worker unions are calling on Congress to join Sen. Murray in working to ensure all working people have healthcare coverage and paid sick time, and that elected officials and corporations put financial relief for working people first.

###

About SEIU 775
SEIU 775 represents more than 45,000 long-term care workers providing quality home care, nursing home care, and residential services in Washington and Montana. SEIU 775’s mission is to unite the strength of all working people and their families, to improve their lives and lead the way to a more just and humane world.

About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all. 

About WSNA 
WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 19,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 
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 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state. 18,000 of these members work in healthcare.

 

 

New Kroger "ExpressPay"

/

As part of our most recent agreement with Kroger (the parent company of QFC & Fred Meyer) during this COVID-19 crisis, they made a service called “ExpressPay” available to members.

ExpressPay gives you access to your earned wages in advance of payday. This means Kroger is updating the money you have earned at the end of each day based on the hours you have worked, and your pay for those hours will available to you in an ExpressPay account. You can transfer money you have earned in your ExpressPay account to your bank account at any time. Whatever is left over will appear on your normal paycheck on your normal payday.

To use ExpressPay, you need to sign up at https://lite.dailypay.com/employees/signup/kroger with your name, phone, email, and employee ID (which can be found on your pay stub). You may also need the last 4 digits of your Direct Deposit bank account on file.

If you currently get paper checks: You can still sign up for ExpressPay, but you must add a bank account to your ExpressPay account.

Kroger has offered an employee support email and phone number for any support you need to use this service:

NOTE: This is a new service and we anticipate you may have questions or issues. Please keep your Union Rep in the loop as Kroger tries this out so we can share how it’s working for everyone and communicate with Kroger right away if there are problems.

An open letter to Governor Inslee, Secretary Wiesman, Vice Admiral Bono from Washington's front line Unions

/
2020-4-1 First Responder Coalition - Letter coalition logos.jpg

April 1, 2020
RE: COVID-19 Transparency of Response Efforts and Working Conditions

Governor Inslee, Secretary Wiesman, Vice Admiral Bono,

We are writing to thank you for your leadership during this unprecedented crisis and to ask for your help to address a number of ongoing concerns. As unions representing workers who are on the frontlines fighting this pandemic, we are hearing from our members daily about their genuine commitment to serving our communities combined with their very real fears of getting sick, potentially infecting others, and of the critical need for their protection. As you well know, without our health care workers and emergency responders, we will fail to adequately respond in the days ahead.

We ask for your immediate help in the following areas:

1. Personal Protective Equipment and Supplies

Over the last several weeks, we have communicated our request for more transparency in the supply chain of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and supplies. We have heard that the state has received some significant shipments of PPE from the Strategic National Stockpile and other sources. Yet, those supplies have not made it into the hands of frontline health care workers and emergency responders.

As the unions representing workers who so desperately need PPE for their own safety, we ask that you provide a weekly report of amount of PPE at the EOC, where it is going, and to whom it is being distributed (down to the facility level). We also ask that you request from the hospitals and health providers under the DOH fourpart triage list a weekly report of PPE on hand.

Those of us representing health care workers are hearing stories from our members of supplies of N-95 masks and other PPE being locked in cabinets rather than provided to those on the frontlines. In the law enforcement community, department leadership is taking PPE supplies from jail facilities to offer some limited resources to officers; other departments are directing supply officers to use “traditional purchasing chains” for needed PPE. Neither of these directives are sustainable or solution oriented. It is critical that we understand the supply chain and where PPE can be utilized by health care workers and first responders now, rather than being saved for later.

2. COVID-19 Testing

Many counties are prioritizing testing of health care workers and first responders; this is both appreciated and appropriate. However, we are not receiving updates from counties or the state on the number of tests provided to health care workers and first responders nor the results of those tests. We ask that you provide more transparency in testing, including a weekly report of a) how long it is taking to receive results, b) how many health care workers/first responders are being tested, and c) the results of those tests (i.e., number of positives and negatives). We also ask that the Governor’s Office inform EMS that first responders must be prioritized for testing, especially those with symptoms or workplace exposure. Test processing for first responders and health care workers should be expedited.

3. Use of Appropriate Leave

As our members are exposed to COVID-19 on the job, there is no system-level response. A standard statewide protocol for exposure response, testing, and quarantine is urgently needed. This should include the use of appropriate leave – frontline responders should not be required to use accrued paid time off, vacation, or sick leave benefits while on quarantine. We ask that a statewide standard for leave be adopted that includes use of paid administrative leave or workers’ compensation with paid administrative leave making up the difference – in each case, when quarantined, isolated, or treated, employees should be kept whole in terms of salary and benefits.

We also ask that the Governor clarify his earlier order regarding L&I claims filed by health care workers and first responders – our members need clarification that the decision to self-quarantine due to workplace exposure without the specific direction of a health care provider or employer administration is allowable. We strongly believe that presumption of workplace illness should be made for health care workers and first responders.

4. Protection of Vulnerable Workers

National COVID-19 guidelines tell us that those in vulnerable categories – those over 60 years of age, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions – need to be protected. In a recent press conference, Governor Inslee stated in the strongest terms that workers in these vulnerable categories or those who live with vulnerable people should be allowed to either work from home or take extended leave, continue to be paid, and have their job available to them when this crisis ends. While acknowledging that this policy did not yet carry the force of law, Governor Inslee clearly and unequivocally gave this direction to businesses.

Despite this, many of our members have been told they must remain on the job – including in emergency rooms and Intensive Care Units where the highest volume of COVID-19 patients are treated. Likewise, first responders within fire and law enforcement who fall into the category of vulnerable workers must also be given accommodation during this emergency. We ask that you make clear to our employers that vulnerable workers must be protected through reasonable and safe accommodation or by staying home.

We greatly appreciate our partnership with you during this crisis, and we look forward to working with you to ensure the above concerns are addressed post haste.

Sincerely,

2020-4-1 First Responder Coalition - Letter - coalition signatures.jpg

Reporting Businesses That Violate Our State’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Order

/

The State of Washington has now announced enforcement measures for Governor Inslee’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” proclamation that prohibits people from leaving their residence except to conduct or participate in essential activities or to work in essential businesses. (You can find more information about that proclamation and a definition of essential businesses here.) 

If your employer is not following the guidelines given by the state or local public health officials, you can report violations to the state with a simple online form. The report will then be forwarded to the appropriate agency to review and respond. You can report anonymously, or you can give your name and contact information for follow-up. 

EXAMPLES OF THINGS YOU CAN REPORT: 

  • An essential business is not following social distancing requirements  

  • A non-essential business is staying open or requiring you to come in to work 

  • A business is performing a function that is non-essential 

  • You are being evicted 

If you have questions, please contact your Union Rep or email safetyreport@ufcw21.org.  

Grocery Store Stories from the Front Lines

/

As UFCW 21 retail grocery members are increasingly deemed essential workers during the coronavirus pandemic, some of their stores have provided supportive environments that can help ensure safety and efficiency – both for them and their customers. Here are a few examples: 

As collected by UFCW 21 Member Wil Peterson

Pam Harmon, a cashier and Person In Charge (PIC) at Food Pavilion in Lynden, is committed to doing all she can to protect the people she serves. Thanks to the efforts of store management, she also feels protected as the coronavirus threat affects everyone. During the past week and a half, safety measures have become a top priority at the store.  

