UFCW 3000 Executive Board Unanimously Endorses Movement to Vote “Uncommitted” in Upcoming Democratic Primary in Washington State

As the largest labor union in Washington State with over 50,000 members, and the largest UFCW local union in the nation, the UFCW 3000’s member-led Executive Board decided on Wednesday February 28th to endorse the effort to have people in the Democratic primary in Washington State vote “uncommitted” on the upcoming ballot.

While Biden has been an ally to workers over the last four years, low-wage workers cannot afford setbacks when it comes to the right to organize and the protections we’ve won during Biden’s time in office. To protect workers, we must give ourselves the best chance to defeat anti-worker forces in the General Election. The entire purpose of a primary election, unlike the general election, is for voters to cast their ballot to reflect their current wish for the party’s nomination.

Currently, many voters, and UFCW 3000 executive board, feel that the best path to have the best nominee, and to defeat Trump, is to vote “uncommitted” on the upcoming March 12 Washington primary. The hope is that this will strengthen the Democratic party’s ultimate nominee to defeat Trump in the General Election in November.

Once the Democratic National Convention takes place, our union is committed to sending staff, members, and resources to any swing state across the nation to support the Democratic nominee to win and defeat Trump.

We need a nominee who can run and beat Trump to protect workers across this country and around the world.

We stand in solidarity with our partners in Michigan who sent a clear message in their primary that Biden must do more to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden must push for a lasting ceasefire and ending US funding toward this reckless war.

We have many members who are deeply impacted by the war. The best way to send this message for policy change is through a vote of “uncommitted” on the upcoming March 12 Washington primary.

Harbors Home Health & Hospice - Things are heating up!

Harbors Home Health & Hospice
Things are heating up!

“When it comes to our hardworking staff at Harbors Home Health- it’s quality over quantity. We should be focused on keeping people here. Recruiting new employees is really only a band-aid if you can’t incentivize them to stay!” —Michal Bishop, LPN

We met with the Employer on February 26 and 27 to continue negotiations on our contract. On Monday, while presenting our economic proposal - we presented the petition which a supermajority signed (in just 2 weeks time)!

Harbors responded to this by finally coming to the table proposing an actual increase to our wages, along with an all-new wage scale. The Employer’s new scale, however, offers significantly less growth in wages over time than our current scale does. We’re glad to see the pressure we’ve applied has started to convince Harbors of just how valuable we are - but we won’t let up yet.

Join us at our next bargaining update meeting
Tuesday, March 19 @ 4pm-6pm

Grays Harbor County
Hoqiuam Timberland Library, 420 7th Street, Hoquiam WA, 98550

Pacific County
Harbors Home Health Office, 600 Pacific Avenue S, Suite 1, Long Beach, WA 98631

If you have any questions about bargaining, please contact one of our Bargaining Team members, or reach out to your Union Rep Naomi Oligario @ 360-662-1989.

Cascade Valley Hospital - We Reached a Deal!

BARGAINING TEAM: Carl Ramirez (Security Officer), Lisa Warriax (MSW)

On February 22 and 26, our bargaining team met with the Employer for two intense and final bargaining sessions. During these sessions, the team asserted the bargaining unit’s priorities and came out victorious with a fully recommended tentative agreement. The tentative agreement is a huge win for security officers and MSWs, which includes wage increases for the newly accreted unit.

Highlights include:

• Just Cause standard must be used when administering discipline

• Access to the grievance procedure in case of contract violations or discipline

• Seniority language that protects employees’ original date of hire

• Defined premium rates and health benefits

• Lay-off procedure

• Labor management committee to discuss workplace issues

• Body Armor will be made available for Security Officers and higher quality footwear provided for incoming new hires

• $2 per hour Float pay when assigned to work locations in Skagit County

• Yearly longevity wage increases

• Across the board wage increases

• New and innovative language which allows members to resubmit their resume for initial placement on the wage scale

“This has been a long road with a steep learning curve, but our persistence has paid off! During a very dark time, being part of a union has been a light. We have a voice to fight.”

A contract ratification vote will be held on Wednesday, March 6, from 1:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Pilchuck Conference room in Cascade Valley Hospital. To cast your vote, you must appear in person and be a union member in good standing. All members are encouraged to come learn about the new CBA and ask questions.

Your bargaining team recommends a “YES” vote!

Mason Health RN Contract Ratified!

