RESOURCES FOR WORKERS DURING THE COVID-19 OUTBREAK

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Updating Regularly

En Español

UFCW 21 is building a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and in our communities. We offer this list of resources gathered from social agencies, community, and allies to assist our members, future members, families, and communities during the COVID-19 outbreak. Our intent is to include as much information as possible to serve working people and most impacted communities, so feel free to share this within your networks. If you experience difficulty with accessing these resources, have additional helpful resources to add to this list, or suggestions on how we could better share this information, please contact us. To receive important updates from the union, be sure your contact information is up to date.

UFCW 21 UNION RESOURCES: 

INFORMATION ABOUT CORONAVIRUS / COVID-19 

Washington State Department of Health 

Washington State coronavirus hotline: 1-800-525-0127 (phone lines staffed from 6am to 10pm, seven days a week) 

Centers for Disease Control 

Centers for Disease Control website for Health Care Workers 

County Public Health Departments/Districts updates and guidelines: 

Coronavirus information by and for the disability community

World Health Organization’s “Myth-Busters” page

HEALTH CARE / HEALTH INSURANCE 

If you don’t currently have insurance:

A Special Enrollment Period has been extended due to the COVID pandemic, which means you can purchase insurance on our state health exchange anytime before August 15, 2021. The American Rescue Plan may also help you receive additional tax credits that could significantly decrease your monthly premiums. To enroll in health insurance through Washington Healthplanfinder:

  • Contact an Exchange-certified Broker, Navigator, enrollment center or the Customer Support Center at 1-855-923-4633; TTY: 855-627-9604, anytime 7:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday to initiate coverage during this special enrollment period. Language assistance and disability accommodations are provided at no cost. For more information on getting free help from local experts, click here. 

In addition, current state health plan customers whose income has changed due to a reduction in work hours during the COVID-19 state of emergency, or anyone who has lost employment altogether, should report income changes. You may be eligible for Washington Apple Health or increased subsidy assistance to pay for your premiums. More information is available here.

Apple Health (Medicaid): In Washington State, Medicaid is called Apple Health. Apple Health provides preventative care, like cancer screenings, treatment for diabetes and high blood pressure, and many other health care services. Apply or get more info here.

Online/Telemedicine options from the Union Sound Health and Wellness Trust:

PPO Members:

Kaiser Permanente Members:

COVID-19 Updates and Resources from the Sound Health and Wellness Trust

HOUSING RESOURCES

Eviction and Rent Increase Moratorium

Governor Inslee has halted all evictions in residential or commercial properties in Washington State until at least June 30, 2021, unless a landlord, property owner, or property manager attests that an eviction is a response to a significant and immediate risk to the health, safety, or property of others created by the resident or the property owner is going to begin living in the unit or selling the property. This means landlords, property owners, and property managers in our state are not allowed to evict or threaten to evict tenants who can’t pay rent. They are not allowed to issue any kind of notice that would require a tenant to vacate a housing situation, including: eviction notice, notice to pay or vacate, notice of unlawful detainer, notice of termination of rental, or notice to comply or vacate.

They also cannot charge (or threaten to charge) late fees for nonpayment or late payment of rent. They cannot send tenants to collections over unpaid rent unless they can show a court that they offered the tenant a reasonable repayment plan based on the individual circumstances of that tenant. And they can’t charge rent for housing that’s not accessible or able to be used right now because of COVID-19.

  • If you have received a notice to pay or vacate, a court summons, a 20-day notice, or anything related to a potential eviction: You or an advocate can report a potential eviction to the state Attorney General’s office through the form on their website, by email at civilrights@atg.wa.gov, or contact them via phone at (833) 660-4877 and leave a general message by selecting Option 1.

Other housing resource information:

The Tenants Union of Washington has more information on tenants’ rights, including a tenant hotline. Find phone numbers and hotline hours here.

REDUCED HOURS / TEMPORARY SHUTDOWNS / QUARANTINE / UNEMPLOYMENT 

Washington State’s Employment Securities Department has a website for workers who are affected by the coronavirus outlining what state benefits are available to you if you are: 

  • Quarantined 

  • Ill or being tested 

  • Affected by reduced hours, temporary shutdowns, or layoffs 

  • Facing loss of employment 

and other scenarios related to coronavirus/COVID-19. We have been working closely with our state to ensure members have access to as many benefits as possible. 

Unemployment Law Project can give free legal advice about unemployment benefits. Free interpretation is available for all languages.

DISCRIMINATION 

Our allies at Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA) have helpful information about how to fight discrimination against Asian American and Pacific Islander working people during this coronavirus outbreak. 

King County Public Health has an outline of public resources for people facing discrimination during this outbreak and for talking to others about why stigma and discrimination are harmful.

National Center for Transgender Equality’s guide for trans people around COVID-19 (includes links to LGBTQ-friendly medical providers databases)

IMMIGRATION 

Many community members may have questions about how their immigration status could impact their ability to access medical care. The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project has information in English and Spanish.

Tenga o no documentos legales, usted tiene el derecho de recibir atención médica. El recibir atención médica en el estado de Washington no le afectará en el momento que pueda arreglar su situación migratoria.

Para más información legal, vea este video de parte del Proyecto para los Derechos del Inmigrante del Noroeste.

Si desea más información sobre la “Carga Publica,” vea esta liga.

DACA Scholarship Fund: Thanks to the Seattle Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs, Facebook App & El Centro de la Raza, $75,000 will be available to cover DACA renewal fees. Scholarship funds are available to individuals who have or previously had DACA status, have a completed DACA renewal application, and who reside in Seattle, or work in Seattle, or go to school in Seattle. Successful DACA scholarship grantees will receive a check made out to the Department of Homeland Security to submit with their DACA renewal application. All application processes will require the completion of an eligibility form and a 30-minute video or phone appointment with an El Centro staff member.

Fondo de Becas Para DACA: Gracias a la Oficina de Asuntos de Inmigrantes y Refugiados de Seattle, Facebook y El Centro de la Raza, $75,000 estarán disponibles para cubrir las tarifas de renovación de DACA.

Our community allies are offering resources to those in need:

OneAmerica resources:

https://weareoneamerica.org/2020/03/23/covid-19-coronavirus-resources-for-immigrants-recursos-para-inmigrantes

WSCADV resources:

https://wscadv.org/news/response-to-coronovirus-resource-round-up

CHILDCARE 

Public Health guidelines for gatherings of children and youth while schools are closed

Washington State’s database of licensed childcare providers (call 1-800-446-1114 for help from a child care specialist if you’re not sure what you’re looking for)

Childcare assistance for members of federally recognized tribes

KING COUNTY:

Emergency childcare support may be available at no cost if you work in health care, a pharmacy, or a grocery store in King County. When accessing these resources, ask for a union childcare provider if available.

