When we stand together, we win! Thank you!

When we stand strong and stand together, we win. Over the last twelve months we built a successful campaign for a fair contract through our actions, our stories, and our unity. Back in November of 2018, a record number of members from stores all across the region participated in the bargaining survey which provided the focus, direction, and priorities for our member bargaining team. The next twelve months would see us come together for Contract Action Team meetings, community partner gatherings, leaflets, neighborhood canvasses, and then summer informational pickets. During it all we wore our buttons, united with other UFCW members up and down the West Coast, and shared 25,000 Better Jobs–Better Communities union grocery store bags with our customers and community allies.

Because of our shared strength and purpose we ratified the strongest grocery store contract in decades, with no takeaways. We did this together; every department, every store, every community. Together, we win.

A strong new contract means new language about our rights and wages to learn, be trained on, and enforce. Sign up for safety training, Steward training, member action teams, and more.

Here’s what UFCW 21 members are saying about our new contract:
(if you’re on your phone and don’t see the quotes, turn your phone sideways)

“I’ve been working in the deli for 21 years. I never thought I’d see these wages. I wore my union button the whole time, I went to both info pickets. I am so excited!” -Madeline, Safeway deli

“I was really surprised that there were no takeaways. I’m glad to be part of a union that gets stuff done.” -Stefanie, QFC Meat/Seafood

“This is outstanding. Look at the whole package.” -Dave, Safeway, 41 year member

“This is the best contract we’ve gotten in years.” -Dee (L), Fred Meyer

“We addressed the pension, which is important to me. I like the fact that there’s something in there for journey people. I’ve been here for 30 years.” -Susie, Fred Meyer Alderwood

“We’re very fortunate to have this health care. The cost of health care is skyrocketing.” -Harry, Issaquah Safeway, 12 years

“I think it’s a great contract! And we won’t have to worry about our pension.” -Angela, Fred Meyer

“We like the scheduling. You can get the days you want, and the days off you want.” -Honesta (R), Albertsons Renton

“Right now, my schedule is closing at 9pm, and coming back in at 7 in the morning. That’s not enough time to rest. I want to pick my day off.” -Keo (L), Albertsons Renton

“It’s good that the union looked at safety this time.” -Carson (R), U-District Safeway, UFCW member since 1973

“My husband lost his insurance & is on different insurance now, and we’re really learning how important our good health coverage is. I’ve been with QFC for 20 years, and you don’t realize until you lose it just how good the coverage is. When I go to the eye place, they say, ‘You have great insurance!’ I’m putting him back on mine as soon as I can. Nothing’s changing, and that’s great! You’re not going to get these benefits anywhere else.” -Patricia, QFC Pine Lake

“I worked at nonunion jobs for 15 years, and this is my first union contract vote. After talking to my coworkers, I feel really good about it.” -Caitlin (L), Lynnwood Fred Meyer

“I’m really impressed by this contract. There’s more work to be done, but I’m really pleased.” -Donna, Safeway

“We feel really good about this contract. Thanks for fighting for us!” -Maninder (R), Auburn FM

“I think you did awesome! Thanks for all your hard work, bargaining team.” -Rosie, Auburn Fred Meyer

Puget Sound Grocery Store Workers are proud of a contract that includes:

• Strongest journey wage increases in UFCW 21’s history.

• Full back pay to expiration .

• A long-term solution to our pension with projected improvements.

• Health care benefits that are projected to be fully-funded, include benefit improvements and NO increases to premiums or deductibles.

• First scheduling overhaul in decades, giving us more control over our schedules.

• Strong safety language for the first time ever in our contract.

• A plan for the future of technology and workforce training.

• Protections for our wage scales, so as minimum wage goes up, so do our wage steps.

• NOT ONE SINGLE CUT OR TAKEAWAY!

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Members have been reporting that they are receiving their retro-pay checks and journey pay increases, be sure to check your check!

Retro-pay:

• Journey persons under contracts that expired before contract ratification are entitled for retro-pay under the newly negotiated pay scale. Check with your Steward or call your Rep if you think you were eligible but have not received retro-pay.

New minimum wage:

• On January 1st, the state’s minimum wage goes to $13.50 an hour, and all wages by contract are at least 10¢ above minimum and each step at least 10¢ above the last step. Our union was one of the leading forces that helped pass the law that requires the minimum wage to rise as the cost of living goes up.

Look closely at pay around the holidays:

• For work after 6 pm on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve, you should be paid time and a half.

• All hours worked on Christmas Day, New Year’s Day, and other holidays is paid at time and a half. In addition, if you qualify for Holiday Pay, make sure you receive it.

If you think you have a problem, read the contract and contact your steward, or call your Rep.

