Amber Wise is truly one of the busiest UFCW 3000 members we have featured here in our Member Stories. Amber is an apprentice meatcutter at PCC Redmond, a mother of two children with her husband Daniel, is serving on the UFCW 3000 Racial Justice Advisory Board and on our Climate Justice Advisory Board, and to top it all off, she is running for public office…
Read MoreCollectively we have won several TA’s (Tentative Agreements) to improve our work life, but still find ourselves far apart from PCC on wages, board of trustees and a few other items. Our bargaining team believes we shouldn’t be punished for PCC’s financial decisions, and we expect to see a wage increase that rewards our labor as essential workers.
Now is the time to stand together and vote NO on this contract to send a strong message to PCC and bring them back to the bargaining table with the knowledge that this current offer is unacceptable!
We will be voting on the current proposal in the next few weeks and will be notifying all members as soon as the dates are set.
Marlene Padilla in the Meat Department at PCC Bothell
Marlene Padilla has worked in the grocery industry since 1999, starting at the Foodland stores in Hawaii. “Being a single parent and working close to home with great hours helped me with my decision to work in the grocery industry,” she says. At Foodland, she was promoted to meat wrapper, and when she moved to Seattle she started working for Safeway. After nine years, when one of Marlene’s meat managers left to work at PCC and suggested she come work there, too, she decided to go for it. She respected him because, as she puts it, he “gave me a lot of respect as a female, not just a fixture.”
When Marlene started at PCC in 2014, she knew that it was a risk starting with a new employer and a new group of coworkers: “I had to work harder to prove I had it in me, not because I knew someone. I’m still working in a man's world.” She showed her coworkers how dependable and trustworthy she was and has been working there ever since. She wants coworkers to know: “I always got your back.”
Away from work, Marlene enjoys reading, being a single mother, a grandparent, a Seattle Seahawks fan, and hanging out with her cat Shadow. “My three children and two grandchildren keep me grounded,” she says, “as well as all the meat department guys I work with.”
Negotiations with PCC for a new contract this year have required more workplace actions from PCC workers than ever before. As Marlene and her coworkers have discussed the bargain and taken action, she reminds coworkers about all the important parts of a union contract—the bargain can’t be about “the payscale and nothing else,” she says. Her top priority? ”Maintaining good health benefits.”
Marlene has taken an interest in attending PCC negotiations as an observer. “It’s important for us as members to see how the language in our contract is fought for!” Marlene is a strong woman and union member; her coworkers are lucky to have her standing with them in this bargain. Mahalo, Marlene!
Join your coworkers to prepare for upcoming negotiations and how to win a fair contract! If you have any questions, call 1-866-210-3000 and ask to speak to your Union Rep.
Monday, October 16: Online Zoom Meeting 10:00am—11:00am & 7:00pm—8:00pm
Friday, October 20: Online Zoom Meeting 10:00am – 11:00am & 6:00pm – 7:00pm
We believe that PCC should lead the grocery industry by having the best wages, safest stores and strongest benefits. As workers we are committed to making PCC the best grocery company to work at, to shop at, and to have in our communities through bargaining the best union contract possible.
We have held numerous tabling events, informational pickets, customer leaflets, button ups, and delivered majority of signatures on the “PCC workers declaration of demands” petition to the employer. Our bargaining committee and coworkers continue to push PCC to be better. We are committed to keeping the pressure on PCC and preparing for a strike if necessary! Join us at our next Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings 10/16—21 or customer leaflets in October
Over the last several months, our bargaining committee has made progress in improving our contract. We have tentative agreements that would:
Remaining items include retirement, healthcare, and safety language; although we have not come to an agreement on these items the discussion has been positive.
Despite good progress in many areas of bargaining, we remain apart from PCC on wages. Our wage proposal would make PCC workers the highest paid grocery store workers in the region, while also protecting our wage scale from being surpassed by the minimum wage. You can view PCC’s and our Unions wage proposal on the PCC contract page here. Wage proposals will be updated soon.
As PCC grocery workers, we believe that the co-op needs to be a leader of high standards in the grocery industry. This includes treating co-op workers with dignity and respect and having the best union contract possible, with industry-leading wages, safety and benefits. As workers and co-op members, we are committed to making PCC the best grocery company to work at, to shop at, and to have in our communities.
Through numerous tabling events, informational pickets, customer leaflets, button ups, and by delivering the PCC Workers Declaration of Demands to management with nearly 80% of workers signed on in support, our bargaining committee and coworkers continue to push PCC to be better.