Thank you to everyone who came out to vote on a new Union Contract Friday. The contract was approved by an overwhelming majority of Nurses and was ratified by the Hospital’s Board of Commissioners yesterday.

We appreciate our fantastic Bargaining Team who worked tirelessly to educate Management on the real issues and to help them understand that wages need to match Olympia hospitals to retain and recruit nurses.

For further information reach out to a Bargaining Team Member (Left to Right: Nancy Owenby, Megan Corbin, Tori Willis)

Macy's Check your check for the pay increases we won!

After two ULP strikes and months of fighting Macy’s proposed takeaways, we won a historic contract that protected MLK day as a paid day off, set the foundation for wage scales to not be eaten up by minimum wage, won the largest ratification bonus this cycle for Macy's workers, and secured stronger safety language in our contract!

Macy’s should not drag their feet on paying us the money we won! In past contract cycles it has taken Macy’s months to finally pay workers what we won in our contract. Last week Macy’s confirmed that our pay should be reflected on your next check dated March 1, 2024.  Make sure to check your check and confirm that you are getting your back pay, bonus and new pay rate. If you don't see it after Friday’s check, please contact the Member Resource Center at 1-866-210-3000 so they can add your name to the grievance we filed against Macy's last week for not paying us the money we won in a timely manner. 

Macy's contract and resource page >>

Providence St. Peter Case Manager RNs MOU Ratified!

On Friday, February 23, a supermajority of Case Manager RNs voted to ratify our Memorandum of Understanding. This historic win, after nearly a year of bargaining, places us into the larger body of the Union bargaining unit with 1,100 other RNs at Providence St. Peter. It also assures us of the protections of all the provisions of the Union contract.

We want to thank our co-workers for standing in solidarity with us through what was a much lengthier process than we anticipated. If there are any questions, please reach out to Union Steward Mary Briles or call Union Representative Madison Derksema at (206) 436-6603.

Our Union Bargaining Team (left to right): Mary Briles, Case Manager; Melissa Macchiarella, Case Manager; [not pictured]: Alison Studeman, Case Manager

EvergreenHealth Monroe - Vote on proposed PTO increase

EvergreenHealth Monroe
Vote on proposed PTO increase

We have reached a tentative agreement with Management on an increase to PTO hours for all Employees. As this change will alter the collective bargaining agreement, we have scheduled a vote to review the changes.

You must be a Union Member in good standing to vote.

Our Bargaining Team recommends a “YES” vote!

Wednesday, March 6
11am—1pm and 4—6pm
EvergreenHealth Monroe - Café Corner Meeting Room, 14701 179th Ave SE, Monroe WA 98272

For additional information, contact Union Rep Jack Crow @ 206-436-6614.

Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center Techs CONTRACT & ULP STRIKE VOTE SCHEDULED

After more than 14 hours of negotiations on February 22, we find ourselves not making a lot of movement at the table with Providence. We entered these negotiations with the goal of securing a fair and competitive agreement.

Although Providence made small movement on the dental benefits guarantee elimination, they continue to propose the elimination of guaranteed language for dental that is currently protected by the contract and replacing it with a proposal that will slowly deplete the benefits employees currently have. The Bargaining Team feels that the latest proposal is not only disrespectful but will only further chip away at our benefits package. We will continue to push back at the bargaining table with Federal Mediation on March 18, 2024 against employer proposals like eliminating the guarantee the employer pays 100% of Dental Premium for full-time employees and at least 50% for dependents. We will also continue to push for significant movement on wage increases to help recruit and retain staff, which we believe would improve staffing and patient care.

It is an unfair labor practice for Management to coerce members or to interfere in Union activities. Please advise the bargaining team or Union Representative if you believe your manager has engaged in any type of this behavior.

“Providence Sacred Heart is known for treating high acuity patients and rarely transfer patients, patients usually come to us. We take care of our patients and Providence should do the same and take good care of their staff.” —Joe Sikkila, Respiratory Therapy

Contract Review Meeting: Tuesday, February 27 from 6pm-8pm:

We encourage members to join their bargaining team and co-workers at the UFCW 3000 office for a bargaining update meeting on February 27 from 6p-8p to get updates and learn about next steps.

Contract and ULP Strike Authorization vote: Friday, March 1

We will be holding a Strike Authorization Vote and a Contract Vote on Friday, March 1, 2024 from 8am-11am, 1pm-4pm, and 5pm-8pm at the UFCW 3000 office: 2805 N. Market Street, Spokane WA. Our Bargaining Team recommends a “NO” vote on Providence’s last proposal and a “YES” vote to authorize a strike. You must be a member in good standing to vote. The Bargaining Team will be on-hand to answer any question you may have. All changes to the contract, including the last employer package proposal will be available at the vote.