Grocery Store Bargaining Update: Final Counties Vote to Ratify Contract

Final Counties Vote to Ratify Contract

Just over a year ago, leaders kicked off the 2019 Grocery Store contract campaign, and today we celebrate the final counties voting to ratify this historic contract. In total, nearly 30,000 grocery store workers throughout Puget Sound have won significant wage increases and new workplace protections, including:

• Strongest journey wage increases in UFCW 21’s history

• Full back pay to expiration

• A long-term solution to our pension with projected improvements

• Health care benefits that are projected to be fully-funded, include benefit improvements and NO increases to premiums or deductibles

• First scheduling overhaul in decades, giving us more control over our schedules

• Strong safety language for the first time ever in our contract

• A plan for the future of technology and workforce training

• Won protections for our wage scales, so as minimum wage goes up, so do our wage steps.

• NOT ONE SINGLE CUT OR TAKEAWAY!

If you have any questions about your contract, please speak with your Shop Steward or Union Rep, or use the UFCW 21 App.

Want to get involved and get training?

Sign up for safety training, Steward training, member action teams, and more.

Grocery Store Bargaining Update

Let’s Get to Work

Grocery store contract votes that have already taken place have ratified, but our work is just beginning. The remaining counties will be voting in early December. See below.

In the coming months, we will implement and enforce the new language in this contract, lay the foundation to protect and improve on these wins in our next contract and continue to work together every day to build power in our stores. Next steps include:

• Fully develop our safety program, including OSHA training for our members and increasing involvement in our safety committees

• Update our Grocery Store Workers Bill of Rights for 2020

• Pass a statewide scheduling bill, which is required to protect our new scheduling language

• Continue to expand and develop our workforce development center, WeTrain

• Prepare for new technology in our workplaces and escalate our ongoing work to improve the way technology affects our working conditions

• Get trained on our new contract so we can fully enforce it

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Want to get involved and get training? Sign up for safety training, Steward training, member action teams, and more at bit.ly/stepup21

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REMAINING GROCERY STORE VOTES:

The final period of grocery votes is December 8 – 12. Vote times and locations below. Drop by any time during the voting time, review the Tentative Agreement, get your questions answered, and then vote. These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 grocery store workers in Clallam, Jefferson, Island, Skagit, and Whatcom counties at the big chains and independent stores. Active members are eligible to vote at whichever location is most convenient, during any time when polling is open. RSVP for your vote at ufcw21.org/rsvp

Sunday, December 8, 2019—Mount Vernon — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
UFCW 21 Mount Vernon Office, Conference Room 1510 N 18th Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Sunday, December 8, 2019—Oak Harbor — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Best Western Plus Oak Harbor, Oak Harbor Room 33175 SR 20, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Monday, December 9, 2019—Bellingham — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Quality Inn Grand Suites Bellingham, Atlantis Room 100 E Kellogg Road, Bellingham, WA 98226

Wednesday, December 11, 2019—Port Angeles — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Olympic Lodge, Meeting Room 140 Del Guzzi Drive, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Thursday, December 12, 2019—Port Townsend— 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Harborside Inn, Conference Room 330 Benedict Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

When is my raise going to show up on my paycheck?

We are working with each of the employers’ payroll departments to make sure the raises go into effect as soon as possible—but also that it’s done correctly. Remember that if your contract is expired and you have not yet received your raise, you will still be getting back pay for journey raises, going back to the expiration date of your contract.

When will those back pay/retro checks show up?

For contracts that have already expired and will be receiving back pay, we’re working with employers to get those checks out as quickly as possible.

When do the Select-a-Schedule scheduling improvements go into effect?

This new scheduling will be implemented 120 days from ratification or contract expiration, whichever is later. As a reminder, to keep this scheduling win we will have to pass a statewide scheduling law, get ready to help in the effort to pass that law and protect our scheduling win.

When can I get a copy of our new contract?

We are still working with the employers to update all of our contracts then we can move to print and publish full copies of our new contract and will distribute them online and on paper as soon as we can.

Have more questions? Use the UFCW 21 App or contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep.

Grocery Store Workers Ratify New Contract

When working people come together with each other and our community—we win. After more than six months of negotiations, UFCW 21, UFCW 367, and Teamsters 38 members turned out to vote and ratified a historic new contract.
 
Puget Sound Grocery Store Workers are proud of a contract that includes:

• Strongest journey wage increases in UFCW 21’s history

• Full back pay to expiration

• A long-term solution to our pension with projected improvements

• Health care benefits that are projected to be fully-funded, include benefit improvements and NO increases to premiums or deductibles

• First scheduling overhaul in decades, giving us more control over our schedules

• Strong safety language for the first time ever in our contract

• A plan for the future of technology and workforce training

• Won protections for our wage scales, so as minimum wage goes up, so do our wage steps.

• NOT ONE SINGLE CUT OR TAKEAWAY!
  

Your work and solidarity made this happen. Thank you for your time, your action and standing united.
 