Over the last several months, our bargaining committee has made major progress in improving our contract. We have tentative agreements that would do the following:
Increase the night time premium
Improve the worker caucus committee
Add language to allow more accesses to hours for those that want them
Add premium pay after 8 consecutive days work in Grocery (similar to the Meat contract)
Improve vacation scheduling
Expand access to protected leave of absence
Improve bereavement leave
Secure orca cards in the contract and cap the worker expense at $20
Prevent demotions except in cases of just cause
Dedicate money to a workforce training fund and more
Remaining items include retirement, health care, and safety language; although we have not come to an agreement on these items, the discussion has been positive.
With respect to wages: Despite good progress in many areas of our union contract, we remain apart on wages. PCC’s most recent wage proposal is simply not enough to meet our needs. Our wage proposal would make PCC workers the highest-paid grocery store workers in the region, while also protecting our wage scale from being surpassed by the minimum wage. You can view PCC’s wage proposal on the PCC contract page.
Next Bargaining Date Wednesday September 27
We met with PCC representatives on September 6 & 7 and received multiple proposals from PCC management:
PCC’s Proposals:
Increased deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for the basic & premium healthcare plans, which could result in pay cuts for many of our coworkers.
A wage scale that does not address increasing living costs and does not reflect our value.
PCC rejected multiple proposals from our member bargaining team, including:
Our Proposals:
One wage scale for all PCCs
Increased staff discount
No-match letter protection
Moving POS from group B to A
Staffing minimums for each store
Safety and de-escalation training
We are disappointed PCC rejected our safety language pertaining to de-escalation, sexual harassment, stalking, violent customer interactions, and understaffing.
Take action to build power in your workplace:
Discuss the bargain with your coworkers—it’s your right!
Update your information online with our union UFCW 3000 to receive bargaining updates.
Wear your union button!
Attend your CAT meeting during the week of September to get all the latest updates!
Your bargaining team wants to hear from you—look for bargaining team members in the store and share your feedback, or submit feedback online:
Attend our next bargaining sessions: September 18 and 19. Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton right off the airport light rail station.
Monday, September 25 @ 2pm—3pm
Lynnwood Library, 19200 44th Ave. Lynnwood, WA 98036
Wednesday, September 27 @ 5pm—6pm
The Seattle Public Library: University Branch, 5009 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Wednesday, September 27 @ 6pm—7pm
Kingsgate Library - Meeting Room, 12315 NE 143rd St, Kirkland, WA 98034
Wednesday, September 27 @ 2pm—3pm
The Seattle Public Library: Columbia City Branch, 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118
Thursday, September 28 @ 4pm—5pm
Bellevue Library, 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Tuesday, September 26 - Online Zoom Meeting @ 9am—10am
Contact a Bargaining Team member or your Union Rep for Zoom meeting details.
Join your coworkers to prepare for upcoming negotiations and how to win a fair contract! If you have any questions, call 1-800-732-1188 and ask to speak to your Union Rep.
Penolope DeMeerleer at the Edmonds’ PCC educating customers about the fight for a fair contract.
Penelope DeMeerleer works at the Ballard PCC and has jumped headfirst into stewardship. She traces her enthusiasm for organizing with her coworkers back to her time working as an advocate focused on empowering children born with disabilities. Penelope has worked as a grocery clerk in the front end of the store checking out customers for over a year now. As contract negotiations started this year she knew that PCC workers had a lot on the line for their future.
Better wages, staffing levels (or a premium for when staff is so low that everyone has to work harder), and transportation options are just some of the issues on the table for these essential food chain workers. While they have made progress on important working condition issues and better leave of absence language, they still have a long way to go.
Penelope knows that workers showing solidarity in PCC stores is the key to winning at the bargaining table and has been eager to talk to her coworkers about getting active. So she is making sure Ballard PCC union members have the latest bargaining updates and are participating in actions such as the leaflet action at PCC Edmonds (pictured above).
We met with PCC representatives on August 22 and 23. Our Bargaining Team stayed long into the night, put forth proposals, and reached multiple Tentative Agreements:
Proposals:
Board of Trustees (improvements)
Bus passes for staff (never to exceed $15 required for staff)
Premium when staffing is at a minimum (critical staffing premium)
Point of Sales (POS) to group A
Tentative Agreements:
Leave of Absence Improvement
Shop Steward Union Leave
Employee Spaces
Strengthening the WCC
PCC leadership communicated to us that they intend to deliver their full economic package on September 6!