“We had a long intense bargaining on 2/22. We did our job and kept pushing thinking we would be able to meet in the middle to get a deal.” -Holly Granly Surgical Tech

“The lack of ability to retain/recruit skilled staff continues to degrade patient safety, patient health, and staff safety.” -Derek Roybal CV Tech

FTC Rejects Kroger - Albertsons Proposed Megamerger!

Press Release: UFCW Locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564, 3000

For immediate release: February 26, 2024
Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 3000, 206-604-3421

UFCW Local Unions Applaud the FTC Decision to Reject Kroger and Albertsons Proposed Megamerger

UFCW local unions representing more than 100,000 grocery store employees working at Albertsons and Kroger-owned stores in over a dozen states and the District of Columbia applaud the FTC Decision to reject this proposed megamerger.

UFCW local unions have loudly and soundly opposed the proposed mega-merger of Kroger and Albertsons since day one because the megamerger would have resulted in lost jobs, closed stores, food deserts, and higher prices with reduced food choices – all of this would have been destructive for workers, consumers, and entire communities. Importantly, the FTC decision recognizes the threat that the merger would have caused goes beyond consumers and calls out that it would also have damaged essential grocery store workers’ wages, benefits and working conditions.

The FTC deliberations over the past 16 months, and the evidence that was gathered directed their well-founded decision. This is a step in the right direction for building a better food system in this country. Now we need to do all we can to help defend this decision and to turn the discussion towards building a better system that is more accountable to workers, shoppers, and the community.

The coalition of UFCW locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000 have been instrumental in the opposition to the proposed merger from the very beginning. Hundreds of actions, news stories, meetings with grocery store members, community, regulators and others and additional events have been part of that effort. Below is a varied sampling of some highlighted examples of this work.

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Linked here are a more full list of media coverage, and a long list of opposition coalition members:

October 2022

10/13 – Kroger and Albertsons, without any warning, make announcement of proposed merger.

10/13 – Group of local UFCW unions, taking advantage of close relationships forged through supportive and collaborative efforts with each other’s collective bargaining with national grocers, quickly convene and issue joint statement immediately raising concerns about the proposal. Within hours the initial news coverage that had simply contained Kroger’s statement becomes a broader story including very strong opposition and concerns.

10/22  – Joint press release by local UFCWs flags the proposed massive payout of $4 Billion by Albertsons to wealthy shareholders as part of the proposed merger. News coverage includes KIRO 7 TV story.

10/26 -  Joint press release applauding lawsuits filed by Attorneys General in multiple jurisdictions to halt Albertsons special $4 billion payout to wealthy shareholders as part of the proposed merger which Albertsons initially announced would take place in early November.  The Washington State AG case succeeds in halting this rushed payment. While it ends up being allowed to proceed, it is not until early 2023 and only after under-oath testimony from company executives disclosing critical inside information that had been unknown to the public and exposed some of the key motivations behind the proposed merger.

November 2022

11/29 Held in-person Press Conference in Washington DC with Presidents and members from the six local UFCWs of the newly formed coalition from across 12 states and the District of Columbia  (Southern CA - UFCW 324 and 770, Northern CA – UFCW 5; Washington – UFCW 3000; CO & Wyoming – UFCW 7; DC and surrounding states – UFCW 400) and Teamsters local 38 representing over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons. The press conference was held immediately prior to a planned US Senate Subcommittee hearing on the proposed merger and helped tell the story of the negative impacts of such a merger in local and national TV, print, and radio coverage.

December 2022

12/3 – Article goes into details about concerns. “EVERYONE SHOULD BE VERY SKEPTICAL OF THE SUPPOSED BENEFITS OF THE KROGER-ALBERTSONS MERGER - Kroger can’t help but promote its own interests over customers.”

January 2023

1/23 – Ongoing opposition by states and UFCW locals discussed in Supermarket News article.. 

February 2023

2/1 – More Perfect Union posts video discussing harms and concerns of proposed merger.

2/15 - Colorado Attorney General begins series of statewide listening sessions to hear from workers, community and others about their reactions to the proposed merger. UFCW Local 7 members attend these meetings and provide critical concerns about the proposal.