“I like it,” Pam said. “I think it’s important, and it’s better than what a lot of other businesses are doing.” 

Food Pavilion employees are required to have their temperatures checked prior to clocking in for shifts. If a fever is detected, they are sent home. Once cleared for duty, they must wear gloves while performing duties. 

Designated sanitation areas are set up for employees and customers. Sanitizing wipes are stocked at all checkstands, and belts are regularly wiped down. “We used to do it every hour,” Pam said, adding that the process now takes place every 15 minutes or so. “Everybody's conforming to the guidelines that our employers have sent out, which is really good.” 

Meanwhile, employees are being offered as many hours as they want to help meet the enormous traffic flow. “Business has escalated. It's at an all-time high,” Pam said. “But customers are patient.” 

“Safety first” could be a motto at the bustling Town & Country in Ballard. As employees deal with an explosion in business – “It's like Thanksgiving shopping everyday,” said Wine, Beer and Spirits Manager J'Nee DeLancey – they do so under conditions designed to help prevent any exposure to the coronavirus. 

Resuable bags are no longer allowed in the store. Shopping carts and baskets that were previously cleaned out back, J'Nee said, are now regularly sanitized in the front area for higher visibility. The hot-food and salad bar station is sanitized between uses, and customers are required to wear gloves when selecting items. Cashiers clean checkstand belts and self-checkout touch screens between transactions. In J'Nee's department, liquor-cabinet handles and other fixtures are cleaned at least once every hour. 

J'Nee, who just lost a friend to the COVID-19 virus, appreciates her store's commitment to employee and customer safety. That prevailing attitude has created an atmosphere of teamwork and camaraderie that crosses department lines. “Sometimes when I come in, I just take my coat off and start bagging,” she said.  

Holly Dodd, front-end supervisor at The Market in Anacortes, has nothing but praise for the protective measures implemented at her store since the coronavirus crisis emerged. “I think I am extremely fortunate where I work. We have tremendous support from management,” she said. “It’s not just lip service. From the beginning when this happened, the primary focus has been to keep us safe.” 

That support includes routine body temperature checks when employees report for shifts, ample supplies of protective gloves and hand sanitizer, and wipes for shopping carts. “And just constant education of what we can do to stay safe – what the virus is, what the symptoms are,” Holly said. “Every day it seems like we're getting more information.” 

Additional protective steps range from banners reminding customers to remain six feet apart, to laminated signs at each checkstand that urge customers to wash their hands and cover coughs. Prominently displayed restrooms signs emphasize the importance of thorough hand-washing activity. Purell dispensers are available throughout the store. 

Meanwhile, customer complaints about shortages have been minimal, Holly said. And fortunately, she added, positive comments about employees' service during this turbulent period is overwhelmingly positive. “That’s one of the things that keeps us going—them thanking us for being on the front lines.”  

10 Things You Can Do Right Now to Support Front Line Workers

/

So many of us are essential workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic right now, keeping our community healthy, fed, and supplied. And we’re hearing from lots of our customers, patients, and friends with questions about what you can do to support us. Here are 10 things you can do.

Listen to experts

1) Listen to experts. 

The worse this outbreak gets, the harder it will be on everybody, including front line workers. Please, we’re begging you: if you’re not an essential worker, stay home as much as you can, follow all public health recommendations, bend the curve down, and help prevent an overload of our health care system that will put health care workers and all workers at further risk. 

Take good care of yourself

2) Take good care of yourself. 

Many of us are losing hours, losing work, or facing shutdowns of our workplaces. But we can get through this together, and we’ll need everybody to help us build the world we want to see once the crisis is over. We’ve compiled resources for working people at our website, where you can find information about unemployment and other benefits, health care options, tips on free or low-cost internet, and help with mental health and addiction, domestic violence, immigration, discrimination, food support, and more: Resources for Workers During the COVID-19 Outbreak.

Be kind in the grocery store

3) Be kind in the grocery store. 

Keep 6 feet of distance between you and other people, including shoppers and workers, especially while standing in lines and at the checkout. Limit how many people in your family come into the store. Cover your coughs and sneezes with your elbow or a tissue. Use sanitizing wipes. Leave high-touch surfaces like self-check stations alone. Try using curbside pickup service so you don’t have to go into the store. Only buy what you need, and leave some for your neighbors. And please, be kind and patient—we’re working long, grueling hours and facing higher risk of illness to serve you. 

toot.jpg

4) Be safe (and keep us safe) in the hospital or clinic. 

Unless it’s a life or death emergency, call ahead before you go into any health care facility to see if it’s a good idea to go in person, see if they have space for you, and find out if they’ll need extra protection or precautions to see you based on your symptoms. Use telemedicine if you can. Try calling the state hotline for advice at 1-800-525-0127. 

advocate for fair laws and rules

5) Advocate with our government for fair policies and resources. 

We are facing an unprecedented situation, and our local, state, and federal governments must step in to help. We’re running multiple campaigns to get lawmakers to help working people right now: 

stand together

6) Sign on to our demands of employers. 

We simply cannot continue to work without safety and support, and those of us who have lost hours or jobs cannot be expected to find new income immediately during a crisis. Thousands of people have already signed on to these petitions, and you can too. The more people standing with us, the stronger we are: 

we are fortunate.jpg

7) Donate personal protective equipment to health care workers. 

Maybe you work in an industry that uses masks, gloves, or gowns, like construction or dentistry? Or you’ve done some home repairs lately, or you stockpiled a little extra when you first heard about the crisis? Health care workers in Washington are already running out of the protective equipment we need, making our jobs dangerous—and potentially deadly. Workers have started sequestering themselves from family, reusing one-time-use equipment for days, and planning for a future without any protective equipment at all. This is terrifying, and you could help. Donate any and all unopened boxes of masks, gloves, and gowns by contacting us and someone will come pick them up: SuppliesSaveLivesWA.org. 

weird union pope panel.jpg

8) Consider getting a union job. 

If you’re missing hours or your workplace is shut down, you could serve your community in a front line job in grocery or health care. Union jobs have benefits like free online college, predictable raises, affordable health care, and a voice at work. Union workers are fighting for (and winning) better safety standards at work and hazard pay for working through this crisis. Find links to union jobs in health care and grocery at UFCWjobs.com and in cannabis at UFCW21.org/hhjobs. 

dont be a racist

9) Fight discrimination. 

The way we speak about this pandemic matters, and the Asian American and Pacific Islander community is facing a wave of violence and discrimination due to inaccurate and harmful rhetoric about the virus. Discrimination and stigma only hurt our ability to respond to this challenge. It’s important right now to stand up and speak out against discrimination. Our allies at the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance have put together tips for fighting discrimination and a sign you can hang in your workplace to show support and solidarity: Check it out here. 

surrounded.jpg

10) Shop union and don’t cross picket lines (even digitally). 

Union members are holding the line for safety at work right now and bargaining for better terms in many industries, which can improve standards for everyone. You can find the list of workers organized with UFCW 21 here, including lots of grocery stores, drugstores, and Have a Heart cannabis shops. (Want to organize your workplace? Get in touch.) Nonunion workers at Instacart, Whole Foods, and Amazon are already staging strikes, walk-outs, and sick-outs to demand safety and better pay, and other workers will likely be taking action in the coming weeks as well. Respect strikelines and stand with working people for change. 