  • If you are in the city of Seattle, fill out this form to request childcare

  • If you are in King County but outside the city of Seattle, you should call Child Care Resources at 1-800-446-1114 and let them know where you work and that you need childcare.

UTILITIES 

If you are worried about paying utility bills, contact your local utility and see if you are eligible for a deferred payment plan if your financial stability has been jeopardized by COVID-19. 

Puget Sound Energy will not have customers accrue late fees during this time and will not be disconnecting customers. at this time. They have options such as payment plans and new billing dates.

Seattle: 

If you are experiencing financial hardship because of COVID-19, call Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities at 206-684-3000 to set up a deferred payment plan. They will help keep your utility service going uninterrupted. Translation services are available over the phone.  

The City of Seattle has pledged to keep all customers’ utilities on for the duration of the COVID-19 Civil Emergency period.  

Seattle also has a Utility Discount Program offers income-eligible customers a 60% discount on their Seattle City Light bill and a 50% discount on their Seattle Public Utilities bill. 

FINANCIAL RESOURCES

Disaster Cash Assistance Program: Our state’s Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) has activated the “Disaster Cash Assistance Program” starting April 27, 2020. If you are not eligible for other cash benefits, you can apply for help with DSHS. Applying requires a phone interview. Call 877-501-2233 to apply, or apply online at WashingtonConnection.org and then call the same number to complete your interview. They can determine your eligibility for all available programs through one interview.

NOTE: DSHS warns that many people are calling and you may have to wait—they recommend calling before 11am.

Financial assistance is available through the Washington State Labor Council’s Foundation for Working Families.

Washington State has compiled a list of financial resources for people in our state.

Emergency Assistance Program through our state’s Economic Services Administration can offer emergency food assistance, cash assistance, and medical assistance. More info here.

 MENTAL HEALTH 

A guide to “Taking Care of Your Mental Health in the Face of Uncertainty” from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

If you or a family member needs emotional or mental health support, or treatment resources for substance use, please consider calling the Washington Recovery Help Line at 1–866–789–1511.

Resources for people in crisis:

List of Alcoholics Anonymous online meetings

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Service Administration’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE, SEXUAL ASSAULT, & STALKING

We know that home is not a safe place for everybody, and that people are being quarantined or spending more time at home right now. Please reach out if you need support. 

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-SAFE; or 800-787-3224 (TTY) 

  • King/Snohomish/Pierce County Deaf Hotline: 206-812-1001 (videophone) 

  • NW Network of Bi, Trans, Lesbian and Gay Survivors of Abuse: 206-568-7777 

  • API Chaya (culturally competent safety services for API & South Asian people): 1-877-922-4292 

  • ReWA (for immigrants and refugees): 206-721-0243 

From our allies at the Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more resources:

RESOURCES FOR KIDS 

INTERNET ACCESS

UNION JOBS NOW HIRING

Frequently Asked Questions from UFCW 21 Members about coronavirus/COVID-19

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En Español

Note to all members: One of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of this illness is to stay home from work if you are feeling ill. If you have any questions about your right to stay home from work, contact your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day immediately 206-436-6578. The UFCW 21 office number is 1-800-732-1188. 

If you believe your employer is not following proper safety guidelines or you would like to report safety concerns, send your name, workplace, contact information, and a description of your concerns to: safetyreport@ufcw21.org. 

Frequently asked questions from members about novel coronavirus/COVID-19  

For Frequently Asked Questions for Health Care Workers Scroll down further

Note: we will continue to update this post as questions arise and new information becomes available. 

Q: How serious is the illness caused by this new virus?  

A: According to King County Public Health, it appears that the majority of the reported illnesses are mild, with fever and cough, but a smaller percentage of cases are severe and involve pneumonia, particularly in elderly people and people with underlying medical conditions. People have died of this illness, so it’s important to try and stop it from spreading as best we can. 

Q: Who is in a “high risk” category for serious illness from this virus? 

A: Because this is a new virus, scientists and public health experts are still studying it. Currently, the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says the highest risk categories are older adults and people who have serious chronic medical conditions like heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease. The list of health conditions that may put you at higher risk has changed as new research is done, so it’s a good idea to check the CDC’s website for up-to-date info if you have questions. Note: If you are over 65 or in a medical high-risk category, you have specific rights at work in Washington to help protect your safety. Find a page about those rights here.

Q: I feel sick, what should I do? 

A: If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, you should call your health care provider or the Washington State COVID hotline at 1-800-525-0127 (this hotline is open 6am to 10pm Mon-Fri, 8am to 6 pm weekends & holidays). In King County, you can reach the county’s call center from 8am to 7pm at (206) 477-3977. Call your health care provider before you go in to see them so they can prepare their staff and stay safe while they treat you. You should also stay home from work and away from public places. 

Q: I feel sick, but I don’t want to stay home from work.  

A: One of the absolute most effective ways to prevent the spread of this illness is to stay home if you are sick. We have fought hard for the right to paid sick leave and other leave language in our contracts, and we have the right to use it. Under Washington State paid sick leave, your employer cannot ask you for a doctor’s note until the 3rd day of your illness, and they cannot retaliate against you for taking your paid sick time. Many contracts have additional sick leave, PTO, or other leave benefits you may be able to utilize. Use your contract and ask a Shop Steward if you need help.  

Q: I feel sick, but I’m out of paid sick time.  

A: You should let your manager know as soon as possible that you feel unwell and need to go home or stay home. Our employers should be following the CDC’s best practices for employers right now, which includes encouraging people to stay home when they are sick, and we are talking to employers at the highest level to ensure members can stay safe. Many workplaces have negotiated COVID agreements that include If you have any issues, call your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day as soon as you can so they can help. 

Q: What should I do During school closures IF I don’t have childcare?  

A: Both Washington State and the City of Seattle have made clear that you can use Paid Sick Leave when your child’s school is closed and you don’t have childcare. We are working with employers regarding the importance of following public health guidelines during an outbreak, which includes being flexible about giving workers who need to stay home access to paid leave. We are also working as quickly as we can with employers, our friends in the labor movement, community allies, public agencies, and our state government to find more childcare solutions. This is an emerging situation and we will keep you updated as we get new answers. Your Shop Steward or Union Rep are ready to help you advocate for yourself and your family if you are navigating a difficult circumstance. 

