LabCorp Pushing Forward!

LabCorp
PUSHING FORWARD!

Our Union Bargaining Team: Nancy Pyanowski, Kyle Chrisman, Sam McVay, Lisa Magee, Matt Noll, Shelby Tyner, Deborah Gibby

Our LabCorp Union Bargaining Team met with Management on July 19 to continue negotiations. We were presented with their 2023 Healthcare, Vision and Dental insurance plans and dove deep into plan changes, benefit expansions, and cost projections. We presented new proposals on work-from-home stipends, automatic enrollment for Free Lab Testing, vehicle take home options for Service Reps, and limiting premium repayments after returning from leave.

Management did not come with counterproposals or answers to our questions from last session. Despite this, we pushed forward with our discussions on staffing metrics and hiring plans for departments like Accessioning and Cytogenetics that have been understaffed and overworked for more than a year, despite our co-workers urging Management to take action.

“We had a long and unproductive day in negotiations. Management is still delaying and failing to respond to any of our proposals or questions. Nevertheless, we continue to come to each session prepared, fired up, and ready to negotiate a fair contract. We insist Management do the same on August 1.” – Sam McVay, Customer Service

Calling all 3rd shift members at James Tower! Come get FREE coffee, doughnuts, and snacks outside of the James tower, and talk to our Bargaining Team about what you want to win in your contract.

Friday, July 21 @ 9PM-11PM
Saturday, July 22 @ 3:30AM-7AM

Go to linktr.ee/LabForce3000 for updates, links to our Slack and Facebook, and more.

Have questions? Want to get involved? Contact your Union Representative Christie Harris (206) 436-6606

Evergreen Health Kirkland Evergreen workers honored by board of commissioners

Many of us packed the board of commissioners meeting on July 18 and shared stories of the struggles we face every day. We spoke of the difficulty of recruiting staff at below market wages, the skyrocketing cost of living, and the frustration we all feel with Management’s refusal to propose adequate cost of living increases at the bargaining table.

The board seemed receptive to our concerns and shared their own desire for a fair contract that puts real money in our paychecks.

As a result of our statements and show of solidarity, the board made a last-minute decision to honor the sacrifices we and other care providers have made by awarding the frontline staff of Evergreen the annual “EvergreenHealth Community Service Award”.

July 19 we bargained with Evergreen and let Management know why it is important to pay competitive wages. We talked about being constantly short staffed and working with many highly paid travelers who don’t have the same skills and commitment to Evergreen that we have. Management maintains that they don’t want to pay top wages but feel they are being competitive. We bargain again July 25 and 26.

“The minimal response from Management on our wage proposals has left workers feeling more undervalued than ever” —Jennifer Bradshaw, Mammography Tech

“Me and my coworkers are constantly struggling to keep up as we perform more work with less staff, why would a new tech decide to work here when they can be paid more and work less elsewhere?” —Justy Hedrick, CT Tech

Card Kingdom Tentative Agreement Reached

Card Kingdom - Vote Notice

Tentative Agreement Reached

After bargaining for nine months for our first contract, our bargaining team is excited to say we have reached a tentative agreement and we recommended a YES VOTE!

We are proud of a contract that includes:

• Relocation packages for those choosing to leave CK or stay due to the move, including severance of 3 weeks + 1 week for every additional year for those who choose to leave

• Strong non-discrimination language including language requesting all employees be referred to by the names and pronouns they choose. This includes progressive discipline for those who do not refer to fellow employees by the name and pronouns they choose.

• Required anti-bias and de-escalation training for all employees covered in this agreement and all new employees within 120 days.

• More PTO and holidays

• Wage increases for the duration of the contract.

• 5 days of bereavement leave that you can take within 12 months of a loss.

• Progressive discipline rules and grievance procedures to ensure you’re protected in the workplace and disciplines follow just cause.

LEARN ABOUT YOUR CONTRACT PRIOR TO THE VOTE ON ZOOM!

Monday, July 24: 9 AM • 12 PM • 6 PM & Wednesday, July 26: 9 AM • 12 PM • 6 PM

JOIN YOUR COWORKERS AND VOTE ON YOUR NEW CONTRACT!