Workers at Kroger QFC Fred Meyer Safeway Albertsons Win the Right to wear protective masks

/

UPDATE: Safeway, Albertsons agree to allow workers to wear masks and gloves

Kroger agrees to allow QFC and Fred Meyer workers to wear masks and gloves.

*Employer not providing at this point, but will allow workers to bring in their own PPE.

We are working hard to expand this right to all grocery store employees and essential employees interacting with groups. By taking steps like this we can slow the spread and protect our frontline workers

Macy’s COVID-19 UPDATE

/

Before Macy’s announced the temporary closure of the stores due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW 21 was bargaining with them over safety, extended paid leave for workers affected by the outbreak, help with scheduling and childcare due to school closures, and an on-line hiring hall for temporary work if hours were reduced or stores were closed.  In the middle of those talks Macy’s did close the stores until April 1st (which is now undoubtedly going to be for longer).  We immediately engaged Macy’s to bargain over this and to get the best deal possible for union workers.

Last Friday, March 20th, 2020 we believed we had a tentative agreement that had secured on-going partial replacement pay for full-time and part-time workers during the store closures and delivered extended paid leave to those required to self-quarantine by a doctor. 
 
Then Macy’s contacted the Union to do what they said was clarifying the agreement, but what we view as altering the agreement itself.  Mainly they said that the replacement pay would only cover two weeks and would not continue if the stores remained closed.  They also told us that if we didn’t agree to what we view as new and regressive terms, they would not even pay the 2 weeks’ partial replacement pay that they had already promised all Macy’s workers.  We believe that what they did violates the law that governs workers and unions, and that we could have chosen to take immediate legal action to enforce what we had bargained; but that fight could have taken a very long time.  Workers not getting any compensation while the stores were closed was an unacceptable burden for union members to bear, so we grudgingly agreed to their terms.
 
But this pandemic and its accompanying economic crisis isn’t over, and it is clear that we need to show Macy’s that their actions are unacceptable.  We are taking action together (as we all stay home separately) to fight the spread of the Coronavirus by signing and sharing the online petition demanding that Macy’s does the right thing and not abandon its workers during this global crisis.  Macy’s must do better, and they must bargain openly and honestly.

button Macys sign our petition.jpg


Please click on or copy and paste this link: http://chng.it/nHB2TkGX, into your web browser, sign the petition, and share it on your social media and with your friends and family.  It is time that we hold Macy’s accountable, and demand that they do their part to defeat COVID-19 by supporting their workers.  We will update you as soon as possible.
 
Resources and information for workers during the COVID-19 Pandemic can be found at https://www.ufcw21.org/safety-at-work.  If you have any questions or concerns that can’t be answered there, please contact your rep or call the Rep of the Day at 206-436-6578. 

SIGN OUR PETITION DEMANDING SAFE, FAIR WORKING CONDITIONS FOR HEALTH CARE WORKERS

/

Nurses and health care workers must have the resources to ensure our health and our families are protected as we fight this pandemic.

We’re coming together as health care workers and community members across Washington to demand employers and our elected leaders commit to:

  1. Follow workplace safety guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control, and provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) including masks, gloves, gowns and eye protection

  2. Provide scrubs and a secure location to change uniforms so we do not have to bring our soiled uniforms home and into the community

  3. Help us meet new challenges with a pay increase of $5/hr in recognition of our work and the increased risk to ourselves and our families during this pandemic

  4. Provide paid leave for any worker who the Employer does not permit to work due to exposure to COVID-19, with no loss of pay or accrued time off

  5. Offer accommodation (telework or alternative assignments) or paid leave with no loss of pay or accrued time off for any worker in at-risk group (older than 60, pregnant, or with an underlying medical condition)

  6. Provide prompt notice from employer of known exposure, assessment of exposure risk, access to testing, and whether a worker is placed on paid leave

Every worker who keeps our health care system running is critical to the safety and health of our communities. Let’s make sure they have the equipment and working conditions to keep themselves safe through this crisis. 

SIGN THE PETITION: we need to protect the health care workers who are taking care of all Washingtonians!

"Stay Home" announcement and a message from President Faye Guenther and Secretary Treasurer Joe Mizrahi

/

Dear UFCW 21 Member, 

Last night, March 23, Washington Governor Jay Inslee announced that he has issued a “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order, effective immediately across Washington State due to the outbreak of coronavirus/COVID-19. This means everyone in our state is expected to remain in their homes except for essential activities, like getting medical care or going grocery shopping, or going to work if you or your workplace are considered essential. All non-essential businesses must close within the next 48 hours unless all employees can work from home. Grocery stores, pharmacies, banks and other essential businesses will remain open. You can learn more at the state’s website or read the full order with information about what are essential businesses. This order is expected to last at least two weeks. 

We know this affects all of our more than 45,000 members in different ways—many of us are essential personnel and will have to go to work even during this emergency. Others are facing shutdowns that are affecting our hours and our jobs. Some members have sick family and friends or have already lost people to COVID-19. But no matter what we go through, we go through it together, as one union. 

Thousands of UFCW 21 members who are on the front lines in various industries have already won hazard pay, extra paid leave, and updated safety precautions at work by signing petitions and bargaining for agreements with our employers. Negotiations continue in many workplaces. Other members are disseminating critical safety information to our coworkers, or supporting and checking in with each other more than ever. We know that when we stand together with coworkers and fellow union members, we can help keep each other safe and hold our employers accountable. 

UFCW 21 stands with dozens of other unions and community allies in our state, working together to demand that business and government keep working people safe at all times, offer the support we need to do our jobs, and find ways to make us whole if we incur losses during this outbreak. We have already accomplished a great deal in a short time, and we know there is more work to be done. 

If you have any questions, concerns, or suggestions, please reach out to your Shop Steward or Union Rep. You can find updated COVID-19 information on our website. If you believe your workplace is unsafe or you have safety concerns, please email safetyreport@ufcw21.org. 

We will continue to do weekly Tele-Town Hall calls with members on Monday evenings, so keep an ear out for those calls, and we will be in touch with you by phone, email, text message, and the UFCW 21 app as well. Please ensure your contact information is up to date, and make any changes or updates as soon as you can. 

Let’s take care of each other right now, and get to work building a more powerful union and a better world for working people. 

In solidarity, 

Faye Guenther, UFCW 21 President 

Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 21 Secretary-Treasurer 

Health care workers need safety equipment to protect ourselves on the front lines of the COVID19 outbreak. It's time to get this equipment into our hands.

/

Health care workers need safety equipment to protect ourselves on the front lines of the COVID19 outbreak. It's time to get this equipment into our hands.

SEND A MESSAGE TO CONGRESS

Health care workers need safety equipment to protect ourselves on the front lines of the COVID19 outbreak. It's time to get this equipment into our hands.

It is imperative that the federal government keep health care workers safe during this pandemic. With health care workers already re-using facemasks, sharing equipment, and running out of gowns and gloves – we need help NOW.

Tell lawmakers: The federal government must release supplies from the National Strategic Stockpile of protective equipment immediately, giving priority to epicenters like Washington state.

The federal government must work right now to solve supply chain issues for protective equipment. Increasing and incentivizing the rapid production of safety equipment is vital, and distributing what we have where need is greatest is of paramount importance. Continued shortages will leave health care workers and our health care system vulnerable. There is no time to waste.