Q: Will I have access to pay or benefits if I am quarantined due to COVID-19?  

A: Washington State has made an emergency ruling that health care workers and first responders have access to workers compensation benefits if they are quarantined. We are currently working with the state and our employers to ensure everyone has access to paid leave and benefits if they are quarantined. If you or a coworker is quarantined, contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep as soon as you can. 

Q: How can I make sure my employer is following proper safety guidelines for my workplace?  

A: Your employer should be providing you with access to hand sanitizer and tissues, hands-free garbage cans to throw away tissues, breaks for hand washing, and should be ensuring that all high-touch surfaces in your work area are cleaned regularly. The guidance we have received from public health experts is that the frequency of cleaning and sanitizing work areas and customer areas depends on the level of use and level of contact. Employers should ensure the hourly cleaning and sanitizing of common surfaces or surfaces that get regular contact. If the level of use/contact by customers or workers is high, they may need to be cleaned even more frequently. King County Public Health issued guidelines for retail food establishments on March 5.

Q: Should I be wearing a mask to work?

A: The recommendations have changed over time, but at this point it is clear that masks are very likely to help prevent the spread of COVID and in Washington they are required in many situations. Your employer should be providing you with all appropriate protective equipment for doing your work safely and complying with safety regulations. You can find a document that covers which masks are appropriate for what kind of work situation right here.

Q: WE HAD A CONFIRMED COVID-19 CASE AT MY WORKPLACE, WHAT IS MY EMPLOYER SUPPOSED TO DO TO MAKE SURE OUR WORKPLACE IS CLEAN AND SAFE?

A: The CDC has guidelines for cleaning, disinfecting, and sanitizing public places and workplaces. Anyone who is involved in this process should be given adequate training and appropriate PPE for the cleaning and chemicals used. Your employer should follow the CDC’s guidelines, and if they do not, you should let your Union Rep know or email us at safetyreport@ufcw21.org.

Frequently asked questions from health care members 

Q: WHAT ARE THE STATE’S GUIDELINES FOR COVID SAFETY IN HEALTH CARE SETTINGS?

A: In September 2020, our state’s Department of Health and Departments of Labor and Industries responded to concerns from health care workers experiencing outbreaks at their hospitals with very clear, enforceable guidelines for health care workers and employers regarding PPE, training, infection control, and more. You can find that document, called a Joint Hazard Alert, right here.

Q: Is my employer required to provide me with personal protective equipment (PPE)? 

A: Your employer is required to provide you with any and all equipment required to do your job safely and training to use it correctly. The CDC is offering guidelines for health care workers, and you should review these regularly to stay up to date and ensure your employer is complying with these guidelines.

You can find CDC guidelines here.

Their Frequently Asked Questions document, covering PPE for transporting patients, asymptomatic patients, and EVS workers, is here.

Q: I heard the CDC CHANGED their interim guidelines for what kind of precautions and PPE we should be using, is that true? 

A: As of 3/10/20, the CDC has updated their interim guidelines to say that when there are limited supplies of PPE like N95 masks and PAPRs, facemasks are an acceptable alternative. During a time of respirator shortage, “available respirators should be prioritized for procedures that are likely to generate respiratory aerosols.” When the supply chain of respirators is restored, health care personnel should return to using respirators when caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19. We are advocating with government bodies and employers for health care workers’ right to the highest level of protection at work while also maintaining enough PPE for everyone. You can find our most recent public releases on this issue here and here. 

Q: What should I do if I am asked to do something I think is unsafe? 

A: We have a whole separate Q&A on your right to refuse unsafe work assignments. If you are being asked to do something unsafe at work, you should call your Union Rep (or call 1-800-732-1188 to be connected) or call the UFCW 21 Rep of the Day 206-436-6578.

Q: Do I have to use my PTO if I am exposed to COVID-19 at work and quarantined?  

A: We expect employers to put workers on paid leave when they are quarantined, and many health care employers have already agreed to use Paid Admin Leave. The State of Washington has also ruled that health care workers and first responders can access L&I benefits when they are quarantined. 

Q: I received a letter from employee health notifying me that I was exposed to a patient that recently tested positive for COVID-19 and that I was to stay home in quarantine for the next 14 days. But my manager said I just needed to mask up and come in to work, is that true?  

A: Public Health officials ask that people who have been exposed to a communicable disease to stay at home and avoid contact with other people. If you are asked to come into work after being advised to stay home due to exposure, contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep immediately. If you have symptoms like a cough, fever, shortness of breath, or other respiratory problems, you should call your health care provider or the Washington State hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

If you have further questions:  

Our main office line: 1-800-732-1188  

Rep of the Day line: 206-436-6578 

 Look up your Union Rep and their contact info: ufcw21.org/find-a-contract 

We are monitoring this situation and updating our website at: ufcw21.org/safety-at-work  

If you believe your employer is not following proper safety guidelines or you would like to report safety concerns, send your name, workplace, contact information, and a description of your concerns to: safetyreport@ufcw21.org 

JOINT STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE 1199NW, WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION AND UFCW 21 ON PROHIBITION OF LARGE EVENTS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Wed., March 11, 2020

CONTACT:

Amy Clark,
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
amyc@seiu1199nw.org
425.306.2061

Ruth Schubert,
Washington State Nurses Association
rschubert@wsna.org 
206.713.7884

Sarah Cherin,
UFCW 21
scherin@ufcw21.org
206-436-6580

JOINT STATEMENT FROM SEIU HEALTHCARE 1199NW, WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION AND UFCW 21 ON PROHIBITION OF LARGE EVENTS DURING COVID-19 OUTBREAK

As nurses and healthcare workers providing essential care to patients in hospitals, clinics, and housing and shelters across Washington state, we applaud Gov. Jay Inslee and the leaders of King, Pierce and Snohomish Counties for taking the necessary step of limiting large gatherings during this stage of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Prohibiting events is a common-sense measure that will help protect our community members from the novel coronavirus.

This measure will also help frontline health care workers and our health care system as a whole effectively respond to this crisis by “flattening the curve” of coronavirus patients seeking care. As health care workers on the front lines of responding to this public health emergency, we support all efforts to reduce the impact on our ability to provide care by lowering the daily number of patients coming into a system that is already stressed by the growing number of COVID-19 patients.

We understand that state and local governments and public health agencies are responding proactively to the existing risks created by this new disease in an effort to minimize those risks and keep our healthcare delivery system accessible to all who may need it.