With our new contract in place, we know we have to continue to stand together to enforce our new contract and make our workplaces better. To be the first to get answers on your new contract download the UFCW 21 APP.

In Solidarity, YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Angel Gonzalez, Deputy Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Review the Grocery Store Contract Vote Documents and Vote

Voting on our grocery contract has begun. Here are the vote documents explaining the many improvements to our contract: [Download as PDF] You can review these in advance. Members of your bargaining team, Union Reps, and leadership will be available at your vote meeting to answer any questions you have. Please make your voice heard and attend a vote meeting this week. All dates and times are below. Vote Info:

Friday, November 1, 2019 — BELLEVUE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Meydenbauer Center / 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sunday, November 3, 2019 — SEATAC
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Doubletree Seatac / 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

Monday, November 4, 2019 — SEATTLE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center / 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Parking: Parking validation will be available for the 5th Ave Garage, located at 516 Harrison St, Seattle WA 98109. (Parking validation is not available for the Mercer St garage or other parking.)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 — LYNNWOOD
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Lynnwood Convention Center / 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — BREMERTON
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Kitsap Convention Center / 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Parking: Please park only on the RED or GREEN levels of the parking garage. Remember your stall number to register it for validation with the receptionist of the Kitsap Conference Center.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — OLYMPIA
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM The Olympia Center / 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 Grocery Store Workers in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties at the big chains and independent stores. Active members are eligible to vote at whichever location is most convenient, during any time when polling is open. If you need help getting to your meeting or can offer a ride to a fellow member, please contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep.

Burlington Fred Meyer GM Contract Vote

We’ve been in negotiations for 6 months. By November 1, the Bargaining Team will either have a proposal from the Employers that we will recommend for ratification, or the Bargaining Team will recommend to authorize a strike.

Drop by any time during the votes, review

the current contract offer, get your questions answered, and then vote. These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 Fred Meyer General Merchandise workers at the Burlington store. Active members are eligible to vote whenever is most convenient, at any time when polling is open.

Monday, November 4

8AM-12pm (noon) & 4PM-8PM

UFCW 21 Mt. Vernon Office
1510 N 18th St Mt. Vernon, WA 98274

Grocery Store Bargain Update: Full Tentative Agreement Recommended for Ratification

Final Step of Pension Deal Completed, Full Tentative Agreement Recommended for Ratification

“Standing together and taking action is how we have won before and it is how we won again this time. Your voice and your vote matters. Attend a vote meeting to learn about the Tentative Agreement and make your voice heard.”  - Your Union Member Bargaining Team

We have been working all week to see if we could finalize the details of a pending pension deal with Albertsons/Safeway and Kroger. We are very happy to announce that we have now reached a full tentative agreement, including this deal on our pension. 

The pending details between Albertsons/Safeway and Kroger have been ironed out and we now have a Fully Recommended Agreement.
 
After 6 months of negotiations, hundreds of actions in our stores across the region, and connecting with thousands of customers about our campaign, your Union Member Bargaining Team has reached a tentative agreement and recommends a YES VOTE to accept the proposal from the employers.
 
Drop by any of the posted vote meetings during any of the open times, review the offer, get questions answered, and then vote. These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 Grocery Store Workers in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties at the big chains and independent stores. Active members are eligible to vote at whichever location is most convenient, during any time when polling is open.

Friday, November 1, 2019 — BELLEVUE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Meydenbauer Center / 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sunday, November 3, 2019 — SEATAC
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Doubletree Seatac / 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

Monday, November 4, 2019 — SEATTLE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center / 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Parking: Parking validation will be available for the 5th Ave Garage, located at 516 Harrison St, Seattle WA 98109. (Parking validation is not available for the Mercer St garage or other parking.)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 — LYNNWOOD
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Lynnwood Convention Center / 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — BREMERTON
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Kitsap Convention Center / 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Parking: Please park only on the RED or GREEN levels of the parking garage. Remember your stall number to register it for validation with the receptionist of the Kitsap Conference Center.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — OLYMPIA
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM The Olympia Center / 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501
 

In Solidarity, YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Angel Gonzalez, Deputy Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargain: It’s time to vote.

It’s time to vote.

After months of bargaining and workplace and community actions, we have a tentative agreement with Kroger and Safeway/Albertsons, pending a final step on the pension agreement between these employers. Your grocery store bargaining team fully recommends this agreement (pending the finalized pension deal), and members of your bargaining team will be at each vote location ready to talk to you about the tentative agreement, answer your questions, and help you get more involved in your union. RSVP to a vote today.

All active UFCW 21 grocery store members working in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties at big chains (Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Myers, and QFC) and independent stores can come by anytime during one of the vote meetings to get details on this tentative agreement, get questions answered, and vote. Vote times and an online RSVP are here.