March 2023

3/24 – Launch of national coalition “NoGroceryMerger.com” and website as a one-stop for the anti-merger efforts with over 100 organizations. This also becomes a place to chronicle much of the media coverage around the country about the opposition and provides a degree of a check and balance to the Kroger and Albertson’s PR machinery. https://www.nogrocerymerger.com/news

April 2023

4/4-4/13 – Grocery store workers take actions in front of stores across the nation to connect with customers and share concerns about the proposed merger and how it would harm workers and customers with closed stores, lay-offs, higher prices, and in some locations food deserts. 

May 2023

After months of deliberation and ultimately a unanimous vote at the UFCW International Convention opposing the merger, UFCW International Union announces opposition to the proposed Kroger Albertsons merger. National press coverage is widespread including a Wall Street Journal headline: “Biggest Grocery Union Opposes $20 Billion Kroger-Albertsons Deal - UFCW International is concerned about potential divestitures and stores’ future viability.”

June 2023

6/29 – A week of actions held by UFCW grocery store workers across the nation include many in California that generated local press coverage like KTLA 5 TV story: Southern California grocery workers rally against Albertsons-Kroger merger (youtube.com) 

July 2023

7/26 – Coalition of UFCW locals issue statement condemning announced pay-outs of over $146 million to top executives if merger were approved.  Coverage includes Cincinnati Enquirer article.

August 2023

8/23 – State Treasurers raise concerns about proposed merger. News stories include Bloomberg Law article: “Kroger Grocery Deal Will Harm Workers State Treasurers Tell FTC”

September 2023

9/20 – National press conference held by coalition of local UFCWs to expose concerns about the recently announced divestiture to C&S Wholesale. Generates significant local and national press coverage and begins the public discussion of major concerns about C&S as an inadequate proposed remedy to the proposed mergers anti-trust challenges. Results in many stories including Supermarket News story titled “UFCW cites ‘echoes of Haggen’ in proposed C&S deal”

9/27 – UFCW local 7 hold Town Hall with members to update on opposition to proposed merger and take questions. Thousands attend.

October 2023

10/30 – Progressive Grocer published op-ed titled: Opinion: Kroger-Albertsons Proposed Mega-Merger Is a Threat to Workers and Shoppers Alike

November 2023

11/1 - FTC Chair Khan hold listening session in Denver and hears widespread concerns from workers, consumers, suppliers and others. Significant press coverage of event includes stories like the Colorado Public Radio story: “Grocery workers ask FTC chair to stop Kroger Albertsons merger during Denver visit” UFCW members from California, Washington and Colorado attend this important event to share their stories.

11/11 – Marshall Steinbaum, an economic from University of Utah, issues report that was supported by coalition of local UFCWs 5, 7, 324, 400, 770 and 3000, titled: Evaluating the Competitive Effect of the Proposed Kroger-Albertsons Merger in Labor Markets

11/14 – American Economic Liberties Project, hold national briefing and press event with UFCW grocery store members and representatives from five additional organizations including: Ranch Foods, Independent Grocers Association, Open Markets Institute, Farm Action and Alaska Public Interest Research Group

December 2023

12/11 – Teamsters International issues strong statement in opposition to merger divestiture proposal: TEAMSTERS CALL ON FTC TO REJECT KROGER-ALBERTSONS PROPOSED ASSET SALES TO C&S

January 2024

1/15 – UFCW local coalition Issues statement applauding Washington State Attorney General Lawsuit – with our quote in local and national press coverage of the lawsuit. Coverage includes national AP story: “Washington State Sues to Block Proposed Merger of Kroger and Albertsons Grocery Chains”

1/23 - Held two webinars (1/23 AM and PM) to update members on details of the proposed merger and collective efforts to fight the proposal with over 500 members in attendance.

1/25 - Held multiple meetings with Kroger as well as C&S Wholesale. We found out no new information in the meetings that dissuaded us from our position of opposition, in fact we found out additional concerning information as well continued to ask for information that was still not provided.

1/26 - Held national online press conference (1/26) to continue to clarify our position of opposition so media and members of the public understood our reasons and the various threats to workers, consumers and communities by both the proposed merger and the proposed divestiture plan – with over 50 reporters in attendance. Generated local and national press coverage educating the public, workers and others. Example: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/grocery-worker-union-gives-update-proposed-kroger-albertsons-merger-timeline/

February 2024

2/1 - UFCW 3000 and Teamsters 38 hold live Telephone Town Hall to update and educate members, and answer questions of members with thousands of members in attendance.