Take action to build power in your workplace by:
Updating your information with our union UFCW 3000 to receive updates during the bargain
Wearing your union button
Discussing the bargain with your coworkers, it’s your right!
Attending the CAT meetings during the week of September to get all the latest updates!
Your Bargaining Team wants to hear from you—look for them in the store and give them your feedback!
RSVP for our next bargaining dates: September 6, 7, 18, and 19. We hope to see you there!
Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton, right off the airport light rail station.
We believe that PCC should be the leader in our Grocery industry on wages, safe staffing, equity in the workplace and more. We will only achieve that together: Join your coworkers and get involved today in helping make PCC better.
PCC workers’ grocery and meat contracts end on Dec. 31, 2023 — Here are some important ways you can stay up to date and involved as we bargain this contract: Study the current contract, attend Contract Action Team meetings, and come observe a bargaining session – each bargaining session is open for all PCC workers to attend and see the process firsthand.
Bargaining takes place in person, and meetings often start at 9am and run into the evening. Whether you can observe a session or not, the bargaining committee wants input from all workers throughout this process.You can reach your bargaining team anytime: bit.ly/PCCbargainingteam
Wednesday, Sept. 6 / Thursday, Sept. 7
Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton right off the airport light rail station.
(Sea-Tac Hilton, 17620 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188)
RSVP: form.jotform.com/231724973124052or call our Union Rep!
We recently made our first wage proposals for Clerks, Meat Wrappers, and Meat Cutters that establish a starting wage of $25 per hour and achieve $35 per hour for journeypersons by the end of the contract! We also proposed one wage scale for all regardless of location, increases to other pay categories and differentials, and wage escalators that guarantee wages always stay above the rising minimum wage.
PCC has been a union workplace for 40+ years, and union workers have helped the co-op grow and succeed. It’s our right as we negotiate each new contract to demand fair wages and working conditions. PCC workers are in need now. We have asked PCC for immediate raises but leadership chose to continue to pay only the minimum that our contract requires.
Coworkers need change and many can’t afford to settle for less.
Every voice matters. Our ability to reach a contract that sets the standard in our industry depends on co-op management and negotiators seeing a united front from workers.
By speaking up, talking to coworkers and getting involved, we communicate clearly that we’re united and that we’ll stand strong for what we need to survive and thrive.
As union members negotiating a contract, we have the right to make proposals reflecting what membership needs. If PCC management says the co-op can’t afford it, it is their obligation to open their books and show us why. It wouldn’t benefit us to bankrupt our employer, but we deserve to have an open and transparent conversation about finances. We know our own budgets best. We know the costs to raise a family, have a hobby, stay housed and fed.
It is up to PCC leadership to provide evidence if this is too much to ask.
The best way to avoid a strike is to be prepared for one, which is why we want as many workers involved as possible throughout the bargain—often management doesn’t take us seriously until they see we are united, ready, and willing to strike. But striking can be disruptive for both management and workers, and the decision-making process is democratic. Before a strike could take place, there would be a vote. Members would have to vote to reject the employer’s proposal and to authorize a strike. It takes a 2/3 majority vote of the PCC membership to authorize a strike.
To be prepared, save money if you can. Strike pay is determined by the UFCW 3000 member-led executive board and generally doesn't replace your current wages. You are not eligible for unemployment while on strike, and do not accrue vacation or sick leave. It is also possible to risk lapses in Healthcare Coverage depending on how long a strike lasts and your plan details.
GET THE LATEST PCC BARGAINING UPDATES, CAT MEETING SCHEDULE, READ YOUR CONTRACT, CONTACT YOUR REP AND UPDATE YOUR INFORMATION! >>
KEY PROPOSALS NOW ON THE TABLE —KEEP UP THE PRESSURE!
Our Union Bargaining Committee met with PCC representatives on August 10. We put quite a few important proposals across the table, and expect serious responses from management at our next bargaining session. The proposals we made include:
One wage scale for all, whether you’re in Seattle or Issaquah
Wage proposals for Clerks, Meat Wrappers, and Meat Cutters that establish a starting wage of $25 per hour and achieve $35 per hour for journeypersons by the end of the contract!