Friday, November 1, 2019 — BELLEVUE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Meydenbauer Center / 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sunday, November 3, 2019 — SEATAC
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Doubletree Seatac / 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

Monday, November 4, 2019 — SEATTLE
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center / 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109
Parking: Parking validation will be available for the 5th Ave Garage, located at 516 Harrison St, Seattle WA 98109. (Parking validation is not available for the Mercer St garage or other parking.)

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 — LYNNWOOD
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Lynnwood Convention Center / 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — BREMERTON
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM Kitsap Convention Center / 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337
Parking: Please park only on the RED or GREEN levels of the parking garage. Remember your stall number to register it for validation with the receptionist of the Kitsap Conference Center.

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — OLYMPIA
8AM-12PM & 4-8PM The Olympia Center / 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

Grocery Store Bargaining Update: Exciting News This Morning

We have exciting news. After more than six months of negotiations, hundreds of actions leafleting and picketing in front of our stores, wearing solidarity buttons, handing out 25,000 Better Jobs-Better Communities union grocery store bags to our customers, and joining together with other UFCWs up and down the West Coast, we are pleased to announce that we have reached a Tentative Agreement with the employers, pending one last step. This final critical step will be for Kroger and Safeway/Albertsons to work out the remaining details to the long-term pension agreement.

This Tentative Agreement is fully recommended by the Grocery Store Bargaining team, pending Kroger and Safeway/Albertsons finalizing the pension deal.

Details for the Tentative Agreement will be available for all active UFCW 21 grocery store members working in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties at the big chains (Safeway, Albertsons, Fred Meyer and QFC) and independent stores. The upcoming vote meetings will be taking place in early November (see below for voting dates, times and locations). Members have been signing up to attend these meetings over the past couple weeks. Members can drop by anytime during one of the vote meeting times to learn details, get questions answered and vote.

Vote meeting times, dates and locations are listed below: 

• Friday, November 1, 2019 — BELLEVUE — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  Meydenbauer Center / 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

• Sunday, November 3, 2019 — SEATAC — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  Doubletree Seatac / 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

• Monday, November 4, 2019 — SEATTLE — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center / 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

• Tuesday, November 5, 2019 — LYNNWOOD — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  Lynnwood Convention Center / 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

• Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — BREMERTON — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  Kitsap Convention Center / 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337

• Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — OLYMPIA — 8AM-12PM & 4-8PM
  The Olympia Center / 222 Columbia St NW, Olympia, WA 98501

In Solidarity, YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Angel Gonzalez, Deputy Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargaining Update: Time Is Running Out for the Employers

“After more than 6 months of bargaining, we deserve a full, fair contract that respects our work. Making progress on the pension is important, but with takeaways still on the table, the employers are running out of time to offer us an agreement worth ratifying. Please RSVP to your vote meetings today.” - Union Member Bargaining Team

During the last two bargaining days, we were able to reach an outline of an agreement with Albertsons/Safeway on a pension solution. We already have an agreement with Kroger for our pension. Your bargaining team is working hard to ensure we get a deal that secures our pension into the future and allows us to move forward with negotiations and address health care and wage proposals. (For more on the pension solution, see the Pension Primer.) We were also able to win a tentative agreement last week for our Health and Welfare plan. 

While advances on health and pension plans are very encouraging, Kroger and Albertsons/Safeway still have real cuts on the table in other areas. They need to withdraw those takeaways and get us a fair contract before we vote to authorize a strike. Votes are scheduled now, but whether these are strike authorization votes or ratification votes depends on what happens at the bargaining table. Either way, it’s time to come together and make our voices heard: Find vote locations and RSVP to your vote here 

Current takeaways on the table: 

• Eliminating holiday pay, including premium pay on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve.

• Eliminating the guarantee of 10 cents above minimum wage.

• Eliminating our across-the-board guarantee of raises.

• Eliminating our raises between steps on the pay scale (wage escalators).

If the employers can come to the table with a contract that offers fair pay for hard work, finalize the securing of our pension, and withdraws their takeaways, there’s still time to get a Tentative Agreement before we vote. But time is running out.  Next bargaining dates: October 24 & 25 

WHAT YOU CAN DO: 

1.       RSVP to your vote meeting now 

2.       Attend a Contract Action Team meeting this week.

3.       Wear your button (ask your Steward or Union Rep if you need more). 

4.       Talk to your Steward or Union Rep about becoming a picket captain. 

Stay in touch: 

Download the UFCW 21 App 

Update your contact information 

Find past bargaining updates 

In Solidarity, YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Angel Gonzalez, Deputy Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargain October Contract Action Team Meetings

Rep Daniel Cobb // 206-436-6563

Monday, October 21
10:30am-11:30am
Kirkland Library 308 Kirkland Ave, Kirland, WA 98033

Tuesday, October 22
3:45pm-4:45pm
Redmond Library 15990 NE 85th St, Redmond, WA 98052