2/14 – Colorado Attorney General files lawsuits against the merger. Local and national coverage. One example: CBS News Colorado: https://www.cbsnews.com/colorado/news/colorado-attorney-general-files-lawsuit-block-merger-between-kroger-albertsons/

2/22 – The Washington State Legislature passed SB 6007 – a new law to provide protections for grocery store workers from the harm that can result when chains merge and the consequences include layoffs and store closures. 

PRMCE Post-Ratification Meeting

Join us on Thursday, February 29, at 7:30 PM for a Zoom meeting. We'll dive into the nuances of the new contract language and touch on topics such as the meal waiver, participation in the Hospital Staffing Committee (HSC), strategies for further improving workplace conditions at PRMCE, and discuss voter turnout.

While our contract was ratified, we must ensure that our new contract is enforced and we hold PRMCE accountable!

Thursday, February 29 at 7:30 PM

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

WhidbeyHealth (Service and Support) - Onward to Economics

WhidbeyHealth (Service and Support)
Onward to Economics

Our Bargaining Team: Liz Latiff, Health Unit Coordinator; Marilyn Faber, Patient Financial Services

On February 22, our Bargaining Team met with Management for our second bargaining session. Both sides of the table presented proposals on multiple non-economic issues and came to tentative agreements on many of these. Throughout the process our Team felt that genuine progress was made.

Some items we are still in discussion about include:

• Lead assignments and how they are determined

• Remote and hybrid work

• Assignment of mandatory overtime

In our next session on Thursday, April 4, we will be delving into economics, including wages.

As Bargaining Team members, we feel it is important to get involved, and are learning about the process throughout these sessions! We take pride in the fact that we are at the table to represent all of our service and support co-workers.

We encourage our Union siblings to reach out to us to ask if there are questions about the bargaining process, or call Union Rep Celia Ponce-Sanchez @ 360-419 4678.

“We made movement today and feel that Management is listening to our proposals on these issues…” -Marilyn Faber, Patient Financial Services, Bargaining Team member

“As a first-time Bargaining Team member I regret not getting involved sooner in past contract bargains and am realizing now that knowledge is power!” -Liz Latiff, Health Unit Coordinator, Bargaining Team member

MultiCare Health Systems We proposed improvements to our contract and benefits

“MultiCare doesn’t do enough to honor employees who demonstrate excellence, a core MultiCare value, by working extra hours above their FTE. Our Negotiating Committee is determined to address this through improvements to our union contract.” — Julianna Van Enk – Pharmacist Tacoma General Hospital

We met with the Employer again on February 12 and 15. Our union Negotiations Committee proposed additional improvements on staffing language, PTO/EIT, bereavement leave, and proposed to add three new holidays to our Union contract (MLK, Juneteenth, Veterans Day). We also proposed significant improvements to the MHS healthcare plan, which has only gotten more expensive with worse coverage.

Proposed improvements include:

• Lower premium rates

• Bring back Healthy@Work discount

• Improve pharmaceutical coverage to non-MHS Rx

• Expand the First Choice Health Network (FCHN)

• Guardian Nurses

• Improved vison coverage

We also made a proposal around free parking, like the SJMC Tech have in their contract, but MultiCare refused the proposal. When asked why it was an issue since parking is currently free, MultiCare responded that they have considered charging workers for parking in the past and want to retain the option in the future. This is alarming and makes it even more important to win the language. We have secured an extension of the contract until March 31, 2024. Our next bargaining date is on March 1, 2024.

1. Sign up for a Contract Action Team meeting on March 5

2. Sign and share the petition, We Stand United for a Fair Contract at MultiCare

3. Join the Facebook Group, MultiCare Workers United for a Fair Contract

Stay up to date on all-things MultiCare bargaining and take action >>

PRMCE RN Contract Ratified!

Contract Ratified!

We've reached a significant milestone: on February 21, we successfully ratified our contract!An overwhelming majority of nurses approved the contract. We will be communicating participation numbers via text message and will be hosting a Zoom meeting where we will debrief the contract agreement. This victory includes groundbreaking contract language aimed at helping staffing challenges, marking a historic achievement for nurses. From the outset of negotiations, our primary focus has been to tackle the pressing issues of staffing shortages and patient safety concerns head-on. Throughout the bargaining process, we actively engaged with our patients and community to underscore the urgency of our staffing crisis.