Thursday, July 27: 6-9 AM • 2-5 PM

Card Kingdom (Collections Office) 5105 Leary Ave NW, Seattle, WA 98107

Kraken Retail priority now shifts towards economics

Our Union Bargaining Team has been working hard for the past two sessions to reach agreements on much of the collective bargaining agreement. With most of the non-economic issues tentatively agreed upon,our priority now shifts towards economics. 

Over the next few bargaining sessions, our Union Bargaining Team will be fighting for wages, transportation, and other economic improvements that address many of the needs laid out from the Union bargaining survey. Because Kraken workers have a direct seat at the table, they are able to fight for the issues that are unique to working at for the Kraken organization. Importantly,Kraken workers are able to ensure that our current benefits are enshrined in the contract alongside net improvements to working conditions. 

Our next bargaining session will be on July 25. If you have any questions, please reach out to our Union Representative Dominick Ojeda 206-436-6586.

MFused - Management: “Frankly, I Don’t Care!”

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management for the third time on July 14. We made progress on uniforms and our right to have cell phones on us for emergencies. We plan for a deep dive on workflow and scheduling at our next session and hope to make headway.

We shared concerns about the new shift times proposal. Although we came prepared with full proposals and explanations, Management chose not to respond to our contract language proposals and deferred addressing previous issues until they receive all our economic proposals. This delay tactic is unacceptable!

Despite this, we remain prepared and ready for action as we head into our next two negotiations sessions in July. Keep an eye out for our next action!

Our next bargaining dates: July 25 and August 8

Our MFused Bargaining Team: Robbie Elkins, Production Tech; Ariel Simmons, Lead Production Tech; Jennifer Wade, Production Tech; Kimberly Greenside, Accounting Clerk; Diba Kamayo, Delivery Driver

Macy's - Bargaining Continues

MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD AT THE NEXT CONTRACT ACTION TEAM MEETING!

Monday, July 31 @ 3-4PM
Elemental Pizza, 3000 184th St SW #948, Lynnwood, WA 98037

Wednesday, August 2 @ 3-4PM
Southcenter Mall Food Court, 2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188

Thursday, August 3 @ 1-2PM
Bellis Fair Mall Food Court, One Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226

“The hands of time are supposed to move forward, but Macy’s negotiations seem to defy that law as they appear to be spinning in place.” -Nicole Hardin, Bargaining Team Member, Alderwood Mall

Our Union Bargaining Team met with Management again June 27, 28 and July 13, 14.

Over the course of negotiations, Macy's Management has come forward with several concerning proposals. They attempted to replace our attendance language with their "reliability" program, remove our holiday pay language, increase the seasonal hire period, and remove our wage progressions. Additionally, their initial wage proposal was far below our expectations, offering only $0.40 at ratification, $0.35 in the second year, and $0.35 in the final year of the contract.

Alternatively, our Bargaining Team passed proposals to increase the number of paid holidays, implement a higher quality and more affordable Union healthcare plan, raise commission rates, improve deficit wipe-off language, and significant wage increases that recognize the skyrocketing cost of living.

Unfortunately, progress has been slow, and we haven't made substantial headway on most issues. Although we managed to get Macy's to drop their demand for the "reliability" program, they have remained firm on their other proposals, and continuing to offer a wage increase that is far less than we find acceptable. They consistently cite their financial struggles as the reason for their reluctance to meet our demands.

To break the deadlock, we have introduced "supposals" into the negotiation process. These are non-binding documents that allow both parties to share ideas without committing to them. Through this approach, we have explored potential avenues for compromise, such as considering a higher wage increase for long-term Macy's employees and reevaluating the structure of wage progressions.

While the supposal progress has shown some promise, we are still far from reaching an agreement. We believe that now is the time to take a stand and advocate for what is fair and just. Over 300 members (75% of the bargaining unit) have already signed the strike pledge card, showing their willingness to take action for a fair contract.

Negotiations will continue this week, and we hope for a breakthrough. However, if we cannot reach a agreement, we will be left with no choice but to proceed with an informational picket. We firmly believe that our collective strength will lead us to a better outcome.

Stay tuned for our next bargaining update!