Rep Kristina Storm // 360-419-4667

Tuesday, October 22
12p-1p
Alfy’s Pizza 916 SE Bayshore Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Tuesday, October 22
4pm-5pm
Coconut Kenny’s 1060 S Burlington Blvd, Burlington, WA 98233 525 4th Ave N Kent, WA 98032

Rep Monica Smith // 206-436-6524

Wednesday, October 23
7:00am-8:30am or 6pm-7:30pm
Kent Commons (Mill Creek Room) 525 4th Ave N, Kent, WA, 98032

Rep Tae Abraham // 206-436-6526

Tuesday, October 22
2pm-3pm
Issaquah Library 10 W Sunset Way, Issaquah, WA 98027

Rep Tonya Burnett // 360-662-1985

Monday, October 21
5:30pm-6:30pm
Gordy’s Pizza 1123 1st St, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Rep Teri Jackson // 206-436-6551

Sunday, October 20
2pm-4pm
Enumclaw Library 1700 1st St, Enumclaw, WA 98022

Tuesday, October 22
1pm-2:30pm
Federal Way 320th Library 848 S 320th St, Federal Way, WA 98003

Wednesday, October 23
7am-8:30am & 6pm-7:30pm
Kent Commons (Mill Creek Room) 525 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032

Rep Bruce Le // 206-436-6540

Wednesday, October 23
6pm-8pm (Pizza will be served)
Phinney Ridge Community Center, Rm 36 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Thursday, October 24
2pm-4pm
Greenwood Library 8016 Greenwood Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Rep Teasha Karell // 206-436-6802

Monday, October 21
6pm
Alfy’s Pizza (Pizza will be served) 2317 Broadway, Everett, WA 98201

Wednesday, October 23
3pm
Lynnwood Library - Sno-Isle Libraries 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Rep Tim Moisio // 360-662-1989

Monday, October 21
3pm-4pm
Port Orchard Library 87 Sidney Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Tuesday, October 22
2pm-3pm
Port Hadlock library 620 Cedar Ave #9514, Port Hadlock WA 98339

Rep Ariana Davis // 206-436-6586

Tuesday, October 22
3pm-4pm
Capital Hill Library 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

Wednesday, October 23
1pm-2pm
Columbia City Library 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Rep Bill Roberts // 360-419-4665

Tuesday, October 22
11am-1pm
Lynden Starbucks 8082 Guide Meridian, Lynden, WA 98264

Tuesday, October 22
4pm-6pm
Round Table Pizza 1145 E Sunset Square Dr. #135, Bellingham,WA 98266

Rep Adrian Noel // 360-419-4677

Tuesday, October 22
5pm
Alfys Pizza Marysville 9330 State Ave, Marysville, WA 98270

Wednesday, October 23
5pm
Alfys Pizza Monroe 19121 US-2, Monroe, WA 98272

Rep Tim Phelan // 206-436-6515

Tuesday, October 22
1:30pm-2:30 pm
New Castle Public Library 12901 Newcastle Way, Newcastle, WA 98056

Wednesday, October 23
7:00am-8:30am or 6:00pm-7:30pm
Kent Commons 525 4th Ave N, Kent, WA 98032

Rep Regan McBride // 206-436-6510

Monday, October 21
6pm
Spiro’s Pizza 18411 Aurora Ave N, Shoreline, WA 98133

Wednesday, October 23
11am
Lake City Library 12501 28th Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98125

Rep Leroy Taylor // 360-662-1986

Monday, October 21
3:00pm-4:00pm
Kitsap Regional Library - Port Orchard 87 Sidney Ave, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Tuesday, October 22
4:30pm-5:30pm
UFCW21 Silverdale Office 3888 NW Randall Way #105, Silverdale, WA 98383

Rep David Barnes // 206-436-6591

Monday, October 21
10:30am-11:30am
Kirkland Library 308 Kirkland Avenue Kirkland WA 98033

Tuesday, October 22
4:30pm-5:30pm
Bellevue Library (Meeting Room 1) 1111 110th Avenue NE Bellevue WA 98004

Rep Monica Bryant // 206-436-6527

Monday, October 21
3:00pm-4:00pm
Capitol Hill library 425 Harvard Ave E, Seattle, WA 98102

Wednesday, October 23
6pm-7:00pm
Phinney Community Association 6532 Phinney Ave N, Seattle, WA 98103

Rep Derrick Edens // 206-436-6529

Monday, October 21
5pm-6pm
Seattle Public Library - Southwest Branch 9010 35th Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98126

Tuesday, October 22
4:30pm-5:30pm
Burien Public Library 400 SW 152nd St, Burien WA 98166

Grocery Store Contract Vote

“It’s time to stand up and show the employers that if they don’t take their cuts off the table and agree to better wages, fully funded health care and a pension that we can depend on, we are ready to authorize a strike” - Our Grocery Store Bargaining Team

THE TIME HAS COME TO VOTE

We’ve been in negotiations for nearly 6 months. By November 1, the Bargaining Team will either have a proposal from the Employers that we will recommend for ratification, or the Bargaining Team will recommend to authorize a strike.