Following months of intense negotiations, we collectively decided to take bold action by organizing a strike. Notably, this marks the first time RNs at PRMCE have taken such action. Through our unified stance, we sent a powerful message to PRMCE. Our new contract has not only set a precedent but also shown PRMCE that we are willing to fight for better staffing. 
Our new contract includes:

• Pay increases and ratification bonuses will be paid out on the second pay period following February 21 (April 12 paycheck)

• 12 month step progression on nurse’s anniversary dates

• Step correction for nurses who are at the incorrect step compared to their years of service at PRMCE

• One step for every year of nursing experience obtained prior to being hired at PRMCE

• Step correction for nurses who did not receive their correct step upon hire  

• $500 Monthly Staffing Bonus for Understaffing

• Longevity Bonus for Senior RNs

• Night Shift Longevity Bonus

• March 31, 2026 contract reopener

• Extra shift incentive for vacant shifts

• $1000 Ratification Bonus for all RNs

• Increases to premiums

• 12 months needed to progress to next wage step

• Year for year for past nursing experience

• Chronic staffing issue can be resolved through binding mediation

• Charge Nurses shall NOT take a patient assignment

• Christmas Eve or December 26th holiday pay for night shift RNs

• 1.5x pay when not scheduled off on a day of significance

• Break relief position will be posted 21 days post ratification

• Discuss implementation plan for break relief nurses in a closed unit

• Weekend pay for Sunday night shift

• EIB may be used on the first day of absence or illness

• Boarder premium pay

• 24 hours of admin pay for Hospital Staffing Committee chairs

We will need to stay active over the next few years to enforce our contract and continue advocating for our patients and community. If you would like to get active in a workplace committee or receive training as a union steward please contact Anthony Cantu 360-409-0544.

Know your Rights! Providence Meal Waiver>>

Macys Grievance filed to get raises ratification bonus and backpay

After months of fighting, Macy’s worker won a significant ratification bonus and wage increases, which will be applied retroactively. Workers should receive these benefits in a timely manner. Unfortunately, Macy’s has fallen short of providing a timeline for when these contractual increases will be implemented. 

Because of this, our union filed a grievance today against Macy’s to get workers their raises, ratification bonus, and backpay. We will keep Macy's workers updated on the progress of the grievance and aim to resolve this as soon as possible. Make sure you communicate with a union rep immediately if other contractual wins are not met by Macy’s so our union can investigate and seek a timely remedy.

Be sure that your contact information is kept up to date. If you’ve moved or changed your phone number or email address recently, take a minute to update your information here: >>

If you have any questions, please call:  Rep. Dominick Ojeda 206-436-6586 

Press Release: Opposition to Albertsons/Kroger Mega-Merger Gains Momentum

For Immediate Release: February 20, 2024

Contact: Tom Geiger, UFCW 3000, 206-604-3421

After States Sue to Block Proposed Albertsons + Kroger Mega-Merger, Opposition Led By UFCW Local Unions Gains Momentum

Our coalition of local UFCW unions, collectively representing over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers in over a dozen states, welcomes the actions by the Colorado Attorney General last week, joining others in moves to block the proposed merger of Kroger and Albertsons.

Our coalition has been outspoken in its opposition to the proposed mega merger of Kroger and Albertsons since it was first announced by those companies in October of 2022. Over the last 16 months, our opposition has both deepened and broadened. The revelations contained in the lawsuits filed by the Attorney General of Washington last month and the Attorney General of Colorado last week, have only increased our opposition to the proposed merger and further exposed the damage it would inflict on consumers, workers, and communities if it were allowed to proceed. The addition of the companies’ deeply flawed divestiture plan has likewise increased our opposition as we believe it would result in the closure of grocery stores in hundreds of communities. Again, we oppose this merger in the strongest terms possible and remain hopeful for federal enforcement action to block it and protect consumers, workers, and the public.

Background: In addition to our coalition’s volumes of actions and press statements over the past 16 months and actions by others in the NoGroceryMerger.com coalition, the below are statements from the two International Unions representing most unionized grocery store and grocery warehouse workers:

• Statement from UFCW International after a unanimous vote at the UFCW Convention to oppose the proposed merger: https://www.ufcw.org/press-releases/americas-largest-union-of-essential-grocery-workers-announces-opposition-to-kroger-and-albertsons-merger/)

• Statement from Teamsters International in opposing the proposed divestiture: https://teamster.org/2023/12/teamsters-call-on-ftc-to-reject-kroger-albertsons-proposed-asset-sales-to-cs/

Grocery East Progress on Wages but Still a Long Way to Go— Take Action to Fight for More!