? Take future action with a single click.
Log in or  Sign up for FastAction

  1. Details
  2. Messages
  3. Confirmation
Contact Information
If you are a health care worker:

Please add your personal experience in health care right now to your message. Public officials need to hear from us directly. Are you already reusing protective equipment? Are your masks locked up or inaccessible? Are you worried about supplies going forward? Let them know.

Grocery Store Workers’ Unions and Kroger Announce New Deal for Hazard Pay

/

For immediate release: March 20, 2020
Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421

Less than one week ago the grocery store workers’ unions of Washington (UFCW 21, 367 1439 and Teamsters 38) were able to reach agreements with Safeway/Albertsons and then Fred Meyer/QFC for additions to our contracts for more access to paid time off, flexible scheduling given child care challenges, and several other benefits to help with hours in the stores. Benefits have since expanded for UFCW members across the nation.

Also there has been a national announcement from Safeway of hazard pay. And we are happy that our work with Kroger over recent days has led their announcement for hazard pay for workers as well. The additional Kroger benefits include:

  • A total Hazard Pay of $300 for those working fulltime

  • A total Hazard Pay $150 for those working less than full time

  • This hazard pay would be paid in early April

We are also hopeful to be able to announce as early as tomorrow some additional advances for local union grocery store workers and are calling on all grocery stores across the nation (union or not) to adopt all these worker and community protections to help us all during the coronavirus crisis.

For additional information on the coronavirus and our unions responses, please visit www.ufcw21.org/safety-at-work

Grocery Store Workers Demand Action: Sign the petition

/

Grocery Store Workers Demand Action 

Grocery store workers cannot work from home, and our work is essential to the health and safety of our communities.

All over the world, when countries shut down, we remain on the job. Our customers need food and supplies, but right now many of us feel unsafe continuing to go to workplaces that are too crowded, understaffed, and not being adequately sanitized.

Our community is with us, and we are calling on our employers and government to act immediately to protect grocery store workers and the public:

  • Enforce limits on crowding, adherence to social distancing guidelines, enhanced sanitization, and all other necessary public health measures inside grocery stores.

  • Designate grocery store workers as emergency responders for the purpose of accessing support services, such as childcare, that will allow them to stay on the job.

  • Provide adequate leave and health care benefit protections for grocery store workers who are directed to quarantine or diagnosed with Covid-19. READ ON

Health care stories from the front lines

/

UFCW 21 Members on the Front Lines of the COVID-19 Outbreak in Western Washington 

Members of our union have been providing quality care to COVID-19 patients since the first case arrived in Washington. We are asking our fellow union members to stay strong, asking the public to support public health guidelines like staying home, and asking our employers and the government for safety and support. Here are a few of our stories. 

Health care workers need safety equipment to protect ourselves on the front lines of the COVID19 outbreak. It's time to get this equipment into our hands. Send a message to congress here.

Do you work at or own a construction company, medical or dental office, or other organization with an inventory of potentially life-saving personal protective equipment? Donate these much needed supplies here.

Stories collected by UFCW 21 member Wil Peterson

“If we remember our training, we’ll get through this.” 

Kimball Conlon, RN, Everett 

Kimball Conlon, a registered nurse in Providence Regional Medical Center-Everett's Emergency Department, was literally a first responder when the country's first coronavirus case was identified in Washington. As part of the Biological Evaluation Safety Team that faced a mysterious, rapidly unfolding crisis in January, she quickly learned the importance of remaining cool under unimaginable pressure. 

Her primary goal is ensuring that she protects her patients and colleagues. "If we remember our training, we’ll get through this," she said. "I will do everything I can to prevent the spread of transmission.” 

Union intervention, she added, has been a valuable resource. "The Union is sort of being the vigilant ones for the membership – making sure that hospitals and grocery stores are doing everything they need to do to protect workers," Kimball said. "They've been good at disseminating information and expressing support for members." 

"I know that people are frustrated by what they see as a lack of support from the hospital," Kimball said of hospital employers. "But they can only do what they can do with the information that's given from our government." Fortunately, she said, the Centers for Disease Control is helping matters by releasing new details about the coronavirus. This information, which repeatedly recommends precautionary measures, provides guidelines that Kimball strongly endorses. 

"I think that if people who feel sick can stay home, stay home. Use good hand sanitation," Kimball said. "Don’t add to confusion by spreading misinformation. I think we need to rely on what we know." 

Despite current fears and concerns generated by the pandemic, Kimball remains cautiously optimistic about lessons that can be learned for dealing with future crises. "We need to allow ourselves grace, and the powers that be grace," she said. "Let's try to get through this, and then say, 'What can we do better?'" 

“All we can do is our best.” 

Jacob Kostecka, RN, Olympia 

Dealing with the coronavirus is a new experience for UFCW 21 member Jacob Kostecka, too, a registered nurse at Providence St. Peter Hospital in Olympia. He said his county – Thurston – reported its first case earlier this week. “There is no treatment for this, other than supportive care. So if people come in, all we can do is our best. In some ways, we just have to accept that it’s here and live our lives.” 

But prior to the first case, social panic was already evident at the hospital. Masks and toilet paper are in short supply, he said, in some cases because of theft. Remaining items are now locked up. “It’s devastating to us because we’re in desperate need of them. It’s a challenge for care providers to get what we need,” Jacob said. “The shortage will only get worse as the pandemic continues.” Further complicating matters, Jacob added, is receiving confusing and conflicting information from the Federal Government about how best to deal with the pandemic. 

Another challenge is trying to provide quality care while dealing with inadequate staffing, said Jacob, who compared the crisis to a slow-moving train wreck. “We’re all gonna get hit. This is not going away.” 

Jacob said he believes the Union’s role is to push for meetings with Gov. Jay Inslee and to ask Providence to cover any healthcare insurance and pay shortages of healthcare workers who lose wages because of the crisis. “The Union and the administration need to work cooperatively together for the best possible outcome for our staff and our patients,” he said. “And I believe we can do that.” 

“One thing we, as professionals, can do is care for patients under any circumstances – that’s just what we do.” 

Matthew Skews, RN, Everett 

As a registered nurse who works in Interventional Radiology Services at Providence Regional Medical Center-Everett, Matthew Skews has limited contact with patients. But he’s well aware of the challenges faced by other nurses in higher-volume areas during the coronavirus pandemic. 

Staffing is an issue, Matthew said, which is increasing as the nurse-patient ratio escalates. “One thing we, as professionals, can do is care for patients under any circumstances – that’s just what we do. But don’t make us do it short-staffed,” said Matthew, who referenced state legislation designed to protect nurses from experiencing fatigue. “That’s where we need the help.” Masks, gloves and other supplies necessary to help protect nurses and patient also are in short supply, he added. "We’re not sure if what’s there is enough." 

The cumulative effect of these shortages creates both frustration and exhaustion for Matthew. “Frequently we’re finding ourselves trying to keep up and catch up with what’s happening,” he said. 

Washington State UFCW and Teamster Local Unions reach understanding with Fred Meyer/QFC to better support and protect Grocery Store Workers and Community

/
header.jpg

Yesterday, UFCW 21, 367, 1439 and Teamsters 38 reached an understanding with Fred Meyer/QFC to better support and protect grocery store workers and shoppers in this time of need due to the Coronavirus.

This resolution includes:

  • More flexibility for schedules to accommodate childcare.

  • Joint hiring hall to allow for more workers to get work in the stores.

