Providence Meal Waiver and Shift Length Changes
UFCW 3000 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against all Providence hospitals for implementing shift length changes and not bargaining to an impasse with us over the meal waiver. Additionally, we have filed grievances since Providence changed work schedules without the caregivers' consent and have not been paying members for missed or late second meal periods.
Given Providence's decision to proceed with extending shift lengths, we advise 10-hour and 12-hour shift workers to carefully consider their options. You may choose to accept an extended shift with two meal periods or opt to waive the second meal period and retain your current shift length. If you opt to waive the second meal period, you retain the right to revoke this decision at any time through your core leader. However, we strongly advise against waiving the timing of your meal period, as you are entitled to 30 minutes of pay for late meal periods.
*"Question 1) I am voluntarily requesting to waive my second unpaid meal period if I am entitled to one." *
Recommendation: ACCEPT means your shift length will remain the same or DECLINE means your shift will be extended, and you will receive two meal periods as a 10-hour and 12-hour shift worker.
*"Question 2) I am voluntarily requesting to take my unpaid meal periods at a time that may not be within a two-to-five-hour block of work." *
Recommendation: DECLINE means if your meal period is not within the two-to-five-hour block, then you should receive 30 minutes of pay. You can file a complaint with L&I if you are not paid accordingly.