Bargaining Team: Azia Domingo, Curtisy Bryant, Emily Hunter, Liisa Luick, Nicole Hardin

Olympic Medical Center (Pro Tech and Support Services) - Waiting for Management’s response to our proposals

Bargaining Team: (Standing L—R): Nancy Dahl, Ultrasound Tech; Kim Goss, Financial Advisor; Hector Pozernic, Physical Therapist; Cameron Van Winkle, Laundry Worker; (Seated L—R): Cathy Macphail, Negotiator, Patricia Wood, Technical Specialist Lab; Amanda Beck, Surgery Tech; Jake Purvis, Pharmacist; Joshua Johnston, CT Tech; Deviny Blore, Imaging Services Rep II; Terry Wray, Patient Access Rep; Not Pictured: Robert Elofson-Gilbertson, Radiology Tech; Aimee Oien, Union Representative

Olympic Medical Center (Pro Tech and Support Services)
Waiting for Management’s response to our proposals

We had a full Bargaining session with Management at Olympic Medical Center on July 13.

Our Union Bargaining Team has proposed to significantly increase wages and other compensation as well as addressing huge challenges around staffing. We have made many other proposals to improving processes and work—life balance.

Although Management has been friendly, we still haven’t received many proposals from them. We hope to have a better understanding of their priorities when they respond. We meet again on Friday, July 28.

For additional information or to get more involved, reach out to a Bargaining Team Member or to Union Representative Aimee Oien at 360-662-1981.

Update your information!

Members of UFCW 3000 can have their bargaining updates and other helpful information emailed to them. It is very important that your personal contact information is correct with your Union to be sure you receive updates on bargaining with your employer, union benefits, bargaining surveys, as well as contract vote information: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

Mariner's Retail - No retail discount during the All-Star game?

It was reported to your Union that Management sent you an email informing you that the 30% discount required by your union contract would not be available during the All-Star game on July 11. Our position is that this is a contract violation and made that clear to Management in a communication sent prior to the All-Star game.

If you purchased merchandise on the day of the All-Star game and did not receive the discount, please call your Union Representative Dominick Ojeda at 206-436-6586 no later than Friday, July 28.

2023 Scholarship Recipients

Congratulations to our 2023 Scholarship Recipients!

Four-Year Scholarship of $4,000/year for 4 years
Cassy La
of Bornstein Seafoods

Health Care Scholarship: $3,000
Jesse Brinson-Wagner
of Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

Health Care Profession Scholarship: $3,000
Ada Gutierrez
of Ashley House

Health Care Profession Scholarship: $3,000
Jack Larson
of MultiCare

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Linzi Geiger
of St. Michael Medical Center

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Emily Wills
of Kaiser Permanente

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Kaitlynn Butler
of Safeway

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Savannah Bruno
of MultiCare

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Levi Holms
of Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Gie Coulibaly

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Allison Gumiran
of Bartell Drugs

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000
Rosemary Mitchell
of EvergreenHealth Monroe

First in Family Scholarship: $2,000
Amil Ocham
of Safeway

$2,000 Full-Time Scholarship award
Natalie Fawcett-Long
of PCC

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Craig Kistler

Craig Kistler

Craig Kistler is a former Marine Deputy who now serves his community at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center as a Mental Health Counselor.

He joined the union about a year ago. He was happy to join because he saw the union addressing the needs of him and his coworkers. Craig and a co-worker talked about the benefits of the union and that the union started with the members at the work site, which is why he became interested in being more involved in helping build the power of the union.

He is happy to be a shop steward and is excited to be part of the bargaining team for the upcoming contract negotiations.

Planned Parenthood Bargaining Update

The bargaining team knows you all want to hear about your raises. In order to keep leverage, we must first address issues like holding Management accountable for staff safety, adhering to a strong non-discrimination clause, treating all workers fairly, responding to staff concerns in a reasonable time, and the amount of time low level discipline remains in a personnel file.

Management offered many packaged proposals, a “we will agree to this, if you agree to that” but we could not accept most packages because what they would have us agree to was out of the question. As a result, we unpackaged things in our counters. For example, Management is holding to their proposed language allowing them to negate the contract in the case of a natural disaster (power outages, snowstorms, epidemics), only now it comes as a package deal with totally unrelated articles. We disagreed. Again.

We are standing strong on our proposed non-discrimination language, language that strengthens our Labor Management Committee, and language addressing safe staffing concerns. Management seems to have little interest in countering as all their proposals just remove our own reasonable proposals, adding no counter to any of our language proposal except their language, that would not ensure we all have safety and security at work. United in our efforts, we look forward to the next bargaining session on Monday, July 31.