  • Up to two-weeks of pay for workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or workers required to self-quarantine, before needing to access sick leave and other contractual paid leave.

  • Agreed to jointly work with State and Federal government to treat Grocery Store Workers as first responders and set up a childcare fund for Grocery Store Workers.

  • Expanded use of paid sick leave to cover childcare needs.

  • Ensure workers do not lose eligibility for medical coverage or lose vacation accrual while out on sick leave.

  • Temporarily allow the employer to bring in extra outside help to make sure we are able to serve our communities during this crisis—provided bargaining unit employees are offered hours first, including overtime.

  • As always, any work done in the meat cutter classification will only be performed by individuals qualified and licensed (where necessary) to perform such work.

In addition to the terms of this understanding, Kroger has expanded its Helping Hands benefit to include hardships caused to employees by the Coronavirus pandemic.

If you have questions, please contact your Rep
You can follow important union updates and find information and resources at www.ufcw21.org/safety-at-work and on the UFCW 21 App.

Health Care Unions and CHI Franciscan reach agreement on worker safety and compensation

/

UFCW 21 is working hard with our partners at SEIU 1199NW Healthcare and WNSA to keep our members safe. Thanks to the many submissions to safetyreport@ufcw21.org we are able to take members’ concerns directly to the employers. We hope to reach similar resolutions like this one with other employers across the state to ensure the safety and well being of workers on the front lines. We need to take care of the workers that take care of us.

DATED this 15th day of March, 2020:

The Washington State Nurses Association, SEIU 1199NW Healthcare Union, and United Food and Commercial Workers Union (Unions) and CHI Franciscan (Employer) hereby enter into the following Memorandum of Agreement in response to ongoing health concerns presented by the COVID-19 virus.

PRINCIPLES:

A.      The parties share a mutual interest in assuring the health and safety of patients, clients, families, staff and the community.

B.      Nurses and other healthcare workers are on the front lines in the delivery of essential health services to patients in need.

C.      The decisions of all parties should be guided by the Center for Disease Control and other public health agencies.

D.     The parties wish to work together to take reasonable steps to protect patients, clients, families and staff from unnecessary exposure to communicable diseases including COVID-19.

AGREEMENT:

  1. A nurse or healthcare worker who the Employer does not permit to work due to exposure to Covid -19 disease while at work shall be placed in paid leave status during any required quarantine period.  Paid leave status may be a combination of L&I Workers Compensation and employer paid administrative leave.  The combination of which will ensure the employee will experience no loss of pay or accrued time off until such time as the Employer permits the employee to return to work. An employer representative will be available to assist employee with coordination of federal, state and employer benefits as may be applicable.

  2. A nurse or healthcare worker who self-quarantines based on concern of social exposure to COVID-19 shall have access to extended illness bank on day 1 until the employee is able to return to work.

  3. During the quarantine period described in both situations above, the healthcare worker is required to participate in the Employer’s monitoring process. If criteria is met to return the employee to work, in accordance with CDC guidelines, and the employee nonetheless refuses to return to work, the rights set forth in paragraphs 1 and 2 will no longer apply.

  4. A nurse or healthcare worker who travels to a foreign country on the CDC’s high risk list, will need to be quarantined for 14 days when they return. EIB would not be applicable and the nurse or healthcare worker would need to use PTO or other benefits available under statutory rights.

  5. A nurse or healthcare worker who is unable to work due to being part of the CDC’s at-risk group (older than 60 or with an underlying medical condition) may request an accommodation.  If a workplace accommodation cannot be granted, the employee will be granted a leave of absence and have access to accrued time off benefits. If the employee's paid time off accruals exhaust during the leave, Employer will work on a case by case basis with the employee to ensure appropriate continuation of medical benefits until the employee is deemed eligible to return to work by the Employer.

  6. When possible, telework or alternative assignments may be provided as an accommodation for nurses or healthcare workers who are in an at-risk group identified by CDC guidelines.

  7. The Employer will provide all nurses or healthcare workers who have been exposed, such as treating a patient who was not confirmed, but later is to have COVID-19 with written notice within eight (8) hours of known exposure. The written notice will include: the date of exposure, assessment of exposure risk and Employer decision on whether to permit the nurse or healthcare worker to work or placed on paid leave.

  8. Nothing in this agreement is intended to prevent employees from accessing other state benefits for which they may qualify, including but not limited to unemployment compensation insurance, paid family and medical leave, or workers compensation.

  9. No less than weekly, the Employer will provide the Union with the number of its represented nurses or healthcare workers who have been exposed and the leave status of the employee.

  10. Duration of this agreement is no later than when the Franciscan Regional Disaster Plan is inactivated.

Temporary Assignment Incentive - System-wide Labor Pool

March 15, 2020

In response to the developing COVID-19 situation across the south Sound, an incentive (“Temporary Assignment Incentive”) has been created to encourage employees in defined job classifications to volunteer for temporary assignments at other acute care CHI Franciscan locations experiencing staffing shortages (“Secondary Hospital”).  The incentive will be in place through no later than when the Franciscan Regional Disaster Plan is inactivated.

An employee in an eligible position who volunteers and is assigned to a Secondary Hospital will be leased to the entity. Associated labor costs incurred while working at the Secondary Hospital will be paid by the hospital where the employee is employed (“Employer Hospital”) and charged back to the Secondary Hospital through a lease agreement process. The charge back will be invisible to the employee, who will experience no change in employer status, base pay, service credit, or other related terms of employment. Employees who volunteer for reassignment as described above will receive their regular rate of pay, plus Temporary Assignment Incentive, for all hours worked at the Secondary Hospital.  All policies and CBA requirements relating to pay, premiums, and benefits covering the employee at the Employer Hospital remain in effect for the employee during their temporary assignment at the Secondary Hospital.

Unit manager approval from Employer Hospital is required before an employee is authorized to participate.  The employee will be required to commit to a full week assignment at the Secondary Employer and will be removed from their regular schedule at Employer Hospital for the duration of the commitment.  Employee will be guaranteed hours at no less than their regular FTE at the Secondary Hospital. The employee will receive mileage reimbursement for the number of miles traveled between their facility of employment and the Secondary Hospital where assigned. In the event the need for work at the Secondary Hospital diminishes during the commitment period, the employee will be returned to the schedule at their Employer Hospital without loss in hours. 

Defined job classifications:

  • ED RN

  • PCU RN

  • ICU RN

  • Pharmacist

  • CT Technologist

  • Respiratory Therapist

  • Telemetry Tech

  • Certified Nursing Assistant

Assignment Incentive – paid in addition to base, regular rate of pay:

  • RN - $10.00 per hour

  • CT Tech - $10.00 per hour

  • Respiratory Tech - $10.00 per hour

  • Per diem RN; CT Tech or Respiratory Tech:  1.5x pay

  • Telemetry Tech - $5.00 per hour

  • CNA  - $5.00 per hour

Pay Process for Temporary Incentive Payment:

  1. An employee temporarily assigned to a Secondary Hospital will be unable to use the timeclock at the Secondary Hospital and must manually document all shifts worked on the Kronos paper Exception Log. 

  2. The KRONOS Exception Log entry must include shift date, in punch time, out punch time, number of hours for the applicable shift, and “Temporary Assignment Incentive” noted in the explanation/comments section. 

  3. The employee must send, scan or fax the exception log to their regular manager at their Employer Hospital by the Sunday immediately following their temporary assignment.

