Grocery Store Workers and Community Leaders Condemn Fred Meyer and QFC Ban on Black Lives Matter Insignia 

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For Immediate release: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 
Contact:  Tom Geiger, UFCW 21, 206-604-3421

Grocery Store Workers and Community Leaders Condemn Fred Meyer and QFC Ban on Black Lives Matter Insignia 

Puget Sound-area retail and grocery store workers, with the full backing of their union (UFCW 21), launched a campaign today calling on Kroger-owned Fred Meyer and QFC to reverse the companies’ ban on employees wearing Black Lives Matter buttons at work. 

Over recent weeks, management has begun ordering workers to remove “Black Lives Matter” buttons distributed by the UFCW 21. 

UFCW 21, the union which represents over 13,000 workers at Puget Sound-area Fred Meyer and QFC stores, says the ban violates workers’ rights under the companies’ union contracts and federal labor law. 

This morning, after weeks of attempts to resolve the problem internally, UFCW 21 filed formal grievances with the companies, as well as an unfair labor practice charge under federal labor law.  

UFCW 21 and community leaders are also calling on supporters to sign an online petition to the companies (see: tinyurl.com/BLMatKroger). 

Everett Fred Meyer worker Shawntia Cunningham, who is Black, explained why she is fighting for her right to wear the button: “I get pulled over by cops for having a nice car to the point that my husband, who is white, has to drive so I can just feel safe. I have been called the ‘N’ word by customers at my store a few times. I need this company to respect us as human beings and to respect our rights as workers. I need Fred Meyer and QFC and all Kroger to see that Black lives really do matter.” 

UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther said: “Systemic racism is real and it negatively impacts thousands of our members on the job and in the community. We are proud of our members who are standing up to say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and we will support their right to do so with every tool available to us.” 

The campaign is drawing support from area labor and civil rights leaders. Gabriel Prawl, Sr., A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Seattle Chapter President, today called on Fred Meyer and QFC to reconsider the ban on Black Lives Matter and meet with Black workers and community leaders to address “ongoing racist issues in the retail environment.” 

April Sims, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO offered full support: “Solidarity among working people is the foundation of the labor movement, and these workers are living that commitment by wearing Black Lives Matter buttons. These brave workers are backed by the 550,000-person strong labor movement of Washington state, and we call on these companies to reverse their decision to prioritize the feelings of racists over the humanity of their Black and Brown employees and customers.” 

UFCW 21 Members Take Action Around the State for Hazard Pay

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UFCW believes all essential workers deserve hazard pay, and in September we’ve joined with UFCW locals all over the country to stand together and call for hazard pay for essential workers. This pandemic isn’t over. Nothing is “back to normal.” We need to be safe at work, and we need to be fairly compensated for the risks we take to keep our communities fed and cared for during this crisis.

St. Michael Medical Center Pro-Tech - Tentative Agreement Reached, Bargaining Team Recommends a YES Vote!

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Your Bargaining Team has finally reached an agreement with St. Michael Medical Center. It’s been a long and difficult fight, however, a safety focused campaign successfully pressured managament into a historic contract that we cannot wait to share with everyone! The tentative agreement includes:  

  • Historic wage increases and ratification bonus for ALL members,

  • Significant injection of cash into our 401k retirement plans,

  • Emergency committee meetings to address pandemic safety issues,

  • NO HEALTHCARE TAKEAWAYS 

  • Improved language regarding schedule posting, recognition of past-experience, benefit accruals, and so much more!

Now it’s time to vote to approve your new contract! 

Due to the current health crisis we will be conducting the ratification vote through mail-in ballots. We will be sending out a vote packet with your ballot and details about the proposed changes to the mailing address we have on file. Please reach out to your Union Representative if you do not receive your vote packet by October 1, 2020. 

We will be holding a contract vote meeting to explain the tentative agreement via Zoom on Tuesday, October 6 from 8AM – 10AM, 12PM – 2PM, and 5PM – 7PM. 

Instructions to join will be included in your vote packet.