These votes are open to all active-member UFCW 21 Grocery Store Workers in King, Snohomish, Kitsap, Mason, and Thurston Counties at the big chains and independent stores.

Only contracts that have expired are eligible to take a strike authorization vote, independent stores whose Employers have signed interim agreements (“Me Too Agreements”) are not eligible to vote on a strike at this time. Active members are eligible to vote at whichever location is most convenient, at any time when polling is open.

Friday, November 1, 2019 — BELLEVUE — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Meydenbauer Center / 11100 NE 6th St, Bellevue, WA 98004

Sunday, November 3, 2019 — SEATAC — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Doubletree Seatac / 18740 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188

Monday, November 4, 2019 — SEATTLE — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Fisher Pavilion, Seattle Center / 305 Harrison St, Seattle, WA 98109

Tuesday, November 5, 2019 — LYNNWOOD — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Lynnwood Convention Center / 3711 196th St SW, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — BREMERTON — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
Kitsap Convention Center / 100 Washington Ave, Bremerton, WA 98337

Wednesday, November 6, 2019 — OLYMPIA — 8am-12pm & 4-8pm
The Olympia Center / 222 Columbia St. NW Olympia, WA 98501

Contact your union rep if you have any questions.

Grocery Store Bargain: Closer Than Ever to a Real Pension Solution

When the teachers union (WEA) meeting nearby heard we were at a contract negotiation, they stopped by to make it clear they stand with grocery store workers.

Grocery Store Bargain: Closer Than Ever to a Real Pension Solution

CLOSER TO AN ANSWER ON PENSION
After three long days of negotiations and conversations about our pension, Albertsons/Safeway negotiators have indicated they are open to negotiating a long term solution that is in line with the Kroger tentative agreement already reached. The union bargaining team is fully committed to fighting for a long-term fix so we can truly move forward with a secure pension.

A pension solution takes time. However, retirement security is worth the fight. We believe that everyone has a right to a secure retirement, and that the investments we make in safeguarding our pension now are vital to our rights as working people and our future bargains. The team has spent many hours with some of the foremost union pension experts in the country to make sure we’re protecting our investments, and it’s time for these employers to act. See the Pension Primer for more details on the plan.
 
NEXT BARGAINING DATES: October 17 & 18 and October 24 & 25
 
HOW TO STAY INVOLVED
Every time we step into the room with these employers, we bring the strength of 30,000 grocery store workers with us. There are lots of ways to support this bargain and get the best contract possible. Have an idea or a question? Ask your Union Steward or Union Rep. Right now, you can:

1. Attend Contract Action Team meetings – next meetings will be October 20-23

2. Wear your union button – and keep extras on hand for coworkers

3. Involve your community – ask your family and friends to join thousands of supporters who have signed our petition and pledge of support for grocery store workers

4. Share your experience working in grocery stores with our online sharing form, so we can continue to bring the voices of members right to the bargaining table. Why is the pension important to you? What should employers know about the value and knowledge you bring to the company every day? What’s it like living on the wages you make now, and what would a real raise mean to you? Take five minutes to add your voice to our bargaining power.

THIS COMMUNITY HAS OUR BACK

Our allies across the region continue to step up and support us at every turn. Just one example: When community allies heard that Renton Fred Meyer workers had faced intimidation for participating in union activities supporting the bargain, they demanded an opportunity to visit the store this week and let management know directly that this community has our back—during this bargain and always.

In Solidarity, YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Angel Gonzales, Deputy Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Update on Grocery Store Contract Negotiations Here and Around the Nation

Update on Grocery Store Contract Negotiations Here and Around the Nation

Recent negotiations have focused on finding a pension solution with Albertsons/Safeway, similar to the Tentative Agreement we reached with Kroger. If we can reach an agreement with Albertsons/Safeway to solve our pension problems, we can move our pension from the “red zone” to the “green zone,” and it will have a lasting effect on bargains to come.

See the Pension Primer for more detailed background on why solving our pension problems are so important to this and future negotiations.

Beyond our pension, there are critical issues still on the table, including:

• Raising wages.

• Protecting and fully funding our health plan.

• Blocking employer takeaways - the employers have proposed eliminating our across-the-board guarantee of raises, eliminating our wage escalators, and the guarantee of 10 cents above minimum wage.

The employers’ current proposals on wages and holiday pay are unacceptable to our bargaining team, and our membership. We are not interested in any of the employers’ cuts. We’ve been sharing with the employers real stories from members about what it’s like to work in grocery stores these days and the challenges we’re facing—members who are working multiple jobs and still struggling to get by, members worried about keeping a roof over their heads as the cost of housing in our region skyrockets.