  4. The local HR timekeeping department is responsible for processing all Temporary Assignment Incentives.  The Temporary Assignment Incentive for FTE employees will be paid using the Shift Bonus $ pay code and will be visible in Kronos.  For per diem RN’s the overtime pay will be processed in Kronos to generate the appropriate pay.

a.      In departments that perform their own timekeeping, the manager and/or department editor will not have access to the pay code for Temporary Assignment Incentive.  They must enter applicable shift and relevant edits for the on-loan employee and fax the approved Exception log to the local HR Timekeeper, who will apply the pay code and process the timecard. 

b.     In departments that utilize local HR Timekeeping services, the manager must approve/sign the exception log and fax it to the local HR department timekeeper for processing of all exception log entries.

WSNA+SEIU1199+UFCW+21.jpg

About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all.

About WSNA 
WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 17,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 
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 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state. 

UFCW 21 Working for Health in Our Workplaces and Our Communities

/

Many UFCW 21 members are serving critical roles during the coronavirus/COVID-19 outbreak here in Washington State.

Right now UFCW 21 members are:

  • Providing and facilitating quality care for people ill with COVID-19

  • Cleaning and disinfecting patients’ rooms

  • Processing COVID-19 tests in labs

  • Feeding our customers and making sure they have medicine and cleaning supplies in grocery stores, retail stores, and pharmacies

  • Ensuring airport travelers are as comfortable as possible

Most of our jobs cannot be done from home and are essential to the safety and health of our communities.

Some of us are also quarantined after being exposed to COVID-19 in our workplaces or communities. We are worried about the health and safety of our families and communities and if we get sick how we will be able to support ourselves if we are unable to work. We share these concerns with millions of workers throughout our industries and our state.

Advocacy Efforts

UFCW 21 is working with state and local government to advocate for workplace safety and ensure access to the paid leave and benefits people need to safely stay home if they are in a high-risk group, sick, or under quarantine. We are also working to ensure necessary supports, such as child care, for health care, pharmacy and grocery store workers who remain at work on the front lines of the crisis, providing essential services to our community.

  • We are working with public health agencies to maintain recommendations for the safest level of personal protective equipment for front-line health care workers. While this virus is still being understood, health care workers deserve the highest level of assurance that caring for patients will not put them, their families, and their community at unnecessary risk.

  • We have worked with state agencies to increase workers’ access to benefits and leave when they are affected by this outbreak, and they are moving to do so by opening up access to workers compensation and unemployment insurance.

  • We are working with city governments to prevent utility shut-offs for those impacted by the crisis, as Seattle is doing.

  • We are working with city governments to prohibit or limit evictions during the crisis.

  • We are asking our employers to follow public health guidelines for employers so that everyone who needs to work can be safe, and everyone who needs to stay home can do so. No one should be forced to choose between making rent and keeping their co-workers and community safe.

  • We are working with public health authorities to ensure that all of our employers, including grocery stores and other retailers, understand and implement industry-specific best practices for reducing the risk of transmission.

  • We were a leader on the citizen initiative that passed paid sick leave statewide in our state, meaning that nearly a million workers in Washington have paid sick leave who did not have it before.

Here is what you can do:

Practice Zero Tolerance for Discrimination

UFCW 21 Asian Pacific Islander (API) members and community are being targeted. We at UFCW 21 have no tolerance for discrimination, racism, and xenophobia. There is no basis for assuming someone’s risk of illness or exposure based on their race, nationality, language, or country of origin. Misinformation and discrimination is harmful and makes it harder to contain this virus that threatens us all. For resources on how to prevent and respond to discrimination, go to Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance or King County Public Health.

Take Care of Yourself

We’re all doing our part to be healthy and safe. Please help us, and all workers who serve the public, by staying home when you are ill, alerting your health care provider if you are planning to come to a clinic or hospital with COVID-19 symptoms, practicing social distancing and following all public health recommendations.

Use your Union Power to protect yourself, your co-workers, and our community

As union workers we have the right and responsibility to speak up for health protections that will make us and our community safer.

Do you feel unsafe at work?

Do you have questions about what your employer and co-workers should be doing to minimize risk?

Do you feel under pressure to put your health at risk in order to protect your income during this crisis?

Washington State UFCW and Teamster Local Unions reach understanding with Safeway/Albertsons to better support and protect Grocery Store Workers and Community

/
header.jpg

This weekend, UFCW 21, 367, 1439 and Teamsters 38 reached an understanding with Safeway/Albertsons to better support and protect grocery store workers and shoppers in this time of need due to the Coronavirus.

This resolution includes:

  • More flexibility for schedules to accommodate childcare.

  • Joint hiring hall to allow for more workers to get work in the stores.

  • Up to two-weeks of pay for workers diagnosed with COVID-19 or workers required to self-quarantine, before needing to access sick leave and other contractual paid leave.

  • Agreed to jointly work with State and Federal government to treat Grocery Store Workers as first responders and set up a childcare fund for Grocery Store Workers.

  • Expanded use of paid sick leave to cover childcare needs.

  • Agreed to further discussions of ways to meet workers’ childcare needs.

  • Ensure workers do not lose eligibility for medical coverage or lose vacation accrual while out on sick leave.

  • Temporarily allow the employer to bring in extra outside help to make sure we are able to serve our communities during this crisis—provided bargaining unit employees are offered hours first, including overtime.

  • As always, any work done in the meat cutter classification will only be performed by individuals qualified and licensed (where necessary) to perform such work.

If you have questions, please contact your Rep
You can follow important union updates and find information and resources at www.ufcw21.org/safety-at-work and on the UFCW 21 App.

RESOURCES FOR WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

/

Updating Regularly

En Español

UFCW 21 is building a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and in our communities. We offer this list of resources gathered from social agencies, community, and allies to assist our members, future members, families, and communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our intent is to include as much information as possible to serve working people and most impacted communities, so feel free to share this within your networks. If you experience difficulty with accessing these resources, have additional helpful resources to add to this list, or suggestions on how we could better share this information, please contact us. To receive important updates from the union, be sure your contact information is up to date.

UFCW 21 UNION RESOURCES: 

INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 

Washington State Department of Health 

Washington State coronavirus hotline: 1-800-525-0127 (phone lines staffed from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week) 

Centers for Disease Control 

Centers for Disease Control website for Health Care Workers 

County Public Health Departments/Districts updates and guidelines: 

Coronavirus information by and for the disability community

World Health Organization’s “Myth-Busters” page

HEALTH CARE / HEALTH INSURANCE 

If you don’t currently have insurance:

A Special Enrollment Period has been extended due to the COVID pandemic, which means you can purchase insurance on our state health exchange anytime before August 15, 2021. The American Rescue Plan may also help you receive additional tax credits that could significantly decrease your monthly premiums. To enroll in health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder:

  • Contact an Exchange-certified Broker, Navigator, enrollment center or the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604, anytime 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday to initiate coverage during this special enrollment period. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost. For more information on getting free help from local experts, click here. 

In addition, current state health plan customers whose income has changed due to a reduction in work hours during the COVID-19 state of emergency, or anyone who has lost employment altogether, should report income changes. You may be eligible for Washington Apple Health or increased subsidy assistance to pay for your premiums. More information is available here.

Apple Health (Medicaid): In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Apple Health provides preventative care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services. Apply or get more info here.

