Count Every Vote - And Make Sure Your Vote Counts

As a member-led union, one of our core values is that every voice and every vote counts. 

We believe everyone should be able to participate in decision-making about the things that affect us. We believe in that principle in our union, where workers vote to approve their contracts and elect the leadership of the union, and we believe in that principle in our local and national elections. Here in Washington State, our members have long been part of the movement to make sure as many Washingtonians as possible can vote in every election, with statewide vote-by-mail, pre-registration for our youth, and other policies that empower people to participate in the democratic process. 

Members of UFCW 21 have worked tirelessly during the 2020 election to interview local candidates for office and understand where they stand on the issues working people care about, to call and text each other to make voting plans, to coordinate with our international union to help UFCW members in other states and other working people exercise their right to participate in the election, and now to contact each other to make sure any issues causing our ballots to be held up are addressed so we can be counted. 

We encourage everyone in Washington to check on the status of your ballot at VoteWA.gov so you can be sure your vote has been counted and address any issues if it hasn’t. We will be organizing with the labor movement and trusted community partners to ensure that any attacks on the integrity of our national election are addressed. 

We are the largest private-sector union in Washington State, more than 46,000 members strong, and we are a diverse union. But regardless of where we live, who we vote for, what industry we work in, we stand for the bedrock belief that every vote must be counted, and every voice must be heard. 

State Hazard Alert for Preventing Spread of COVID-19 in Healthcare Settings

UFCW 21 members at CHI’s Harrison/St Michael Medical Center faced an outbreak at their hospital in August 2020, and after management did not address health care workers’ safety, members pushed back and stood up for a safer workplace for themselves and their patients. Their advocacy led the state’s Department of Labor & Industries and Department of Health to issue a special document called a Joint Hazard Alert, which addresses a special workplace issue brought to these departments’ attention.

The September 2020 Joint Hazard Alert specifies requirements of health care employers to keep workers and patients safe as we deal with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

Employers must meet the requirements outlined in this alert, and can be held accountable to these standards by complaints filed with the state’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (DOSH). If your employer is not meeting these standards in any area, you should contact your Union Rep immediately or submit a safety report at safetyreport@ufcw21.org to get help filing a report.

The Hazard Alert covers specific safety requirements such as:

• “Disposable respirators and procedural masks must be replaced daily at the beginning of each shift for every employee and immediately upon employee request when soiled or damaged during the shift. Multiple shift use of disposable respirators/masks is NOT allowed.”

• “Hospitals must develop and implement an effective system to track N95/PAPR/CAPR training and testing that ensures every employee is supplied with appropriate respiratory protection.”

• “Staff must be provided a safe place to don and doff PPE prior to entering spaces where facemasks must be removed for eating and drinking. Staff should don a new facemask prior to returning to the unit.”

• “Provide adequate space and procedures for staff to physically distance at a minimum of six feet in break rooms, nurse stations, cafeteria and other places where staff congregate”

• “Prohibit staff from working or being on the premises if exposed to COVID-19, and all staff who test positive must be excluded from work and isolated according to CDC guidelines”

There are many more specifics in the Hazard Alert. Be sure to read the entire document to understand your rights to a safe workplace during COVID-19.

Again, if your employer is not meeting these standards in any area, you should contact your Union Rep immediately or submit a safety report at safetyreport@ufcw21.org to get help filing a report.

Telephone Town Hall Calls Monday, October 26

UFCW 21 Members Telephone Town Hall:
Monday, October 26 at 5:30 PM 

We’ll call you between 5:30 and 5:40 PM on Monday, but if you miss the call or don’t receive one, call in directly at  877-365-5237 and entering meeting ID: 5413

You’ll join other UFCW 21 members in retail, independent grocery, meat processing, cannabis, laundries, and other industries. We’ll be discussing COVID safety, what our union is doing to deal with the impacts to our workplaces, and any questions members have. All you have to do is pick up the phone when it rings between 5:30-5:40pm on Monday, or if you don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number and Meeting ID above. 