We’re the ones who make these companies successful, and we need real wage increases, high quality and affordable health care, and a secure pension we can count on at the end of our working lives.

Actions Continue:

Members have been taking action together for months now, including wearing buttons and stickers at work, leafleting our stores, holding informational pickets, and most recently taking our message directly the public by holding banners on highway overpasses across Pierce, King, and Snohomish Counties.

This week, members will be handing out leaflets in front of stores across Puget Sound to update our customers and our community about the bargain. We know our communities have our back, and if we want to see movement at the bargaining table, we need to keep everyone involved and keep up the pressure. Check with your Steward or Union Rep to get involved in an action at or near your store.
 

Other UFCW Agreements Across the Country

UFCW members across the country have been UNITED for fair contracts over the past year. We supported our fellow members in New England during their strike, and stood with members in Colorado, Southern California, and Oregon and Southwest Washington during their many months of tough negotiations. Local 555 (Oregon and SW Washington) just reached a Tentative Agreement on Saturday 9/28, and details will soon be available.

These locals won wage increases in the range of 45-60 cents per hour at the top of the scale for each year of the contract and also won additional improvements to their contracts on top of wage increases.

Next round of Negotiations

We have negotiations October 1 through most of the week and will send an update after this round.

Most importantly, your involvement during these negotiations is critical to our success—your support is our power at the table. Button up, come out to an action, and stay in touch with your Steward and Union Rep.

In Solidarity, 

YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine/Spirt Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #4483 (S Auburn), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist/Bookkeeper, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Mia Contreras, Executive Vice President, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargain: Negotiations Continue on Pension, Important Public Actions Coming Soon

Our union member bargaining team has been in negotiations with Albertsons/Safeway over our pension for the past two days. While we have not reached a pension agreement with Albertsons/Safeway that aligns with our existing pension TA with Kroger, we have continued to make progress in negotiations and we are holding the line to ensure we keep our pension valuable and viable.

In addition to negotiations, our team has been hard at work planning ways to address U Scan’s impact on our jobs and encouraging members to fill out their Personal Health Assessments. The PHA saves members hundreds of dollars on health costs. The deadline is September 30th.  Click here to begin your PHA.

On Wednesday, our team will be out in stores across the region meeting with members to discuss negotiations and bringing co-workers up to date on our next actions.

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Teamsters 174 stands in solidarity with Puget Sound grocery store workers

Banner Actions:

Next week our three unions, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367, will be holding shared actions to engage with our community in a different way than we have so far in the campaign for a fair contract. We will be out at select freeway overpasses in King, Pierce and Snohomish counties with banners promoting our message: One Good Job Should Be Enough.

Contact your store leader or Union Rep for more details on these actions and to RSVP for the one nearest you. Let’s show our communities and our employers that we’re standing strong and it’s time for a fair contract.

CAT Meetings:

Our regular Contract Action Team meetings will be held all across the region 9/22-9/28. Each store leader should be able to give you details with the exact dates, times and locations nearest you.

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United West Updates:

California: As you may have heard, the local UFCWs in Southern California reached a tentative agreement for a new contract over the weekend. Their contract’s expiration was in March. Their bargaining team is recommending a yes vote, and their votes are taking place this week.

Oregon: Local 555 is continuing contract negotiations after voting to authorize a strike. Show your support for UFCW 555 members on social media this week! Facebook Instagram

YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM:

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21
Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21
Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367
Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21
Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21
Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21
J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine Manager, UFCW 21
Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367
Jordan Washington, QFC #803 (Meridian), Starbucks, UFCW 21
Kyong Barry, Albertsons #483 (S Auburn), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367
Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21
Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21
Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21
Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367
Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21
Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21
Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist, UFCW 21
Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21
Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21
Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38
Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21
Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21
Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38
Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21
Mia Contreras, Executive Vice President, UFCW 21
Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38
Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38
Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367
Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargain Update

Historic Tentative Agreement Reached for Improved Scheduling. Wages: Still a Fraction of What We Need. 

We just wrapped up another three days of negotiations, ending with a historic agreement on improved and secured scheduling. After decades of fighting for scheduling improvements, this latest agreement represents a huge leap forward in ensuring that we have more control over our lives, access to more hours and schedules that are more reliable.  

Major work still lies ahead. The employers presented another inadequate wage proposal (.30, .25, .30). This still is only a fraction of what we need. We responded by sharing our stories. We know some of our co-workers are struggling. We know many of us love our jobs and our customers, but are not getting compensated in a way that allows us to survive. We know some of us have more than 30 years of service and still make only $15.05 an hour.  We shared stories from every department, from fuel to deli to retail, grocery, and meat. We shared stories about our property taxes going up. Our rent going up. We shared stories about how we use our vacation to subsidize our ability to afford childcare. We talked about our stay-cations versus a real vacation. We work hard every day yet still can’t afford a car or house. We made the case that ONE GOOD JOB should be enough.   