Moving all Helper Clerks to the Clerk wage scale
Increasing the pay for group A and B by $1.00
Increases to our Courtesy and Service Counter wage scales
Increasing night pay differentials
Wage escalators to guarantee our wages stay above the minimum wage
Improved holiday language
Seats for cashiers as well as others
Strengthening the four 10-hour workdays for grocery
An ability to pick up open shifts through new DayForce roster
Increasing the rest between shifts from 10 hours to 12 hours
Take action every day to build power in the workplace! You can help further the fight for a fair contract by:
Updating your information to ensure you receive all updates during the bargain
Wearing your union button every shift
Discussing the bargain with your coworkers—it’s your right!
Sharing your feedback: The Bargaining Committee wants to hear from you! Look for us in the store and let’s talk.
RSVP for our next bargaining dates: August 22 & 23. We hope to see you there! Bargaining will be held at the Sea-Tac Hilton right off the airport light rail station. (Sea-Tac Hilton, 17620 International Blvd, Seattle, WA 98188)
Our bargaining team met with PCC management on July 26 to respond to their earlier proposals and bring forward some of our own, including:
IMPROVING CAUCUS COMMITTEES: We proposed building more structure, efficiency and communication for all parties involved in the Worker Caucus Committees (WCC) to make them more effective.
EXPANDING LEAVE: We proposed an expansion of Leave of Absence (LOA) language so we get at least as much LOA time as other Union grocery store workers in the area—including staff with less than 18 months of service with PCC, who also need and deserve protected leave.
VACATION BIDDING & APPROVAL CHANGES: We reached a Tentative Agreement on an improved vacation bidding process and a clear timeline for approval!
We presented our Declaration of Demands signed by nearly 80% of PCC workers! Yasab, Marlin, and Allison of our Bargaining Comittee spoke to PCC representatives about the importance and strength of this petition.
Take action to build power in your workplace:
Wear a Union button!
Attend CAT meetings regularly and stay connected with co-workers.
Our Bargaining Committee wants to hear from you, look for them in the store and give them your feedback!
Any PCC member is invited to RSVP to observe our bargaining sessions with PCC. See you there!
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
Meet Indy Mendoza, who works as a meatcutting apprentice at PCC Community Markets. Indy has completed his first year of his apprenticeship and loves working at PCC where he has worked since 2020. Prior to that, he worked as a chef in the restaurant industry. When the pandemic hit, he decided he wanted something more stable than restaurant work could provide…
Read MoreWe met with PCC representatives on June 20. Our Union Bargaining Committee made proposals addressing:
Workplace Safety—including violent intruders, de-escalation training, sexual harassment, domestic violence, and security escorts
Hours and Scheduling—to make sure workers can get more hours when we need to
Critical Staffing Minimums—including extra pay for short staffing periods
Pension for Retirement—including increasing the employer contribution and securing the continuing funding needed to keep our pension plans healthy
WeTrain Workforce Development—to establish an employer-funded training and workforce development fund
Vacation Bidding—to establish more consistent and timely approval for vacation requests
In addition to these proposals, we had productive conversations with PCC around Annual Personal Development Reviews (APDR) as well as private employee spaces for lactation, religious observations, and self-medical checks.
Any PCC member is invited to RSVP and join us to observe our next bargaining session with PCC, July 26 @ 9:00AM. See you there!
Our Union Bargaining Team also discussed the plan to win the best PCC contract possible, including how we can take collective action. This starts with asking our coworkers to sign on to the PCC Workers Declaration of Demands and do whatever it takes to achieve these demands. bit.ly/coopworkerspledge ▸
Don’t miss out on important bargaining updates, action alerts, and contract information: Make sure your personal contact info is up-to-date! Go to: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information
Talk to a Steward or Union Rep to get the dates and times for our June CAT meetings.
Our Union Bargaining Committee: Atsuko Koseki – PCC Edmonds – Deli, Scott Shiflett – PCC Redmond – Meat, Greg Brooks – PCC Burien – Meat, Allison Smith – PCC Kirkland – Meat, Cina Ebrahimi – PCC View Ridge – Grocery, Yasab Pfister – PCC Burien – Front End, Keith Allery – GLV - Night Crew Deli, Emily Weisenburger – HBC – Issaquah Stephanie Gil – Grocery – CD , Arlo Bender-Simon – Grocery – DT, Quil Freitas – West Seattle – Produce, Not pictured: Marlin Hathaway – GLV – Grocery, Madeline Olson – GLV – Grocery, Jordan Young – View Ridge – Grocery. Watch the video!
