Seattle Children’s Hospital Technical - Post Bargaining Update

As part of our recently ratified Union contract, our Union Bargaining Team negotiated a “true-up” meaning the Employer agreed to go back and review years of service at Seattle Children’s and credit members one step on the wage scale for every year of service as appropriate. It is intended to allow those whose previous wage step advancement was slowed down by the old requirement that 1,664 hours needed to be worked prior to the next increase to have past years of service based on anniversary date recognized. However, as part of this agreement Employees must request such a review within ninety days of ratification of the agreement.

Our contract was ratified on March 7.

To request a review, email your written request to:

LaborRelations@SeattleChildrens.org

...by no later than June 4, 2025.

Call Union Representative Christie Harris at (206) 436-6606 (landline) if you’d like to discuss further!

Our Bargaining Team (Left to Right): Adriana Ingwerson, Ultrasound Sonographer; Heidi Cuffee, Echo Sonographer; Jennifer Becker, Surgical Tech; Tesfaldet Kidanemariam, Respiratory Therapist; Robin Phare, Pharmacy Tech; Tarin Knight, END Tech

C.C. Filson - Bargaining Begins… Unfortunately, with Confusion & Lies—So Here’s the Truth:

“Filson offered us a small bag of peanuts for wages and then told us we might lose our jobs—but they weren’t sure. We pushed for more information and a timeline, but they had nothing to give us.”

—Jon, Union Bargaining Committee Member

On Friday, March 28, our union bargaining committee met with Filson to start contract negotiations. The company’s proposal was insulting—just $0.40 over three years. On top of that, they informed us that they might close the Kent distribution center.

The company told us in negotiations, the closure wasn’t definite—they were still deciding whether to extend their lease. However, after bargaining on Friday, we heard reports from members that they were told otherwise.

Members reported that the company claimed the union was notified months ago and that severance and layoff terms had already been agreed to. We want to be clear—this is not true.

We understand that this has caused confusion and mistrust, and members are understandably upset. The company is attempting to divide us with misinformation. Our focus is on negotiating the three-year agreement, and once a decision is made to close the Kent center, we will enter into effects bargaining to negotiate over layoffs and severance.

Despite these challenges, we did reach a few tentative agreements (TAs) on Friday, including limiting the hiring of temp workers to only peak season, so the company will stop replacing full-time jobs with rotating temp workers, and improvements to bereavement leave. We also proposed fair wage increases that keep up with inflation, and increased retirement contributions.

What’s next? We meet with Filson again on Wednesday, April 2, and on April 16-17. We will keep you updated after every session.

Join us for a member update meeting after bargaining on:

• Wednesday, April 2

• Katsu Burger

• 6621 S 211th St #103

• Kent, WA

• 3:15 PM & 6:15 PM

If Filson is closing Kent in August, they must be honest and upfront so workers can plan for their future—and so we can negotiate fair severance and layoff terms.

If you have any questions, please contact your Union Representative Celia Ponce-Sanchez (206) 436-6581

Bargaining Team: Regina Hill & Jon Pryor

United Way of Spokane County Contract Extension Vote Notice

Wednesday, March 26 at 1pm

United Way of Spokane County 910 N Washington St, Suite 101 Spokane WA 99201

For questions please contact Eric Renner at 866-210-3000 ext. 7395

UFCW 3000 Denounces Attack on Freedom of Speech & Assembly, Demands Release of Mahmoud Khalil

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 14, 2025

UFCW 3000 Denounces Attack on Freedom of Speech and Assembly, Demands Release Mahmoud Khalil

DES MOINES, WA - UFCW 3000, the largest private sector union in the Pacific Northwest, demands the immediate release of Mahmoud Khalil, a recent Columbia graduate, lawful permanent resident, and expectant father who the Trump Administration arrested and indefinitely detained for participating in pro-Palestine protests. 

Our union denounces this flagrant attack on immigrants and on the bedrock constitutional rights of due process, freedom of speech, and freedom of assembly.

We see Trump’s promise to use federal enforcement agencies as a weapon against anyone who participates in demonstrations he doesn't like as a textbook authoritarian tactic to crush those who speak out against his agenda and the billionaire class it serves.

“We will not be cowed,” said Faye Guenther, UFCW 3000 President. “We will continue to fight against this anti-immigrant, anti-worker, anti-American assault on our fundamental freedoms.”