We are still fighting for:  

• Better Wages 

• Our Health Care  

• Secure Pension- we need to reach agreement with Safeway/Albertsons to secure our pension, something Kroger already agreed to. 

• Investment in Training  

We REJECT the employers’ proposal to cut Holiday Pay and other premiums 

Next Dates: We will have several conversations with Safeway/Albertsons over pension issues.

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC Front End Checker, UFCW 21; Jeannette Randall, Safeway Front End Checker, UFCW 21; Kyong Barry, Albertsons Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21; Sam Dancy, QFC Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21; Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38; Richard Waits, Haggen Deli Clerk, UFCW 21; Joann Gardner, Albertsons Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367

PHA: Need an extra $300 - $600? 

We have bargained hard for our health care benefits over the years. Please take your Personal Health Assessment and put $300 in your pocket. We fight hard for every penny at the table. Please take 20 minutes and fill out this questionnaire today. It is a private questionnaire that only you and your doctor see, not your union, not your employer and not the Trust.  https://soundhealthwellness.com 

How to stay updated: The App!

Download the UFCW 21 App, and make sure you have provided your most up-to-date cell number to your Union Rep.

Growing the Power of Our Union - Nutrition Victory:  

After fighting for years to gain parity in General Merchandise, Port Orchard Fred Meyer Nutrition workers won a victory by overwhelmingly voting to join our union and becoming the first Nutrition workers to be placed on Appendix “A.”  This is a major step toward eliminating disparities in pay for workers who work side by side every day. At the bargaining table we still have proposals that would move Nutrition and many other departments onto appendix “A.” 

YOUR GROCERY STORE BARGAINING TEAM:

Amy Dayley Angell, QFC #891 (Ballard), Front End Checker, UFCW 21

Christina Harris, Fred Meyer - Lake City #179 (Grocery), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 21

Cliff Powers, Safeway #402 (Oak Harbor), Produce Clerk, UFCW 21

Denise Anderson, Safeway #1546 (Aberdeen), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 367

Eleanor Knight, Albertsons #4483 (Auburn), 4th PIC, UFCW 21

Irene Garcia, Fred Meyer - Auburn #19 (Retail), Home Clerk, UFCW 21

Jeannette Randall, Safeway #1923 (Roxbury), Front End Checker, UFCW 21

Jeff Smith, Fred Meyer - Snohomish #681 (Retail), Non-food receiving Clerk, UFCW 21

J'Nee DeLancey, Town & Country #211 (Ballard), Beer/Wine Manager, UFCW 21

Joann Gardner, Albertsons #3106 (Puyallup), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, UFCW 367

Jordan Washington, QFC #803 (Meridian), Starbucks, UFCW 21

Kyong Barry, Albertsons #483 (S Auburn), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21

Lisa Gasser, Fred Meyer #424 (South Hill), Bakery Clerk, UFCW 367

Maggie Breshears, Fred Meyer - Greenwood #122 (Grocery), Personal Shopper, UFCW 21

Maroot Nanakul, Safeway #464 (Bear Creek), Front End Manager, UFCW 21

Michaela Strain, QFC #819 (Bothell), Meat Wrapper, UFCW 21

Mike Sherman, Fred Meyer # 265 – Puyallup, Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367

Mike Solberg, Safeway # 547 (Graham), Grocery Clerk, UFCW 367

Paul Ames Reinhold, Metropolitan Market #157 (Uptown), Cheese Kiosk Clerk, UFCW 21

Richard Waits, Haggen #15 (Burlington), Deli Clerk, UFCW 21

Robin Hillistad, QFC #858 (N Seattle), HR Specialist, UFCW 21

Sam Dancy, QFC #825 (Westwood Village), Front End Supervisor, UFCW 21

Sue Wilmot, Safeway #1252 (Bainbridge Island), Front End Checker, UFCW 21

Wendy Garrett-Drake, Albertsons #469 (Mukilteo), Personnel Coordinator/Bookkeeper, Teamsters 38

Wil Peterson, Fred Meyer - Everett #95 (Grocery), CCK Checker, UFCW 21

Faye Guenther, President, UFCW 21

Steve Chandler, Principal Officer Teamsters 38

Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer, UFCW 21

Mia Contreras, Executive Vice President, UFCW 21

Tammi Brady, Recording Secretary, Teamsters 38

Samantha Kantak, Executive Assistant, Teamsters 38

Kate Meckler, Trustee, UFCW 367

Jim McGuinness, Attorney, UFCW 21, Teamsters 38 and UFCW 367

Grocery Store Bargain: Telephone Town Hall Meeting

Strong turnout for Wednesday night’s telephone town hall. Some of the main topics discussed were around scheduling, the pension, the employers proposal on wages, health care, premiums and holidays, and our next steps moving forward. Thank you to all who participated.

August 7, 2019 Grocery Store Bargain Telephone Town Hall Recording