St. Michael Medical Center: Service & Dietary

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SPECIAL VOTE NOTICE: Memorandum of Understanding
Dietary Unit Host

As you may remember, we have already ratified the St. Michael Medical Center (Harrison) Service & Dietary Contract. However, the Employer has since approached the Union requesting that we add a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) regarding the new “Dietary Unit Host” position.

The Employer would like Dietary Unit Hosts to work under a 12-hour shift schedule, currently prohibited under our contract, so they have proposed this new MOU to create an exception for this new position. If approved, this MOU would only affect members classified as a Dietary Unit Host and would not authorize the Medical Center to schedule other job classifications under a 12-hour shift schedule.

The proposed addition must be approved through a full membership vote, the decision is up to you! We will be sending out a vote packet with your ballot and a summary of the proposed changes to the mailing address we have on file.

We will be holding a contract vote meeting to explain the tentative agreement via Zoom on Friday, October 2 @ 8-9AM and 4-5PM. Instructions to join will be included in your vote packet.
 

Northwest Administrators - Bargaining Continues

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Our Bargaining Team met with NWA Management on Tuesday, September 15 and presented our comprehensive proposal that includes strengthening the layoff language and an economic plan that addresses the rising cost of living in WA.

We look forward to Management’s response and discussing the COVID-19/pandemic Letter of Understanding at our next session.

Please check with your coworkers and make sure they are receiving these updates. Also encourage anyone not receiving updates to reach out to update their contact information.

Next Bargaining Date: Sept 29

Summit Pacific - Management is Stalling

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Our Union presented Management with many proposals but unfortunately Management failed to respond to any of them. Our Bargaining Team has been working to address the COVID MOU with Summit and Summit disputes the facts the Union has presented of their mismanagement.

We have been working to the best of our ability to get a contract in place, but Summit Management continues to not work in a timely matter, delaying their responses and not providing enough dates. Summit has only offered us two dates in October and November. Management is not willing to work with the Bargaining Team to find additional dates for us to work on getting this contract completed.

“Stand with your co-workers, community, and patients for the safety of all of us and sign our petition!”

— Our Bargaining Team: Angi Swinhart—RN (Left), Clinic; Kristen Frazer—Registration Specialist (Right); Barbara Ford—ED HUC (Center); Jeff Redmond—ED Tech; Alicia Wood—RN, ED

Sign the Petition

Dynacare Labcorp - Bargaining Continues

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Your Bargaining Team met with Management on September 11 to continue progress on a new contract. We received Management’s initial wage proposal and healthcare proposal. Although no agreements were reached today, we had some important discussions on many topics including Pandemic Safety measures.

“LabCorp is sending us to the frontlines of the pandemic with a wooden sword and a broken shield. We deserve the best PPE possible as we directly serve the community!”

Eli Lanzcos, Bargaining Team Member

“Management’s economic package is not only far below our initial proposal; it likely won’t even be enough to cover the increase costs they have proposed to our medical plan. We need more money in our pockets right now, not less.”

Nancy Pyanowski, Bargaining Team Member

Stay Up to Date! Keep Your Contact Information Current

Join our CAT meeting via Zoom or Phone!

Wednesday, September 23 
7PM - 8PM

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

Next Bargaining Date: 
Friday, September 18

Mason General RN - Management Continues to Dig in Heels on Overtime

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We’ve been experiencing issues with overtime for work over 40 hours for years now. Even after a successful grievance (1), MGH still doesn’t believe we are owed time and a half for hours over 40 if we’ve incurred any other premium time during the week.

Pyramiding violations have continued, so we will be filing additional grievances. Contact your Bargaining Team members or Union Rep Nicholas to let us know if you’ve been denied OT for over 40 hours in the last year.

(1) View the Settlement Agreement Here

Grays Harbor - Management Wants to Take Away Our Hard Earned Sick Leave During a Global Pandemic!

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Join Your Bargaining Team for a Zoom Meeting to discuss what we all can do to win a good contract with no takeaways.

“We need all members to show Management that taking away sick leave is wrong during this time of crisis”

Grays Harbor Hospital Bargaining Team

Tuesday, September 22

3:30PM – 4:30PM • 6:30PM –7:30PM

https://zoom.us/join 

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

Aramark - We Have a Deal! / ¡Témenos un acuerdo!