We met with PCC Representatives on June 6 and 8. Our Union Bargaining Committee made proposals that include:
To have direct elections of workers for the Board of Trustees (BOT), elected by the workers themselves. Ensuring we have permanent workers’ voices on the BOT.
Building more structure, efficiency and better communication for all parties in the Worker Caucus Committees (WCC).
To expand the Leave of Absence (LOA) language, to make it so we get at least as much LOA time or more as other union grocery store workers in the area. Including staff that have less then 18 months of service with PCC.
To embrace inclusivity and gender neutrality in our CBA.
Expanding bereavement leave to 5 days and including step siblings.
Proposed to increase staff discount.
Updating our Active Ballot Club (ABC) language for our political action committee that allows workers to make voluntary contributions to support pro worker legislation.
Made proposals around access to parking, guaranteed free Orca card access, private use spaces for medical and religious needs, as well as parameters around annual reviews.
Future bargaining sessions will include wages and benefits. We are committed to fighting for the best Grocery contract in the country establishing PCC as a leader in the industry with a Union Contract that reflects that.
“Our power is built together on the shop floor; it is only wielded at the bargaining table.” —Quil Freitas
Our Union Bargaining Team also discussed the plan to win the best PCC contract possible, including how we can take collective action starting with asking our coworkers to sign a Pledge of support by adding your name to the PCC Workers Declaration of Demands and sign on to do whatever it takes to achieve these demands. Add your name to the pledge: bit.ly/coopworkerspledge ▸
Don’t miss out on important bargaining updates, action alerts, and contract information: Make sure your personal contact info is up-to-date! Go to: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information
Talk to a Steward or Union Rep to get the dates and times for our June CAT meetings.
at Central District PCC on July 9 from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
On Friday, May 26 our Union PCC Bargaining Committee met together to discuss many of the topics members suggested during the May CAT meetings, as well as the bargaining priorities collected from the Union Bargaining Surveys. We began the process of reviewing the major recurring topics and have started to formulate contract proposals for our first bargaining session with the Employer.
Top Union Bargaining Survey priorities included:
Winning better pay
Increasing retention
Safety at our stores
Keeping good affordable healthcare coverage
A democratic process for Members on the Board
Maintaining strong retirement
One wage scale for the same type of work at all stores
Addressing scheduling issues and building more power in the co-op industry
Our Union Bargaining Committee meets again for our first bargaining session with the Employer on June 6. We have confirmed bargaining dates with PCC for June 8, 20, July 26 and August 10. New button designs coming soon!
Our Union Bargaining Team also discussed the plan to win the best PCC contract possible, including how we can take collective action starting with asking our coworkers to sign a Pledge of support by adding your name to the PCC Workers Declaration of Demands and sign on to do whatever it takes to achieve these demands.
Don’t miss out on important bargaining updates, action alerts, and contract information: Make sure your personal contact info is up-to-date! Go to: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information
On Sunday, April 16 workers at PCC held community kick off events at Fremont and Edmonds PCCs, and the community showed up! Several community partners spoke at each event including Transit Riders Union, Washington CAN, MLK Labor, OWLS in support of our members’ desire for a strong and fair contract.
Our local community showed up and stood with PCC workers to help spread the word to our customers that we are gearing up for contract negotiations and we are asking for their support. Our Bargaining Committee is fighting to win better pay, increase retention, keep good affordable healthcare coverage, dedicated seats for workers on the board, and more.
Tuesday, May 9: 5:00pm—6:00pm
Seattle Library: University District 5009 Roosevelt Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Tuesday, May 9: 6:00pm—7:00pm
Kenmore Library: 6531 NE 181st St, Kenmore, WA 98028
Wednesday, May 10: 6:00pm—7:00pm
Delridge Library: 5423 Delridge Way SW, Seattle, WA 98106
Wednesday, May 10: 6:00pm—7:00pm
Bellevue Library: (Room 4) 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004
Thursday, May 11: Online Zoom Meetings
9:00am—10:00am & 6:30pm—7:30pm
We are the Union. The members of UFCW 3000 are over 50,000 members working in grocery, retail, health care, meat packing, cannabis, & other industries across Washington state, north-east Oregon, and northern Idaho. UFCW 3000 is a chartered member of UFCW International with over 1.4 million workers in North America.
To build a powerful Union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and in our communities.
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