“My frontline coworkers deserve agency in deciding safe staffing levels and security issues that impact them.” - Alison DeBoise

“After witnessing and participating in 6 years of DEI policy attempts, work groups and staff turnover I’m deeply disappointed by GNHAIK’s disinterest in including DEI language in the contract throughout this process. We’re giving them simple ways to demonstrate action toward being the inclusive organization we apparently strive to be and they keep slashing DEI language without offering anything in return.” - Mollie Overby

Jefferson County Public Employees - Contract Ratified!

“Participation in our ratification to confirm the agreement between the workers and the County is a crucial piece of union democracy- we appreciate everyone who came to vote!” - Tim Weissman, Environmental Health Specialist

On July 12, members attending the union contract votes at the courthouse and the public works conference room ratified the agreement by an overwhelming majority! Our Bargaining Team thanks everyone who showed up to vote for doing so.

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Kelly Shaffer

Kelly Shaffer

Kelly Shaffer knows that being part of a union means having a collective voice on the job that the boss just can’t match, “Without our labor a business can’t operate, we effectively are the store.” Her sense of solidarity comes from how she was raised:

I'm from a working-class family, and my siblings are in unions too (shout out to the electrical workers and the teamsters!), and it's a genuine joy to be able to give back in my own workplace and look out for my fellow grocery workers.

So much of labor history is forgotten, and a lot of people don't realize that their basic rights as workers, the 8-hour day, their breaks, and weekends, are things that were literally fought for. It's important to me to honor that sacrifice and protect the things we might otherwise take for granted.

When Kelly is at work and organizing her coworkers she enjoys painting, drawing, video gaming, and tending to her vegetable garden. Sounds like a well-rounded life and a great shop steward!

Forks Community Hospital Service & Tech Contract Ratified!

Our Union Bargaining Team wants to thank you for participating in the contract vote. The collective bargaining agreement was ratified July 6 with 100% voting YES! This agreement:

• Increases wages a minimum of 15% over the life of the contract

• Protects affordable health care

• Adds multilingual pay to the contract

• Adds certification pay to the contract

PRMCE—Listen to Your Nurses and Community!

Since May 2023, we have been bargaining with Providence Everett management. Our objective has been safe staffing levels for our community and patients. Providence has rejected our staffing language and our ideas to retain and recruit nurses. It is time for our community and elected officials to hear about the staffing crisis at Providence Everett!

Nurses want the best for patients. Providence Everett wants the best for their pocketbooks.

It is time we take a stand.

Join us and bring your family and friends to one of the actions below and sign your strike pledge card! By signing a strike pledge card, we are saying that we are willing to strike in the future.

Wednesday, July 12

Snohomish City Council Meeting @ 10:30am

• 3000 Rockefeller Ave. 

• 8th Floor, Jackson Board Room

• Robert J. Drewel Building

• Everett, WA 98201

Everett City Council Meeting @ 6:30pm

• William E Moore Historic City Hall (Police, North Precinct)

• 3002 Wetmore Ave.

• Everett, WA 98201

Thursday, July 13

Banner and Leaflet at Everett Marina Summer Concert @ 4:45PM to 6:00PM

• On W. Marine View Drive (near Lombardi’s) underneath the Grand Avenue Park Bridge