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After almost a year of bargaining, your bargaining committee and Aramark have reached a tentative agreement! We fought for a better contract and were able to win higher wage increases, lead pay, pension contributions and improvements to contract language like vacation scheduling, funeral leave, and mandatory overtime. 

We will be holding an in-person vote on Monday September 21 from 8am to 11am at the Kent and Everett plants and 1pm at the Tacoma plant. 

We will have the full contract and highlights of the changes in multiple languages that day. UFCW 21 members in good standing are encouraged to attend a meeting, ask questions, and vote on the contract. 

Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Representative for any questions.

¡Después de casi un año de negociaciones, el comité de negociaciones y Aramark llegaron a un acuerdo! Peleamos por un mejor contrato y obtuvimos mejores aumentos, pago para los “leads” y contribuciones a la pensión. Además, cambiamos lenguaje del contrato: vacaciones, ausencia para funerales y “overtime.” 

La votación por el acuerdo será lunes 21 de septiembre a las 8am a 11am en Kent y Everett y 1pm en Tacoma. 

Vamos a tener el contrato completo y un repaso de los cambios en varios lenguajes ese día. Miembros de UFCW 21 que están al día con sus cuotas pueden atender la votación, hacer preguntas y votar por el contrato. 

Comunicase con el comité de negociaciones o su representante de la Unión si tiene preguntas.

September 14 Telephone Town Hall Call with Governor Inslee

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Join us for a live telephone town hall call with members from every industry this Monday, September 14, at 6:30 pm. Union leadership will be joined by bargainers and union Reps to help answer questions from Members around workplace safety. Governor Jay Inslee will also join us at the beginning of the call to discuss issues that affect working people, safety concerns, and the State’s response to the COVID pandemic.

Expect a call between 6:30-6:40 to automatically join this call. If your phone number is not up to date with the union or you do not receive the call you can join by dialing 888-652-0381 and using the meeting ID: 5265

Wildfire Information for Workers

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People across the West Coast are being forced to flee their homes due to encroaching wildfires. We have begun receiving requests from UFCW locals and other unions for any help and support we can offer, and we know UFCW 21 members may need support like this as well. Evacuating safely is a life or death issue. While respecting the risks of traveling and congregating during the COVID pandemic, we would like to offer whatever support or emergency shelter we can to our union family and any emergency evacuees. Mutual aid is a part of standing together in solidarity.

If you would be willing to host a person or family evacuating a wildfire area, whether in your home or outdoor area (parking space for an RV, space in your yard for a pet or farm animal), please fill out the form below to offer up your space.

Sign Up to Host Evacuees

If you are expecting to be evacuated and looking for a place to stay, whether you need a couch to sleep on, a place to park an RV, or you are evacuating pets and/or farm animals, fill out the short form below and we will be in touch with you if we can match you with someone offering shelter.

Request a place to stay

OTHER SMOKE AND FIRE INFORMATION

If your workplace is closed due to smoke or wildfire:

  • Please contact your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day line so they know about the situation and can help problem-solve.

  • If appropriate, your employer should allow you to pick up hours at another work location that is safe. If management refuses to make this option available to you, contact your Union Rep for assistance with negotiating a good arrangement.

SMOKE:

WILDFIRE:

From the DNR:

“Local emergency management offices, such as sheriff departments or local fire districts, order and communicate evacuations when needed and other emergency activities outside of the work to combat wildfire. If you find yourself in a wildfire emergency, always follow the directions of public safety personnel. In an evacuation, use the "P's of Preparedness" to focus your efforts.”

  • PEOPLE: People and, if safely possible, pets and other animals/ livestock

  • PERSONAL NEEDS: Personal needs—such as clothes, food, water, first aid kit, cash, phones, and chargers— and items for people with disabilities and others with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults, children, and those with Limited English Proficiency

  • PRICELESS ITEMS: Priceless items, including pictures, irreplaceable mementos, and other valuables

  • PRESCRIPTIONS: Prescriptions, with dosages; medicines; medical equipment; batteries or power cords; eyeglasses; and hearing aids

  • PAPERS: Papers, including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or portable thumb drives)

Filson - Tentative Agreement Reached

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Your Filson union Bargaining Team is pleased to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement for a new contract with CC Filson that is unanimously recommended.  