Allied Grocery Store Workers Telephone Town Hall:
Monday, October 26 at 6:30 PM 

We’ll call you between 6:30 and 6:40 PM on Monday, but if you miss the call or don’t receive one, call in directly at  888-652-0383 and entering meeting ID: 5365

You’ll join other UFCW 21 members working in grocery stores to discuss our contract and the campaign for an even stronger contract in 2022. We know our employers and the public are more aware than ever of the importance of our work, and we need to start building toward a powerful contract campaign. We’ll also be answering member questions on COVID safety and other subjects. All you have to do is pick up the phone when it rings between 6:30-6:40pm on Monday, or if you don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number and Meeting ID above.  Make sure you make your priorities heard, fill out the 2022 Bargaining Priorities Survey HERE.

Health Care Members UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall:
Monday, October 26 at 7:30 PM 

We’ll call you between 7:30 and 7:40 PM on Monday, but if you miss the call or don’t receive one, call in directly at 844-227-7561 and enter meeting ID 5067. 

You’ll join other UFCW 21 members working in health care and dental workplaces to discuss our safety at work during a potential fall surge and flu season. Members have begun fighting back against management missteps during COVID outbreaks in hospitals, and we’re learning how to push for changes in a way that impacts everyone in health care. To join the call, all you have to do is pick up the phone when it rings between 7:30-7:40pm on Monday, or if you don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number and Meeting ID above. 

Want a UFCW 21 “I Voted!” sticker? Tell your Rep and we’ll send you one!

2020 NATIONAL AND LOCAL ELECTION TUESDAY, NOV. 3  

If your Washington State voter registration is up to date, you should have received your ballot in the mail by now. If you haven’t registered, the deadline to register online is Monday, October 26, and you can register in person at your county elections office all the way up until Election Day, November 3.  

Ballots are due in ballot dropboxes or voting centers by 8pm on Election Day, or mailed (free, no stamp required) and postmarked on or before Election Day. This year it’s a good idea to vote as early as you can to avoid mail delays and prevent crowds and lines at ballot boxes on Election Day. 

As union members, we know how important it is to make our voices heard and vote. This year in Washington State, there are many UFCW and other union members (and former members) running for office. We have a real chance to elect nurses, teachers, firefighters, and other working people into leadership. 

• Find our UFCW 21 member endorsements and see how many of our candidates are union members at UFCW21.org/endorsements. 

• Find links to register to vote, check the status of your ballot, figure out where to drop off your ballot, and get questions about voting answered at UFCW21.org/elections. 

Grocery Store Workers and Community Leaders Condemn Fred Meyer and QFC Ban on Black Lives Matter Insignia

For Immediate release: Tuesday, September 22, 2020 
Contact:  Tom Geiger, UFCW 21, 206-604-3421

Grocery Store Workers and Community Leaders Condemn Fred Meyer and QFC Ban on Black Lives Matter Insignia 

Puget Sound-area retail and grocery store workers, with the full backing of their union (UFCW 21), launched a campaign today calling on Kroger-owned Fred Meyer and QFC to reverse the companies’ ban on employees wearing Black Lives Matter buttons at work. 

Over recent weeks, management has begun ordering workers to remove “Black Lives Matter” buttons distributed by the UFCW 21. 

UFCW 21, the union which represents over 13,000 workers at Puget Sound-area Fred Meyer and QFC stores, says the ban violates workers’ rights under the companies’ union contracts and federal labor law. 

This morning, after weeks of attempts to resolve the problem internally, UFCW 21 filed formal grievances with the companies, as well as an unfair labor practice charge under federal labor law.  

UFCW 21 and community leaders are also calling on supporters to sign an online petition to the companies (see: tinyurl.com/BLMatKroger). 

Everett Fred Meyer worker Shawntia Cunningham, who is Black, explained why she is fighting for her right to wear the button: “I get pulled over by cops for having a nice car to the point that my husband, who is white, has to drive so I can just feel safe. I have been called the ‘N’ word by customers at my store a few times. I need this company to respect us as human beings and to respect our rights as workers. I need Fred Meyer and QFC and all Kroger to see that Black lives really do matter.” 

UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther said: “Systemic racism is real and it negatively impacts thousands of our members on the job and in the community. We are proud of our members who are standing up to say ‘Black Lives Matter’ and we will support their right to do so with every tool available to us.” 

The campaign is drawing support from area labor and civil rights leaders. Gabriel Prawl, Sr., A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) Seattle Chapter President, today called on Fred Meyer and QFC to reconsider the ban on Black Lives Matter and meet with Black workers and community leaders to address “ongoing racist issues in the retail environment.” 