In our role as caregivers, we are often called on to tell patients the truth about their health. The truth we want our community to hear is this: Social distancing, like that enforced by the measure announced today, is one of the very best ways to prevent the spread of epidemic illness. This temporary change in behavior will help protect all of us from the spread of COVID-19, as well as from cold and flu illnesses common during this time of year.

The most vulnerable COVID-19 patients—those age 60 or older or with underlying health conditions—may need intensive hospital care, and it is essential that we preserve hospital intensive and critical care beds for those most vulnerable patients. Social distancing is a public health measure that will help prevent our health system from being overwhelmed, and will make it easier for anyone with the novel coronavirus to access necessary hospital care.

As nurses and health care workers, we care deeply for our patients and take pride in the roles we play on the front lines of patient care, particularly during a time of heightened concern for community health. Our continued safety during this outbreak is critical to our ability to continue to provide quality patient care. We continue to call on the CDC to proactively and effectively target the supply of respirators and use other controls to reduce the risk of infection in health care workers, knowing that our professionals are at the highest risk of infection. We will continue to work closely with health care employers and with federal and local public health agencies to ensure all caregivers have access to the highest level of personal protective equipment available so we can continue to provide the high-quality health care our communities require.

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About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all.

About WSNA 
WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 17,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 
UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state. 

State’s largest hospital and clinic unions call for highest possible level of personal protection for caregivers during COVID-19 outbreak

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Tues., March 10, 2020

CONTACT:

Amy Clark,
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
amyc@seiu1199nw.org
425.306.2061

Ruth Schubert,
Washington State Nurses Association
rschubert@wsna.org 
206.713.7884

Sarah Cherin,
UFCW 21
scherin@ufcw21.org
206-436-6580

JOINT STATEMENT FROM WASHINGTON STATE NURSES ASSOCIATION, SEIU HEALTHCARE 1199NW AND UFCW21 ON PERSONAL PROTECTIONS FOR HEALTHCARE WORKERS

State’s largest hospital and clinic unions call for highest possible level of personal protection for caregivers during COVID-19 outbreak

The CDC has announced new interim recommendations on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for situations where adequate supplies are unavailable. The CDC recommendations state that face masks are an acceptable alternative when the supply chain of respirators cannot meet the demand. We maintain our position that N-95 respirators are the gold standard and are necessary protec­tion for our nurses and healthcare workers caring for suspected and confirmed COVID-19 patients, and the CDC agrees that when the supply chain is restored, providers should return to the use of N95s. The CDC states that “This interim guidance has been updated based on currently available information about COVID-19 and the current situation in the United States, which includes reports of cases of community transmission, infections identified in healthcare personnel (HCP), and shortages of facemasks, N95 filtering facepiece respirators (FFRs) (commonly known as N95 respirators), and gowns.”

The supply shortage must continue to be addressed in the most aggressive way possible. We continue to call on the CDC to proactively and effectively target the supply of respirators and use other controls to reduce the risk of infection in health care workers, knowing that our professionals are at the highest risk of infection. The federal government should do all in its power to increase the supply of N-95 respirators and other PPE, which includes releasing the national stockpile and targeting supplies to areas where the outbreak has already occurred; incentivizing U.S.-based companies to produce more N-95s; and promoting the use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) in health care settings.

We additionally call on hospitals, clinics and other health care facilities to provide personal protective equipment in an equitable manner. All health care workers—providers, nurses, technical staff and service workers including environmental services janitorial staff—who have the potential for direct or indirect exposure to COVID-19 must be afforded the same standard of PPE. Furthermore, many health care workers speak English as a second language. Instruction in the use of PPE and in safe work practices in environments where COVID-19 may be present must be provided in multiple languages and in clear, uncomplicated phrasing in order to increase access to essential information.

As nurses and health care workers, we care deeply for our patients and take pride in the roles we play on the front lines of patient care, particularly during a community health crisis like the one presented by COVID-19. We are committed to the health of our patients and our communities. We will continue to work closely with health care employers and with federal and local public health agencies to ensure all caregivers have access to the highest level of PPE available so we can continue to provide the high-quality health care our communities require.

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About SEIU Healthcare 1199NW
SEIU Healthcare 1199NW is a union of nurses and healthcare workers with over 30,000 caregivers throughout hospitals, clinics, mental health, skilled home health and hospice programs in Washington state and Montana. SEIU Healthcare 1199NW’s mission is to advocate for quality care and good jobs for all.

About WSNA 
WSNA is the leading voice and advocate for nurses in Washington state, providing representation, education and resources that allow nurses to reach their full professional potential and focus on caring for patients. WSNA represents more than 17,000 registered nurses for collective bargaining who provide care in hospitals, clinics, schools and community and public health settings across the state. 

About UFCW 21 
UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 45,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, and other industries in Washington state. 

Washington State: COVID-19 emergency rules that allow for expanded access to unemployment insurance.

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UFCW 21 has been working closely with our elected officials and government agencies to ensure our members’ needs are considered as we respond to the COVID-19 outbreak. The Employment Security Department’s emergency rules allow for expanded access to unemployment insurance benefits have now gone into effect.

For example:

  • Workers may receive unemployment benefits and employers may get relief of benefit charges if an employer needs to shut down operations temporarily because a worker becomes sick and other workers need to be isolated or quarantined as a result of COVID-19.

  • Standby will be available for part-time workers as well as full-time workers, as long as they meet the minimum 680 hours.

  • Workers that are asked to isolate or quarantine by a medical professional or public health official as a result of exposure to COVID-19 may receive unemployment benefits and work search requirements could be waived, so long as they have a return date with their employer. The return to work date can be the date the isolation or quarantine is lifted.

  • If a worker falls seriously ill and is forced to quit, they cannot collect unemployment benefits while they are seriously ill but may be eligible once they recover and are able and available for work.

Click or tap image to download the PDF

Click or tap image to download the PDF

Public Health Recommendations to Minimize the Spread of Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Retail Food Establishments.

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These are guidelines from Public Health – Seattle & King County for retail, food, and grocery businesses and workers. If you would like to report safety concerns at your workplace, please speak with your Shop Steward or Union Rep, or email safetyreport@ufcw21.org and include where you work, your safety concerns, and how best to contact you.

March 16, 2020

As of March 16, 2020, King County has updated their guidelines for retail and grocery stores as follows.