Online/Telemedicine options from the Union Sound Health and Wellness Trust:

PPO Members:

Kaiser Permanente Members:

COVID-19 Updates and Resources from the Sound Health and Wellness Trust

HOUSING RESOURCES

Eviction and Rent Increase Moratorium

Governor Inslee has halted all evictions in residential or commercial properties in Washington State until at least June 30, 2021, unless a landlord, property owner, or property manager attests that an eviction is a response to a significant and immediate risk to the health, safety, or property of others created by the resident or the property owner is going to begin living in the unit or selling the property. This means landlords, property owners, and property managers in our state are not allowed to evict or threaten to evict tenants who can’t pay rent. They are not allowed to issue any kind of notice that would require a tenant to vacate a housing situation, including: eviction notice, notice to pay or vacate, notice of unlawful detainer, notice of termination of rental, or notice to comply or vacate.

They also cannot charge (or threaten to charge) late fees for nonpayment or late payment of rent. They cannot send tenants to collections over unpaid rent unless they can show a court that they offered the tenant a reasonable repayment plan based on the individual circumstances of that tenant. And they can’t charge rent for housing that’s not accessible or able to be used right now because of COVID-19.

  • If you have received a notice to pay or vacate, a court summons, a 20-day notice, or anything related to a potential eviction: You or an advocate can report a potential eviction to the state Attorney General’s office through the form on their website, by email at civilrights@atg.wa.gov, or contact them via phone at (833) 660-4877 and leave a general message by selecting Option 1.

Other housing resource information:

The Tenants Union of Washington has more information on tenants’ rights, including a tenant hotline. Find phone numbers and hotline hours here.

REDUCED HOURS / TEMPORARY SHUTDOWNS / QUARANTINE / UNEMPLOYMENT 

Washington State’s Employment Securities Department has a website for workers who are affected by the coronavirus outlining what state benefits are available to you if you are: 

  • Quarantined 

  • Ill or being tested 

  • Affected by reduced hours, temporary shutdowns, or layoffs 

  • Facing loss of employment 

and other scenarios related to coronavirus/COVID-19. We have been working closely with our state to ensure members have access to as many benefits as possible. 

Unemployment Law Project can give free legal advice about unemployment benefits. Free interpretation is available for all languages.

DISCRIMINATION 

Our allies at Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) have helpful information about how to fight discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander working people during this coronavirus outbreak. 

King County Public Health has an outline of public resources for people facing discrimination during this outbreak and for talking to others about why stigma and discrimination are harmful.

National Center for Transgender Equality’s guide for trans people around COVID-19 (includes links to LGBTQ-friendly medical providers databases)

IMMIGRATION 

Many community members may have questions about how their immigration status could impact their ability to access medical care. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has information in English and Spanish.

Tenga o no documentos legales, usted tiene el derecho de recibir atención médica. El recibir atención médica en el estado de Washington no le afectará en el momento que pueda arreglar su situación migratoria.

Para más información legal, vea este video de parte del Proyecto para los Derechos del Inmigrante del Noroeste.

Si desea más información sobre la “Carga Publica,” vea esta liga.

DACA Scholarship Fund: Thanks to the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Facebook App & El Centro de la Raza, $75,000 will be available to cover DACA renewal fees. Scholarship funds are available to individuals who have or previously had DACA status, have a completed DACA renewal application, and who reside in Seattle, or work in Seattle, or go to school in Seattle. Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application. All application processes will require the completion of an eligibility form and a 30-minute video or phone appointment with an El Centro staff member.

Fondo de Becas Para DACA: Gracias a la Oficina de Asuntos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados de Seattle, Facebook y El Centro de la Raza, $75,000 estarán disponibles para cubrir las tarifas de renovación de DACA.

Our community allies are offering resources to those in need:

OneAmerica resources:

https://weareoneamerica.org/2020/03/23/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-for-immigrants-recursos-para-inmigrantes

WSCADV resources:

https://wscadv.org/news/response-to-coronovirus-resource-round-up

CHILDCARE 

Public Health guidelines for gatherings of children and youth while schools are closed

Washington State’s database of licensed childcare providers (call 1-800-446-1114 for help from a child care specialist if you’re not sure what you’re looking for)

Childcare assistance for members of federally recognized tribes

KING COUNTY:

Emergency childcare support may be available at no cost if you work in health care, a pharmacy, or a grocery store in King County. When accessing these resources, ask for a union childcare provider if available.

  • If you are in the city of Seattle, fill out this form to request childcare

  • If you are in King County but outside the city of Seattle, you should call Child Care Resources at 1-800-446-1114 and let them know where you work and that you need childcare.

UTILITIES 

If you are worried about paying utility bills, contact your local utility and see if you are eligible for a deferred payment plan if your financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. 

Puget Sound Energy will not have customers accrue late fees during this time and will not be disconnecting customers. at this time. They have options such as payment plans and new billing dates.

Seattle: 

If you are experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19, call Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-3000 to set up a deferred payment plan. They will help keep your utility service going uninterrupted. Translation services are available over the phone.  

The City of Seattle has pledged to keep all customers’ utilities on for the duration of the COVID-19 Civil Emergency period.  

Seattle also has a Utility Discount Program offers income-eligible customers a 60% discount on their Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on their Seattle Public Utilities bill. 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Disaster Cash Assistance Program: Our state’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has activated the “Disaster Cash Assistance Program” starting April 27, 2020. If you are not eligible for other cash benefits, you can apply for help with DSHS. Applying requires a phone interview. Call 877-501-2233 to apply, or apply online at WashingtonConnection.org and then call the same number to complete your interview. They can determine your eligibility for all available programs through one interview.

NOTE: DSHS warns that many people are calling and you may have to wait—they recommend calling before 11am.

Financial assistance is available through the Washington State Labor Council’s Foundation for Working Families.

Washington State has compiled a list of financial resources for people in our state.

Emergency Assistance Program through our state’s Economic Services Administration can offer emergency food assistance, cash assistance, and medical assistance. More info here.

 MENTAL HEALTH 

A guide to “Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty” from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or a family member needs emotional or mental health support, or treatment resources for substance use, please consider calling the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1–866–789–1511.

Resources for people in crisis:

List of Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, & STALKING

We know that home is not a safe place for everybody, and that people are being quarantined or spending more time at home right now. Please reach out if you need support. 

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE; or 800-787-3224 (TTY) 

  • King/Snohomish/Pierce County Deaf Hotline: 206-812-1001 (videophone) 

  • NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse: 206-568-7777 

  • API Chaya (culturally competent safety services for API & South Asian people): 1-877-922-4292 

  • ReWA (for immigrants and refugees): 206-721-0243 

From our allies at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more resources:

RESOURCES FOR KIDS 

INTERNET ACCESS

UNION JOBS NOW HIRING

Frequently Asked Questions from UFCW 21 Members about coronavirus/COVID-19

/

En Español

Note to all members: One of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of this illness is to stay home from work if you are feeling ill. If you have any questions about your right to stay home from work, contact your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day immediately 206-436-6578. The UFCW 21 office number is 1-800-732-1188. 

If you believe your employer is not following proper safety guidelines or you would like to report safety concerns, send your name, workplace, contact information, and a description of your concerns to: safetyreport@ufcw21.org. 

Frequently asked questions from members about novel coronavirus/COVID-19  

For Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care Workers Scroll down further

Note: we will continue to update this post as questions arise and new information becomes available. 