Last week, our member bargaining team told stories of trying to survive on our wages. Fred Meyer and Safeway/Albertsons force us to decide between paying for groceries over utility bills, paying for our kids’ medical needs before our own, and filling our gas tank to get to work over making a needed repair.  

The Employers didn’t respond to our stories with words, but they did respond through their proposal: They came back to the table, proposing the first dollar raise for Journey that we have seen in this round of bargaining. The Employers current proposal on Journey wages stands at $1/$0.50/$0.50. We deserve more! 

We are standing united and fighting to win:   

• Journey wage increases of multiple dollars over the life of the contract that gain ground on the West side.  

• Raises of multiple dollars for Journey Meat Cutters over the life of the contract, a proposed dollar premium for Head Meat Cutter, and new designation of Head Butcher Block. 

• Increase the amount between steps from $0.10 above minimum wage and $0.05 between steps to $0.25 above the minimum wage and between steps so that every step sees an increase as the minimum wage increases with cost of living. 

• Reduce the length of our wage scales and align our scales so our coworkers can reach the Journey rate sooner and at the same time no matter what county we work in.  

We also continued to fight to maintain our healthcare benefits and strengthen our pension: 

• We won a Tentative Agreement to improve the rate to qualify for our healthcare: Now, all Eastern Washington, Eastern Oregon, and Northern Idaho members will accumulate the 80 hours per month to qualify for healthcare which includes all compensable hours, not just hours worked. This means that vacation and sick leave hours will count towards the 80 hours. When we’re ill or injured and need our healthcare the most, we now will not have to fear losing it.  

We continued to push to maintain our healthcare with improvements to vision, podiatry, and hearing care.  
We also won Tentative Agreements over: 

• Additional premium for workers when we are in charge of the store: An extra 50 cents per hour for a worker in charge of the store when the manager/assistant manager is absent for more than three hours per day.  

• Rest periods for Idaho Meat Members: Idaho doesn’t have rest period laws, so we won a Tentative Agreement to ensure Idaho Meat Members have 10 minutes rest for every 4 hours worked, just like the rest of our Idaho Grocery Members. 

Our next bargaining dates are April 15, 16 and 17.  
Wear your union buttons at work!  

It is clear that the only way we will get what we deserve is to show our unity through action! 

Informational Pickets & leaflets I’ll be there! You can rsvp online! >>

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS WILL I LOSE MY JOB IF I GO ON STRIKE? 

You cannot be permanently replaced for participating in a valid ULP strike. You can be permanently replaced only if the strike is caused solely by economic issues and only after the actual hiring of a permanent replacement for your position. If the strike is called in part to protest unfair labor practices by the employer, the employer cannot legally hire a permanent replacement for you. In the unlikely event our unfair labor practice charge is not upheld, we will provide an update about the return-to-work situation.

WHAT IF THE EMPLOYER LOCKS US OUT?

If the employer chooses to lockout employees they have to lockout all employees. Workers locked out by their employers are generally eligible for unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case by case basis.

DO I ACCRUE SICK LEAVE OR VACATION TIME WHEN ON STRIKE? 

You will not accrue sick leave or vacation while you are on strike. The employment security department determines eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case by case basis for workers in a labor dispute.

CAN I USE ACCRUED VACATION OR PAID TIME OFF BENEFITS?

Although an employer may not discriminate against strikers with respect to the use of vacation time or paid time off during a strike, an employer is not required to allow strikers to use their accrued vacation time or other benefits during a strike unless they are otherwise entitled to do so. Thus, if a worker had submitted a vacation request before a strike and it was approved in accordance with the employer’s established policies, the employer must pay the vacation benefits even though the approved vacation occurs while the member is on strike. 

WILL I STILL HAVE HEALTHCARE DURING THE STRIKE?

It is possible that members on strike may experience a temporary disruption to their healthcare. You should work with your healthcare provider on details for eligibility. 

WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT ? 

The Executive Board of UFCW 3000 has approved strike benefits for grocery store workers who take part in strike duty. Strike benefits will not fully replace our wages but will help. They have approved strike benefits of $500 for workers, union members, and non-members who picket a minimum of 20 hours a week, $800 for 32 hours a week and $200 a week respect the line benefit for striking members who cannot join their coworkers on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross (for a maximum of 4 weeks). Our Union also has a hardship fund to assist members whose families face particularly difficult financial situations. Additionally, food assistance and other financial aid may be available through community organizations and other unions. Notify your creditors prior to falling behind. Communicate your situation and explore options for reduced payments or refinancing. Prioritize your expenses, placing essentials like mortgage/rent, utilities, insurance, car payments, gas, child support, and alimony at the top.