Please note: The “retail” guidance seems to have been incorporated into the general essential businesses guidance here: https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/covid-19/workplaces/retail.aspx

The COVID-19 prevention measures and mandatory actions for retail establishments:

Based on CDC guidance and Governor Inslee's Proclamation these establishments must observe the following COVID-19 prevention measures.

Retail establishments must align with COVID-19 prevention measures as follows:

  1. Older adults and individuals with underlying medical conditions that are at increased risk of serious COVID-19 are encouraged not to attend (including employees).

    • Suggestion: Take specific steps to encourage older adults age 60 and above and those with underlying health conditions not to attend. For groceries, banks, and other essential establishments, consider implementing dedicated times exclusively available for highly vulnerable populations.

  2. Social distancing recommendations must be met (i.e., limit contact of people within 6 feet from each other for 10 minutes or longer).

    • Suggestion: Establishments should ask themselves: how close will people be and for how long? Ensure that your business is organized in such way to avoid close contact between people. Washington Department of Health advises that “being within 6 feet of a sick person with COVID-19 for about 10 minutes” constitutes close contact which could result in exposure.

  3. Employees must be screened for coronavirus symptoms each day and excluded if symptomatic.

    • Suggestion: Have a plan to screen employees or volunteers every day. CDC guidelines identify the key symptoms to watch for as fever, cough and shortness of breath.

    • Signage should discourage attendance for any person who has these systems.

  4. Proper hand hygiene and sanitation must be readily available to all attendees and employees.

    • Suggestion: Provide ready access to hand sanitizer and hand sanitizer stations and request employees and customers to abide by personal hygiene recommendations. CDC recommends that people wash their hands often, and if soap and water is not readily available, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol, and to avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

  5. Environmental cleaning guidelines from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are followed (e.g., clean and disinfect high touch surfaces daily or more frequently).

    • Suggestion: Ensure a clean and sanitary environment. Have employees disinfect frequently-touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, desks, and handrails. CDC provides detailed environmental and disinfection recommendations.

Additional guidance that retail establishments must adhere to:

Based on CDC guidance, retail and service operators should adopt the following practices:

  1. Encourage staff who can to telework

  2. Consider the following measures to achieve social distances requirement

    • Spacing workers at the worksite

    • Staggering work schedules

    • Decreasing social contacts in the workplace (limit in-person meetings)

    • All break areas must accommodate distancing

    • Reducing the capacity of customers

  3. Strive for flexible leave policies for staff who need to stay home due to school/childcare dismissals.

  4. Place posters and other signage that encourage staying home when sick, cough and sneeze etiquette, and hand hygiene at the entrance to your establishment and in other nearby areas where they are likely to be seen by customers and clients.

  5. Provide disposable wipes to ensure frequently used surfaces are cleaned.

  6. Each retail establishments must have a lead employee to ensure compliance with this guidance.

Specifically in grocery stores:

  • Apply the social distancing recommendations to any lines that form inside or outside of the store

  • Prohibit self-serve foods, including hot bars, cold bars and buffets.

  • Prohibit product sampling

  • Appoint a designated sanitation worker at all times to continuously clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and meet the environmental cleaning guidelines set by the CDC.

March 5, 2020

Food has not been identified as a likely source of COVID-19 infection at this time; however food businesses can play an important role in both protecting their employees and their customers from coronavirus infection by following the below personal and environmental hygiene practices.  

  • Stay home when you are sick with fever, coughing, and sneezing. 

  • Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and warm water for 20 seconds upon first arriving to work, after using the restroom, before and after eating and frequently throughout the day.  Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. 

  • Provide alcohol based (60%) hand sanitizers for use for both employees and customers by placing them at convenient/accessible locations.

  • Use sanitizing solution (i.e., one teaspoon of unscented household bleach in a gallon of cool water) to frequently sanitize commonly touched surfaces and objects such as electronics, door knobs, faucet handles, counter tops, cash machine key pads, dining tables frequently throughout the day. Change the sanitizing solution at least once every four hours.

  • Consider temporarily limiting self-serve operations.  Examples of such operations include; salad bars, buffets and dispensers.  Replace utensils frequently (approximately hourly) during peak use hours for self-serve style operations.

  • Ensure dishwasher and/or three –compartment sinks are used properly and have the appropriate level of sanitizer for final rinse (50-100 PPM chlorine based sanitizer, follow product label for other approved sanitizers).

  • Ensure sneeze guards are in place where required.

  • If you have food employees at higher risk for coronavirus with underlying health conditions, such as people 60 or older, people with underlying health conditions (heart disease, lung disease, or diabetes) or those with weakened immune systems or those who are pregnant: consider temporarily assigning them to non-public-contact duties.

If you are a food business owner or a food worker and have questions related to your operation please reach out to your Health Investigator or call 206-263-9566 to speak with office staff.  For the latest information, please visit the following site: https://www.kingcounty.gov/coronavirus


March 6 update: Unions Representing Health Care Professionals Call on CDC to Reconsider Protections During Coronavirus Outbreak

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: March 6, 2020

CONTACT:
Abraham White, 202-341-1899, awhite@ufcw.org
Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421, tgeiger@ufcw21.org

Unions Representing Health Care Professionals Call on CDC to Reconsider Protections During Coronavirus Outbreak

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union joined the Service Employees International Union and the American Federation of Teachers in calling on the Centers for Disease Control to strengthen protections for first responders fighting the coronavirus outbreak. These unions represent thousands of these health care workers in Washington who are on the front lines of COVID-19 response.

“Health care workers represented by UFCW are bravely stepping up to help so many communities confronting the coronavirus,” said UFCW International President Marc Perrone. “Keeping our patients and families safe starts with strong leadership. UFCW’s 1.3 million members and workers across the country are calling on the CDC and both parties – Republicans and Democrats – to work together to take the bold steps needed to strengthen the government’s response to this crisis, before it’s too late.”

“Our members are displaying extraordinary courage and dedication at the front lines of this outbreak in Washington State, and both the safety of our community and the integrity of our health care system depends on their ability to do their work safely,” said UFCW Local 21 President Faye Guenther in Seattle. “By caring for patients with COVID-19 health care workers are putting themselves at higher risk, and they deserve the highest level of protection.”

“The Trump administration has left healthcare workers in the dark by spreading misinformation, delaying the release of guidelines and best practices developed by public health experts, and is putting the health of the stock market above the health of people,” said Service Employees International Union President Mary Kay Henry. “Nurses, lab techs, environmental service workers, dietary aides, caregivers and doctors in our hospitals, nursing homes and communities are in direct contact with patients, meaning these workers are at high risk of contracting or spreading illnesses. In the face of a health emergency, it is more important than ever to ensure these workers are prepared with the right equipment and ready to take action—not left wondering how to keep themselves, their patients and their families healthy.

