Our Bargaining Team has confirmed November 6 & 7 as the next scheduled bargaining dates with Macy’s, marking our first meeting with the employer since an overwhelming 96% of our workers voted to authorize a unfair labor practice strike.

Initially, Macy’s was hesitant to add additional dates to the calendar. After sharing the results of our vote and proposing our next bargaining date, Macy’s responded they already provided their last best and final offer and have “no further proposals” and alleged that negotiations had reached an impasse.

The threat of an “impasse” is an aggressive step, signaling that the employer believes that talks have broken down, all avenues toward an agreement explored, and both parties are unable to make further moves. If a true impasse has been reached, it would allow Macy’s to implement their last offer without seeking the membership’s vote.

Macy’s response was frustrating, as it implies management’s wish to impose a contract offer that worker resoundingly rejected. Although disappointing, such behavior is expected from an employer who has previously engaged in an unfair labor practice against a Bargaining Team member in an attempt to undermine the bargaining process.

Our Bargaining Team firmly believes that we are far from an impasse as there remains much to discuss. To prove that an impasse has not been reached, our team responded to Macy’s that we:

• Have further room for movement on our proposals.

• Wish to further explore ideas that were discussed in negotiations but not yet fully developed.

• Need additional information from the employer to reevaluate the current status of outstanding proposals.

Macy’s eventually agreed to meet with our team on November 6 & 7, but they continue to assert that they believe the parties are at an impasse. We are concerned that their continued insistence that there is an impasse violates the law and signals they are likely not reviewing our proposals, concessions, and requests for information in a good faith manner.

Our Bargaining Team is fully prepared to engage in good-faith negotiations with the employer on November 6 & 7. Nonetheless, we will continue to prepare for an unfair labor practice strike if Macy’s decides to persist in their unlawful conduct.

PICKET CAPTAIN TRAININGS:

Alderwood: October 18 & 27, 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Elemental Pizza (3000 184th St SW #948, Lynnwood, WA 98037)

Bellingham: October 19 & 26, 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Bellis Fair Mall Food Court (One Bellis Fair Pkwy, Bellingham, WA 98226)

Southcenter: October 20 & 25, 12:30PM – 1:30PM
Southcenter Mall Food Court (2800 Southcenter Mall, Seattle, WA 98188)

Everyone is encouraged to participate in our upcoming series of Picket Captain training sessions. These sessions will provide you with the skills and knowledge to become a Picket Captain, a vital workplace leader who plays a central role in preparing for and executing a strike.