Is there paperwork I need to fill out for my strike benefit?  

To receive Union Strike Benefits, grocery store workers will need to complete a W9 for provided by the union. 
Become a Strike Picket Captain by telling your union rep that you are ready to help lead a strike by becoming a Strike Picket Captain.

Download and read the Grocery East Strike Manual >>

More information: 
To get updates and join the fight to Stop the Mega-Merger, go to nogrocerymerger.com  
For information about your health care plan with Rehn go to www.ufcwhealth.com or call 800-872-8979  
If you have questions about the Pension contact Zenith at soundretirmenttrust.com or call 800-225-7629  

Previous Grocery East updates:

Conifer St. Joseph & Conifer St. Elizabeth Union Meeting!

Wednesday, February 28
6:30 – 7:30pm
Online via Zoom 
All members welcome! 

We’re holding a bargaining kick-off meeting for all Conifer St. Joseph and St. Elizabeth members on Wednesday February 28th from 6:30 to 7:30pm. Join us online via Zoom to meet your team, get an introduction to collective bargaining, and share your goals for upcoming contract negotiations. Questions and discussion are welcome. 

Didn’t receive an email invitation? Update your contact information here. 

If you have any concerns about accessibility or using Zoom, please contact your Union Representative, Ian Jacobson, at 360-409-0587. 

Franz Bakeries Bargaining Update

Our Union Contract was initially set to expire in November of 2023, but the Employer requested that we postpone Negotiations to January 2024. We granted their requested delay since they promised retro pay during the delay for whatever wage increase is eventually agreed upon.

We had our first bargaining date on January 16, 2024, and among many other improvements, we proposed wage increases that would align more closely with what bakery employees are paid at Safeway and Fred Meyer stores. Our work is very similar to the work of grocery store bakery employees, and we deserve equal pay for equal work.

Unfortunately, Franz doesn’t agree that we deserve to be paid the same as grocery store workers and tried to argue to our Bargaining Team that we should only compare our wages to other Franz Bakery Outlets. It’s generally not a good practice to compare wages with yourself, a fair market analysis looks at wages at competitors who are in competition for workers.

Making matters worse, the employer wage proposal of $19.79/hour for clerks is actually LOWER THAN MINIMUM WAGE in both Seattle and Tukwila, not to mention lower than the $22.15/hr UFCW 3000 grocery stores bakery employees earn. When we remind the employer that their proposal is lower than minimum wage, they proudly state, "no it's not, Franz agreed to language that our wages will not be less than .15 cents above minimum wage." How insulting is it for our employer to think we find it acceptable for the wage in our contract to be less than minimum wage, but we should be grateful that they agree not to pay less than .15 cents more!

We are now bringing in a federal mediator to help the parties reach an agreement, but we will need to take action to show Franz, the employer, that we find their proposal to be unacceptable! Our Bargaining Team will reach out to the Teamsters, who drive Franz trucks, to seek their support in our fight for a fair contract. Their support could be instrumental in building leverage towards a fair contract since Franz cannot operate without their truck drivers.

What are you willing to do to win a fair contract?

Contact Union Representative Tae Abraham at 206-436-6631 to discuss how we can win a fair contract.

Willapa Harbor Hospital - Contract Vote Scheduled

WILLAPA HARBOR HOSPITAL
CONTRACT VOTE SCHEDULED

We are happy to announce that we have reached a tentative agreement on a new contract! Our Union Bargaining Team fully recommends this tentative agreement.

Highlights include:

• Significant wage increases for all Nurses

• Increases to premiums and differentials » Increased tuition reimbursement

• Increased Employer retirement Contribution

• Vacation scheduling language improvements

To vote you must be a union member in good standing.

If you or a coworker did not receive this notice, update your contact information at: ufcw3000.org/update-your-information

VOTE DETAILS
Wednesday February 28 @ 3pm — 7pm
Willapa Harbor Hospital — Cedar Conference Room, 800 Alder St, South Bend, WA, 98586

For additional information reach out to a Bargaining Team Member or Union Rep Madison Derksema @ 206-436-6603.