“Furthermore, everyone on the frontlines of care—from hospital workers to home care workers—must have affordable healthcare and paid sick time they can count on. No one should have to go to work sick because they are worried about being penalized or missing a day’s pay; and no one should have to postpone or forgo treatment because they can’t afford the bill,” SEIU’s Henry added. “The Trump administration, the CDC and OSHA must put worker and patient safety—not cost reduction —first. As the largest union of healthcare workers, SEIU will continue to push the Trump administration to improve its response. This situation shows the power that working people have when we join together in unions, and it is a good example of why every worker should have the opportunity to join a union—no matter where they work.”

“Nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists and the other workers supporting patient care are at ground zero of this public health crisis, and their voices must be a key part of developing a national plan. Failing to provide adequate protection to healthcare workers increases the risk that those workers themselves will spread the infection and failing to protect them weakens our response,” said AFT President Randi Weingarten. “Unfortunately, both the CDC and OSHA have done little thus far to engage with workers, and to make sure they’re clear on the protocols for respiratory protection and exposure to infectious disease. That, coupled with these rollbacks, is a troubling sign of our government’s ability to manage this threat this our communities.”

“As frontline caregivers, we are the experts in keeping our patients safe. Not providing adequate protections for healthcare workers not only puts caregivers at risk but puts patients at risk as well,” said SEIU 1199 Executive Vice President Jane Hopkins, RN. “We are calling on the CDC to make the safety of healthcare workers, and thus our patients, the first priority.”

“Nurses, doctors, and other healthcare workers stand ready to respond to this crisis, but they should not have to sacrifice their own health, or risk infecting their loved ones.  The CDC has not heard from these frontline workers who will carry out the work, who need assurance from the federal government that they’ll be protected. We are calling on the CDC to rationally target the supply of respirators and use other controls to reduce the risk of infection in healthcare workers, knowing that our professionals are at the highest risk of infection,” said Washington State Nurses Association Executive Director Sally Watkins.

“The federal government should do all in its power to increase the supply of N95 respirators., which includes releasing the national stockpile and targeting that stockpile to areas where the outbreak has already occurred; incentivizing US-based companies to produce more N95s; and promoting the use of powered air purifying respirators (PAPRs) in healthcare settings. Healthcare professionals also need training in real time on how to properly use the respirators, with opportunities to ask questions and practice,” WSNA’s Watkins added. “The CDC should also do more to promote other key controls, such as isolation protocols, adequate nurse staffing, delaying unnecessary procedures, telemedicine, and improved air ventilation to reduce the presence of viral particles in the air. This crisis requires vigilance from all of us.”

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March 6: Join the Health Care Workers Virtual Town Hall

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Health Care Workers Virtual Town Hall on Coronavirus/COVID-19

Join state and county public health officials, union leaders, and fellow health care workers to exchange information, learn the latest updates, and understand the unions’ role in ensuring workplace safety. 

TOMORROW, FRIDAY MARCH 6
11:00 am – 12:30 pm

To join the town hall:
Visit https://zoom.us/j/419635168
Or call-in by dialing (408) 638-0968 — Meeting ID: 419 635 168
 
All health care members are invited to participate.
This call is co-hosted by UFCW 21, WSNA, and SEIU 1199NW.

March 5 Update: Message to members from the President and Secretary Treasurer of UFCW 21:

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We have reached out to all members today about the recent outbreak of respiratory disease caused by a new coronavirus, COVID-19, here in Washington State. As many of you have seen in the news or at your workplace, this is a contagious illness with confirmed cases in our area, including at some health care facilities where UFCW 21 members work.

Here’s what we’re doing so far: We have already made comprehensive information requests of our health care employers so we can have a full picture of how they plan to keep people safe at work. This includes information about trainings, protocols, and personal protective equipment. We encourage all health care workers to stay up to date on the Centers for Disease Control’s interim guidance for health care workers to help ensure employers are following these guidelines in your work sites at all times.

We are also regularly in touch with state and local agencies so we can make long-term plans for member safety as this continues, and to advocate for benefits for members who are affected by COVID-19, including those who may be quarantined or otherwise must miss work. We are working together with other health care unions so that we are all sharing information and supporting each other. And we are working directly with other employers as well, to ensure all our members have safe workplaces and access to sick leave during a viral outbreak.

One of the most important ways we can all prevent the spread of this illness even outside health care settings is to stay home from work if you are feeling ill. Our members have fought hard for access to paid sick leave and family leave, and bargained for other leave in our contracts. It is important to know your contract, know the law, and keep yourself, your coworkers, and your community safe. Health care workers and the public will rely on things we have fought for, like access to meal and rest breaks and affordable health care for our families.

If you feel ill, especially if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, you should contact your health care provider to see if you should go in for care. You can also call the Washington State Department of Health coronavirus hotline at 1-800-525-0127, and press #.

You should reach out to your Shop Steward or Union Representative as soon as you can if you have any questions about your rights, concerns about staying home when you are feeling sick, if you feel your workplace is unsafe or you are asked to do something unsafe at work, if you face any discipline related to the impacts of this outbreak, or if you experience a change in your working conditions. You can also report workplace safety concerns to safetyreport@ufcw21.org. If you do so, please include detailed information about where you work, your safety concerns, and how best to contact you.

Much of our union family is on the front lines of this outbreak, whether it’s providing high-quality patient care, offering compassionate customer service, keeping groceries and supplies stocked for the public, or safely cleaning our workplaces and health facilities. Let’s continue to do so without discrimination. As we are sure you’re all aware, there is no basis for assessing a person’s coronavirus risk just because of a their race, ethnicity, language, or nationality, and stigma will only hurt our ability to deal with this outbreak.

Please know that we are committed to ensuring your safety and dealing with the effects of this outbreak for as long as it lasts. Don’t hesitate to be in touch with your rep with any questions or concerns.

In solidarity,

UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther

UFCW 21 Secretary Treasurer Joe Mizrahi

March 3 update for Members on Coronavirus

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UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther with PCC members Atsuko and Jeanett in Edmonds to talk about their upcoming bargain and discuss how the Novel Coronavirus outbreak is impacting members at work.

UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther with PCC members Atsuko and Jeanett in Edmonds to talk about their upcoming bargain and discuss how the Novel Coronavirus outbreak is impacting members at work.