Q: How serious is the illness caused by this new virus?  

A: According to King County Public Health, it appears that the majority of the reported illnesses are mild, with fever and cough, but a smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. People have died of this illness, so it’s important to try and stop it from spreading as best we can. 

Q: Who is in a “high risk” category for serious illness from this virus? 

A: Because this is a new virus, scientists and public health experts are still studying it. Currently, the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the highest risk categories are older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. The list of health conditions that may put you at higher risk has changed as new research is done, so it’s a good idea to check the CDC’s website for up-to-date info if you have questions. Note: If you are over 65 or in a medical high-risk category, you have specific rights at work in Washington to help protect your safety. Find a page about those rights here.

Q: I feel sick, what should I do? 

A: If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, you should call your health care provider or the Washington State COVID hotline at 1-800-525-0127 (this hotline is open 6am to 10pm Mon-Fri, 8am to 6 pm weekends & holidays). In King County, you can reach the county’s call center from 8am to 7pm at (206) 477-3977. Call your health care provider before you go in to see them so they can prepare their staff and stay safe while they treat you. You should also stay home from work and away from public places. 

Q: I feel sick, but I don’t want to stay home from work.  

A: One of the absolute most effective ways to prevent the spread of this illness is to stay home if you are sick. We have fought hard for the right to paid sick leave and other leave language in our contracts, and we have the right to use it. Under Washington State paid sick leave, your employer cannot ask you for a doctor’s note until the 3rd day of your illness, and they cannot retaliate against you for taking your paid sick time. Many contracts have additional sick leave, PTO, or other leave benefits you may be able to utilize. Use your contract and ask a Shop Steward if you need help.  

Q: I feel sick, but I’m out of paid sick time.  

A: You should let your manager know as soon as possible that you feel unwell and need to go home or stay home. Our employers should be following the CDC’s best practices for employers right now, which includes encouraging people to stay home when they are sick, and we are talking to employers at the highest level to ensure members can stay safe. Many workplaces have negotiated COVID agreements that include If you have any issues, call your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day as soon as you can so they can help. 

Q: What should I do During school closures IF I don’t have childcare?  

A: Both Washington State and the City of Seattle have made clear that you can use Paid Sick Leave when your child’s school is closed and you don’t have childcare. We are working with employers regarding the importance of following public health guidelines during an outbreak, which includes being flexible about giving workers who need to stay home access to paid leave. We are also working as quickly as we can with employers, our friends in the labor movement, community allies, public agencies, and our state government to find more childcare solutions. This is an emerging situation and we will keep you updated as we get new answers. Your Shop Steward or Union Rep are ready to help you advocate for yourself and your family if you are navigating a difficult circumstance. 

Q: Will I have access to pay or benefits if I am quarantined due to COVID-19?  

A: Washington State has made an emergency ruling that health care workers and first responders have access to workers compensation benefits if they are quarantined. We are currently working with the state and our employers to ensure everyone has access to paid leave and benefits if they are quarantined. If you or a coworker is quarantined, contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep as soon as you can. 

Q: How can I make sure my employer is following proper safety guidelines for my workplace?  

A: Your employer should be providing you with access to hand sanitizer and tissues, hands-free garbage cans to throw away tissues, breaks for hand washing, and should be ensuring that all high-touch surfaces in your work area are cleaned regularly. The guidance we have received from public health experts is that the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing work areas and customer areas depends on the level of use and level of contact. Employers should ensure the hourly cleaning and sanitizing of common surfaces or surfaces that get regular contact. If the level of use/contact by customers or workers is high, they may need to be cleaned even more frequently. King County Public Health issued guidelines for retail food establishments on March 5.

Q: Should I be wearing a mask to work?

A: The recommendations have changed over time, but at this point it is clear that masks are very likely to help prevent the spread of COVID and in Washington they are required in many situations. Your employer should be providing you with all appropriate protective equipment for doing your work safely and complying with safety regulations. You can find a document that covers which masks are appropriate for what kind of work situation right here.

Q: WE HAD A CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE AT MY WORKPLACE, WHAT IS MY EMPLOYER SUPPOSED TO DO TO MAKE SURE OUR WORKPLACE IS CLEAN AND SAFE?

A: The CDC has guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing public places and workplaces. Anyone who is involved in this process should be given adequate training and appropriate PPE for the cleaning and chemicals used. Your employer should follow the CDC’s guidelines, and if they do not, you should let your Union Rep know or email us at safetyreport@ufcw21.org.

Frequently asked questions from health care members 

Q: WHAT ARE THE STATE’S GUIDELINES FOR COVID SAFETY IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS?

A: In September 2020, our state’s Department of Health and Departments of Labor and Industries responded to concerns from health care workers experiencing outbreaks at their hospitals with very clear, enforceable guidelines for health care workers and employers regarding PPE, training, infection control, and more. You can find that document, called a Joint Hazard Alert, right here.

Q: Is my employer required to provide me with personal protective equipment (PPE)? 

A: Your employer is required to provide you with any and all equipment required to do your job safely and training to use it correctly. The CDC is offering guidelines for health care workers, and you should review these regularly to stay up to date and ensure your employer is complying with these guidelines.

You can find CDC guidelines here.

Their Frequently Asked Questions document, covering PPE for transporting patients, asymptomatic patients, and EVS workers, is here.

Q: I heard the CDC CHANGED their interim guidelines for what kind of precautions and PPE we should be using, is that true? 

A: As of 3/10/20, the CDC has updated their interim guidelines to say that when there are limited supplies of PPE like N95 masks and PAPRs, facemasks are an acceptable alternative. During a time of respirator shortage, “available respirators should be prioritized for procedures that are likely to generate respiratory aerosols.” When the supply chain of respirators is restored, health care personnel should return to using respirators when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. We are advocating with government bodies and employers for health care workers’ right to the highest level of protection at work while also maintaining enough PPE for everyone. You can find our most recent public releases on this issue here and here. 

Q: What should I do if I am asked to do something I think is unsafe? 

A: We have a whole separate Q&A on your right to refuse unsafe work assignments. If you are being asked to do something unsafe at work, you should call your Union Rep (or call 1-800-732-1188 to be connected) or call the UFCW 21 Rep of the Day 206-436-6578.

Q: Do I have to use my PTO if I am exposed to COVID-19 at work and quarantined?  

A: We expect employers to put workers on paid leave when they are quarantined, and many health care employers have already agreed to use Paid Admin Leave. The State of Washington has also ruled that health care workers and first responders can access L&I benefits when they are quarantined. 

Q: I received a letter from employee health notifying me that I was exposed to a patient that recently tested positive for COVID-19 and that I was to stay home in quarantine for the next 14 days. But my manager said I just needed to mask up and come in to work, is that true?  

A: Public Health officials ask that people who have been exposed to a communicable disease to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If you are asked to come into work after being advised to stay home due to exposure, contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep immediately. If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, you should call your health care provider or the Washington State hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

If you have further questions:  

Our main office line: 1-800-732-1188  

Rep of the Day line: 206-436-6578 

 Look up your Union Rep and their contact info: ufcw21.org/find-a-contract 

We are monitoring this situation and updating our website at: ufcw21.org/safety-at-work  

If you believe your employer is not following proper safety guidelines or you would like to report safety concerns, send your name, workplace, contact information, and a description of your concerns to: safetyreport@ufcw21.org