Sunday, July 16

Banner and Leaflet Action @ 5:30PM to 7:00PM

• Broadway and Pacific Ave

• Everett, WA 98201

PCC July Contract Action Team Meetings

TUESDAY, JULY 25: 1:00PM – 2:00PM

BELLEVUE LIBRARY ROOM 4

1111 110th AVE NE, BELLEVUE, WA 98004

TUESDAY, JULY 25: 12:00PM – 1:00PM

SEATTLE LIBRARY: COLUMBIA CITY BRANCH

4721 RAINIER AVE S, SEATTLE, WA 98118

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM

SEATTLE LIBRARY: UNIVERSITY BRANCH

5009 ROOSEVELT WAY NE, SEATTLE, WA 98105

WEDNESDAY, JULY 26: 6:00PM – 7:00PM

KINGSGATE LIBRARY

12315 NE 143RD ST, KIRKLAND, WA 98034

FRIDAY, JULY 28: 4:00PM – 5:00PM

ISSAQUAH LIBRARY

10 W SUNSET WAY, ISSAQUAH, WA 98027

FRIDAY, JULY 28: 4:00PM – 5:00PM

SEATTLE LIBRARY: WEST SEATTLE BRANCH

2306 42ND AVE SW, SEATTLE, WA 98116

LabCorp - Negotiations Continue

LabCorp
Negotiations Continue

Our LabCorp Bargaining Team met with Management on June 29 to continue negotiations. We proposed additional holidays (MLK day, Juneteenth and Veterans Day) to recognize Union members of color and former service members. We made proposals to address issues with excessive overtime, understaffing, and mandatory schedule changes. We also proposed additional bereavement and union leave, penalties for untimely resolution of paycheck errors, more training for management on medical leave processes, and better access to HR.

NEXT CAT MEETINGS:
Thursday, July 13 on Zoom
9am—10am and 6:30pm—7:30pm
Find the link at: linktr.ee/LabForce3000

NEXT BARGAINING DATES:
July 19 and August 1

“We shared your stories about overtime and staffing problems. Unfortunately, although we come prepared every session with full proposals and explanations for them, management has chosen not to respond to our contract language proposals and deferred addressing previous issues until they receive all our economic proposals as well. This delay tactic is unacceptable! Despite this, we remain prepared and ready for action as we head into our next two negotiations sessions.” —Matt Noll, Cytogenetic Technologist

STAY IN THE LOOP!
Please make sure to join and follow our Slack or Facebook group for important updates regarding Contract Action Team meetings and negotiations.

Questions or concerns? Reach out to our Bargaining Team or Union Rep, Christie Harris at 206-436-6606.

Jefferson County Public Employees - Contract Vote Scheduled

After meeting for one more bargaining session on June 27, our Bargaining Team has finalized the details of a tentative agreement! Improvements to the collective bargaining agreement include:

• Across the board wage increases all three years of the agreement

• Elimination of lower wage scale steps

• Addition of another wage step at the top of the scale in year three

• Conversion from a vacation & sick leave accrual system to a Personal Time Off (PTO) system that allows for greater flexibility of use and a larger carry-over of hours year-to-year

• Added steps for years of experience to longevity bonuses

This tentative agreement is recommended by our Bargaining Team.

Join your co-workers and vote “YES” to ratify your union contract!

Wednesday, July 12 @ 9AM—12PM
Jefferson County Courthouse, first floor conference room

Wednesday, July 12 @ 1PM—3:30PM
Public Works office conference room

EvergreenHealth - Evergreen Workers Show Their Strength!

Workers at EvergreenHeath took part in our first worksite action on Tuesday, July 20 by wearing union colors and holding a mass attendance at the board of commissioners meeting. We filled the room and showed management and board members that Evergreen workers are engaged and serious about winning a fair contract.

The sea of yellow forced management to sit up and take notice, and several voluntarily offered commentary on the importance of our work in the clinical and financial success of the hospital.

Make no mistake though, this action is not enough to move the needle at the bargaining table. We plan to attend the next board meeting on July 18 in even greater numbers and speak directly to management and the board about why we need a strong contract with fair wages, better benefits, and real solutions the staffing crisis we face every day.

Are you interested in raising your voice in support of a fair contract? Contact your rep Jack Crow at 206-436-6614 or jcrow@ufcw3000.org

Come to the next contract action meeting!

• July 11 • 5:30 PM

• TAN 138

Can’t make it? Join our Zoom meeting instead!

• July 10 • 10:30 AM

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

St. Michael Medical Center (Pro-Tech) - Contract ratified!

St. Michael Medical Center (Pro-Tech)
Contract ratified!

On Friday, June 30, we overwhelmingly voted to ratify our new collective bargaining agreement! Our new contract includes some of the highest pay in the region, a completely revamped wage scale with no ghost steps, increases to several differentials, and much more.

We will work with the Employer to get a final signed copy of your contract printed as soon as possible, but in the meantime, the redline version can be found HERE >>

Bargaining Team: Paul Harris, ER Tech; Chris Young, Transport; Don Szabo, Lead Medical Imaging; Rob Shauger, CNA 8th floor; Angela Roberson, Heart and Vascular; Connie Baker, RT; Kain McLeod, Pharm Technician; Alicia Krug, Surgery Tech