  • We are in active communication with state and county officials to get the most up-to-date information we need to help keep members safe.

  • We have filed information requests with our health care employers to ensure they are following guidelines to keep members safe at work.

  • We are in discussions with other employers about best practices for public health and workplace safety to ensure all members are safe at work.

  • We are identifying any areas we need to demand to bargain over the impacts of this outbreak, and are making plans for long-term effects of an outbreak in our workplaces.

  • UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther visited members this morning to answer questions and discuss how the coronavirus is impacting workplaces.

Remember: utilize the leave language and health care you’ve bargained for, and contact your Shop Steward or Union Rep for any support you need to stay safe and keep your workplace safe, including if you face any discipline related to the impacts of this outbreak.

More information and resources:

UFCW 21 Update for Members on the Coronavirus Outbreak

UFCW 21 Update for Members on the Coronavirus Outbreak

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As you have likely heard in the news, there is an outbreak of respiratory disease (COVID-19) caused by a new coronavirus in several countries, including the United States. King County has some confirmed cases of this disease, including at health care facilities where UFCW 21 members work. You can find updated information about the virus at the Washington State Department of Health and the national Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If you have questions about what is happening in Washington, how the virus is spread and what to do if you have symptoms, please call the Washington State hotline at 1-800-525-0127 and press #. (This hotline can experience high traffic, so try calling back later if it is temporarily unavailable.)

If you are in King County and believe you were exposed to a confirmed case of COVID-19, or if you're a healthcare provider with questions about COVID-19, contact our novel coronavirus call center: 206-477-3977. The call center will be open daily from 8 AM to 7 PM PST.

One of the most important ways we can prevent the spread of this illness is to stay home from work if you are feeling ill. If you have any questions about your right to stay home from work, contact your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day immediately. You can look up your contract and your Union Rep here. Our office number is: 1-800-732-1188.

We are communicating the importance of following the CDC’s public-health guidelines to our employers, which include actively encouraging sick employees to stay home, being flexible with sick leave policy, educating workers about respiratory etiquette and hygiene, providing resources including tissues and hand sanitizer, and routinely cleaning the workplace.

More information is below:

  1. Basic Information about the coronavirus

  2. What to do if you feel sick

  3. What to do if you work in health care (patient care and EVS)

  4. What to do if you work with the general public (grocery, retail, pharmacy, others)

  5. Information for employers

BASIC INFORMATION:

At this time (March 2, 2020) King County says the risk of exposure is increasing for people who live in our area, though it is still relatively low. Those at elevated risk of exposure are:

  • Health care workers caring for patients with COVID-19

  • Those who have had close contact with persons with COVID-19

  • Travelers returning from affected international locations where community spread is occurring

The symptoms of COVID-19 appear to be fever, cough, and shortness of breath. The CDC has instructions for preventing the spread of this virus, which include staying home when you are sick, avoiding close contact with people who are sick; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; frequently washing your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and more basic prevention measures.

King County Department of Health has prepared a Novel Coronavirus Factsheet in multiple languages:

If you have further questions, call the state hotline at call 1-800-525-0127 and press #.

IF YOU FEEL SICK:

  • If you feel sick, especially if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath, stay home and contact your medical provider or the state Department of Health hotline, 1-800-525-0127, and press #.

  • If you are sick with COVID-19 or suspect you are infected with the virus, follow the CDC’s steps to help prevent the disease from spreading to people in your home and community.

  • Most workers in Washington are covered by the state law mandating access to paid sick days, and you may be eligible for more sick leave depending on your union contract.

  • We also have a Paid Family Medical Leave program in Washington, so there is much less need to save up sick time for chronic or extended illness or upcoming parental leave.

  • If you do not have paid sick leave left but will not be out long enough to qualify for extended leave, work with your manager and your Union Rep to stay home so you can protect yourself, your coworkers, and your community.

IF YOU WORK IN HEALTH CARE:

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has a coronavirus website with lots of updated guidance for health care workers, including EVS workers, at the CDC’s Coronavirus website. These include:

If you or a coworker are quarantined, please contact your Union Rep as soon as you can. We are talking with state offices right now about your potential access to benefits during a quarantine.

The Department of Health is reminding everyone that stigma will not help fight this illness—we do not make determinations of risk based on race, nationality, or ethnicity.

If you or a coworker need this information in another language, please contact your Union Rep.

IF YOU WORK WITH THE GENERAL PUBLIC

  • It is important that you stay home if you feel sick, especially if you experience illness with fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

  • Follow the CDC’s guidelines to prevent the spread of this illness.

  • Grocery, retail, and pharmacy workers may see or have already seen a run on supplies like hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and bottled water.

IF YOU ARE AN EMPLOYER:

The CDC is offering very clear public-health guidelines for employers during this outbreak, including:

  • Actively encouraging sick employees to stay home

  • Ensuring that your sick leave policies are flexible

  • Not requiring a doctor’s note for employees who are sick

  • Routinely cleaning all frequently touched surfaces in the workplace

  • Emphasizing good respiratory etiquette and hand hygiene and providing supplies like tissues and hand sanitizer

UFCW 21 Statement on Amazon’s Newest Cashierless Grocery Store

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February 25, 2020
Press Contact: Joe Mizrahi, jmizrahi@ufcw21.org

UFCW 21 Statement on Amazon’s Newest Cashierless Grocery Store

Our customers aren’t clamoring for more checkout robots and fewer human staff around to assist them. In fact, local union grocery PCC removed self-checkout kiosks last year because customers value their relationships with their checkers. We know this industry, like many, is changing as technology changes, but we believe workers should have a say in that change and that new tech should be focused on customer experience, not just corporate profits.

It’s too bad that Amazon continues investing vast sums in technology that is just a solution in search of a problem nobody is facing. Instead of creating overly automated stores, which are unlikely to be economically viable for simple grocery items, Amazon could choose to invest in their workers with fair wages and benefits so workers can support their families and live in our community.

Grocery store workers in our region have fought hard to set high standards in our industry, including the right to bargain over our wages and working conditions. Union grocery store workers here have affordable family health care, a secure pension in retirement, and a voice on the job. We invest in our communities and we’re committed to our customers. And we know our community values good jobs all the way through the food chain. Amazon, on the other hand, is most notorious in the industry for unilaterally slashing health benefits for thousands of Whole Foods workers last year and having their workplaces constantly compared to dystopian science fiction.

UFCW 21 is working to build a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. We represent over 46,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, cannabis, and other industries in Washington State. When workers are ready to form a union, give UFCW 21 a call.