In the near future, UFCW 21 will be contacting you and your coworkers about how video/phone conference meetings and voting by mail will be conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Details of tentative agreement will be made available soon. The first step to make sure that you get a copy of what was bargained and instructions on voting by mail is to make sure UFCW 21 has your correct mailing address.

PLEASE UPDATE YOUR INFO

Conifer St. Elizabeth - We Are Taking Action!

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Your Bargaining Team met with Conifer Management on Wednesday to continue progress on a First Contract and secure the wages and working conditions we all deserve.

“We reached agreements on some minor issues, but we saw NO movement from Management on wages, Per diem pay, and PTO scheduling. Get your picket arm ready and put your walking shoes on! We must all stand together, tall and strong!” 

– Peggy Laush,
St. Elizabeth BT Member

Pulling off a successful, powerful picket requires some training. Join us for a picket training Next Week!

RSVP for the Picket Action with your Bargaining Team or Union Rep.

PICKET TRAINING 

Wednesday, September 16

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

https://zoom.us/join 

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

Next Bargaining Date:
September 16
Before the picket training, updates will be provided on the call

Harrison/St Michael Agrees to Meet with UFCW 21 Leadership

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UFCW 21 sent a letter to management detailing our demands during this outbreak, and have received a response from management that they would like to meet with UFCW 21 leadership as soon as this week. We will update everyone with whatever we learn.

Read the letter to CHI management with our demands

We also wanted to report back some of the results of safety surveys many Harrison/St. Michael workers took last week. The surveys showed:

  • 78% of survey takers have had an issue with damaged, untested, or inadequate supply of PPE

  • 60% believe they had an exposure to a COVID-positive patient or coworker since Aug 4

  • 50% of quarantined respondents were put on paid admin leave while quarantined

  • 18% were quarantined while waiting for test results

  • 43% learned of the outbreak from a coworker

  • 30% learned of the outbreak from news media

  • 21% learned of it from hospital management

In many departments, large amounts of new PPE showed up almost overnight last week, and while we are frustrated that it took this much hard work from union hospital staff to get protective equipment on the floor, we’re glad it has now been made available. If you continue to have issues with unsafe PPE, you can always send us a safety report at safetyreport@ufcw21.org.

Hudson Dufry - Layoff Resources Meeting

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You are invited to a Union Meeting on September 14 to receive important information on Unemployment, Healthcare, Benefits, Jobs, and More. 

We will be joined by King County Rapid Response, the Washington State Labor Council, and Community Organizations. 

Language interpretation available—please RSVP with your language needs by calling Union Representative Monica Smith, 206-436-6524

Monday, September 14
3:00 – 5:00 pm

Join by computer or phone — download the Zoom App to make it easy!

Computer: 

Link to Meeting

Phone: 

253-215-8782

Zoom Meeting ID: 852 1592 2174

Frequently Asked Questions:

What will happen to my healthcare benefits? 

If you were laid off in July, you will have healthcare through September. If you were laid off in August, you will have healthcare through October. Join us at the meeting on Sept 14 to learn about future options. Questions? Please contact Sound Health and Wellness Trust, 206-282-4500.

Will I be called back to work at Hudson New or Dufry?

Our Union contract has “recall rights” meaning that as work becomes available, you will be offered employment again by seniority. It’s important to keep Hudson informed of any changes to your phone number and email. 

What about my Retirement Benefits? Is there emergency hardship assistance?

All Hudson and Dufry workers have Retirement Benefits through Western Employees Benefits Plan. You qualify for a Covid-19 related hardship due to Layoff and may immediately request funds if you are in need. You will be asked to provide a copy of a layoff letter stating the reason for the layoff is due to the pandemic. Questions? Contact EB Management,1-800-524-4852.