UFCW Statement on USMCA

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December 18, 2019

UFCW Statement on USMCA Trade Deal Ahead of Vote in Congress

America’s Largest Private Sector Union Welcomes Improved Labor Standards in Deal, But Condemns Failure to Strengthen Food Safety and U.S. Food Industry Jobs

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) President Marc Perrone released the following statement on the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) ahead of the vote in the U.S. House of Representatives: 

“This new trade deal makes important improvements to the original NAFTA, including improving the enforcement of labor standards; requiring the inspection of Mexican factories; and closing loopholes that have made it hard to prosecute labor violations.

“However, UFCW is extremely disappointed that the agreement fails to require strong country-of-origin labeling needed to strengthen food safety and invest in the millions of American jobs that produce our food. Consumers have a right to know where their food is from, whether it’s safe, and if it’s produced by American workers. Without strong country-of-origin labeling, consumers will be kept in the dark and America’s food workers will continue to face unfair competition from foreign companies not playing by the same rules.

“No single trade deal is enough to fix an economy that’s not working for millions of Americans. Our members will continue to call on Congress and the White House to put hardworking families first by pushing for strong country-of-origin labeling for food and passing legislation like the Protecting the Right to Organize (PRO Act) that strengthen protections for all workers.”

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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries.

Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at www.ufcw.org

New Leadership elected at UFCW 21

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New Leadership elected at UFCW 21

An experienced leadership team. Our top leadership team of the union has over 80 years of combined experience with our union. Under their leadership, we have won and enforced some of the strongest contracts in the nation, partnered in community and with elected officials to improve lives for our members and others in our state. Our next challenge is to fully develop a new generation of leadership at each and every workplace. And we are well on our way – with now over 1,500 trained workplace leaders and on target to hit our goal of 2,000 by the end of the year. A strong union is about having racial, economic, and social justice, and we need thousands of workplace leaders to make that happen.

Read More

Congratulations to our 2019 UFCW 21 Scholarship recipients!

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Scholarship Winners

Four-Year Scholarship of $4,000/year for 4 years - Laci Bowhay

Marilyn Savage, RN Memorial Scholarship: $3,000 - Brandon J LeGore

Health Care Profession Scholarship: $3,000 - Jennifer McMahon

Health Care Profession Scholarship: $3,000 - Danielle Macdonald

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Emily Marie Drozynski

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Melissa Resendiz Rivas

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Mawil Espino

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Hayley Nebel

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Chayton Fisk

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Simeon Barker

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Cindy Lao

Full-time Student Scholarship: $2,000 - Nibesh Mali

Summer Newsletter Articles
2019 0513 Member Stories Grocery Store Workers Breaks Action.jpg
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS - Members Take Their Breaks
2019 0726 Member Stories Brenda Eaden Macys Furnature Gallery.jpg
STEWARDS ARE KEY -Strong Leaders Create Change
2019 0726 Member Stories Dan Hodge Port Orchard Albertsons.jpg
UNIONS MAKE IT BETTER- It pays to know your contract
The Future Of Work
The Future Of Work
Summer 2019 General Membership Meeting
Summer 2019 General Membership Meeting
New Leadership elected at UFCW 21
New Leadership elected at UFCW 21
Congratulations to our 2019 UFCW 21 Scholarship recipients!
Congratulations to our 2019 UFCW 21 Scholarship recipients!
2019 Group Victory.JPG
Workplace and patient safety, breaks & overtime protection bill #SHB1155 PASSED by wide margins

Workplace and patient safety, breaks & overtime protection bill #SHB1155 PASSED by wide margins

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2019 Group Victory.JPG

After thousands of health care workers spoke up for workplace and patient safety, breaks & overtime protection bill #SHB1155 PASSED by wide margins in both the Senate and the House today! And thanks to the advocacy of our members and members of SEIU Healthcare 1199NW and Washington State Nurses Association, this version of the bill removed two bad amendments, so it will cover all hospitals and all nursing & technical staff and it won’t limit shifts to 8 hours.

Our members and allies rallied down in Olympia today to hold lawmakers accountable and were able to watch the final passage of this bill. Thank you to everyone who spoke up for this historic legislation! #BreaksAreALifesaver#UnionStrong #WAleg

Summer Newsletter Articles
2019 0513 Member Stories Grocery Store Workers Breaks Action.jpg
PROTECTING OUR RIGHTS - Members Take Their Breaks
2019 0726 Member Stories Brenda Eaden Macys Furnature Gallery.jpg
STEWARDS ARE KEY -Strong Leaders Create Change
2019 0726 Member Stories Dan Hodge Port Orchard Albertsons.jpg
UNIONS MAKE IT BETTER- It pays to know your contract
The Future Of Work
The Future Of Work
Summer 2019 General Membership Meeting
Summer 2019 General Membership Meeting
New Leadership elected at UFCW 21
New Leadership elected at UFCW 21
Congratulations to our 2019 UFCW 21 Scholarship recipients!
Congratulations to our 2019 UFCW 21 Scholarship recipients!
2019 Group Victory.JPG
Workplace and patient safety, breaks & overtime protection bill #SHB1155 PASSED by wide margins

Grocery Store Bargain: Telephone Town Halls Connect With Thousands of Members

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2019 0227 - Update Logo.jpg

If you weren’t able to join the Telephone Town Hall on Tuesday 3.12.19 about the Grocery Store Workers Contract Negotiations, you can listen to the recording of the live call to find out about what happened the 1st day of bargaining, what’s happening around the country with other UFCW grocery store negotiations, and hear about Secure Scheduling effort and much more. The call was a live call with members asking their questions and getting immediate answers.

UFCW 21 Legislative Agenda

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2019 0107 - Leg Agenda FINAL-1.jpg

The 2019 legislative session begins on January 14 in Olympia and our lawmakers will once again face important decisions that affect our workplaces. In order to make progress on our priority issues this year, our elected leaders need to hear from us, hear our stories, and hear why these issues matter to us.

As the legislative session continues we will keep you updated on how we plan to keep up the pressure in order to make progress on these issues.

Workers across Washington are standing up for safer working conditions, fair wages, healthier workplaces, and the right to organize. In contract bargains, at the ballot box, and in cities across the state, workers are winning. It is time that state law makers put the needs of Washington workers above corporate greed. We believe that when workers are respected for their labor with fair wages, benefits and working conditions, those workers and the people they serve are all better off. With action by the 2019 legislature, we can make progress to achieving this.