April Sims, Secretary Treasurer of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO offered full support: “Solidarity among working people is the foundation of the labor movement, and these workers are living that commitment by wearing Black Lives Matter buttons. These brave workers are backed by the 550,000-person strong labor movement of Washington state, and we call on these companies to reverse their decision to prioritize the feelings of racists over the humanity of their Black and Brown employees and customers.” 

September 14 Telephone Town Hall Call with Governor Inslee

Join us for a live telephone town hall call with members from every industry this Monday, September 14, at 6:30 pm. Union leadership will be joined by bargainers and union Reps to help answer questions from Members around workplace safety. Governor Jay Inslee will also join us at the beginning of the call to discuss issues that affect working people, safety concerns, and the State’s response to the COVID pandemic.

Expect a call between 6:30-6:40 to automatically join this call. If your phone number is not up to date with the union or you do not receive the call you can join by dialing 888-652-0381 and using the meeting ID: 5265

Wildfire Information for Workers

People across the West Coast are being forced to flee their homes due to encroaching wildfires. We have begun receiving requests from UFCW locals and other unions for any help and support we can offer, and we know UFCW 21 members may need support like this as well. Evacuating safely is a life or death issue. While respecting the risks of traveling and congregating during the COVID pandemic, we would like to offer whatever support or emergency shelter we can to our union family and any emergency evacuees. Mutual aid is a part of standing together in solidarity.

If you would be willing to host a person or family evacuating a wildfire area, whether in your home or outdoor area (parking space for an RV, space in your yard for a pet or farm animal), please fill out the form below to offer up your space.

If you are expecting to be evacuated and looking for a place to stay, whether you need a couch to sleep on, a place to park an RV, or you are evacuating pets and/or farm animals, fill out the short form below and we will be in touch with you if we can match you with someone offering shelter.

---

OTHER SMOKE AND FIRE INFORMATION

If your workplace is closed due to smoke or wildfire:

• Please contact your Union Rep or the Rep of the Day line so they know about the situation and can help problem-solve.

• If appropriate, your employer should allow you to pick up hours at another work location that is safe. If management refuses to make this option available to you, contact your Union Rep for assistance with negotiating a good arrangement.

SMOKE:

• Washington State Air Quality Map

• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency wildfire smoke information

• Q&A on Wildfire Smoke from the WA Dept. of Health

• How to Keep Indoor Air Clean on Smoky Days from King County Public Health Dept.

WILDFIRE:

• Washington State Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Wildfire Information Page

From the DNR:

“Local emergency management offices, such as sheriff departments or local fire districts, order and communicate evacuations when needed and other emergency activities outside of the work to combat wildfire. If you find yourself in a wildfire emergency, always follow the directions of public safety personnel. In an evacuation, use the "P's of Preparedness" to focus your efforts.”

• How to Prepare for a Wildfire from Ready.gov, including the “5 Ps” to consider when preparing to evacuate:

• PEOPLE: People and, if safely possible, pets and other animals/ livestock

• PERSONAL NEEDS: Personal needs—such as clothes, food, water, first aid kit, cash, phones, and chargers— and items for people with disabilities and others with access and/or functional needs, such as older adults, children, and those with Limited English Proficiency

• PRICELESS ITEMS: Priceless items, including pictures, irreplaceable mementos, and other valuables

• PRESCRIPTIONS: Prescriptions, with dosages; medicines; medical equipment; batteries or power cords; eyeglasses; and hearing aids

• PAPERS: Papers, including important documents (hard copies and/or electronic copies saved on external hard drives or portable thumb drives)

Updates on August COVID-19 Outbreak for CHI Harrison / St Michael Members

UFCW 21 has been tracking the COVID-19 outbreak at CHI Harrison/St Michael very closely. The hospital says they learned of the first case and notified Kitsap County Health Department on August 4. The outbreak was not made public until August 21.

This week we had an emergency online meeting with hospital workers to discuss the outbreak, our demands from CHI, and our next steps. We talked in the meeting about a way for workers to report our experiences before and during this outbreak, and there was a lot of interest in a meeting with state officials to report issues directly to relevant agencies.

LISTENING SESSION WITH STATE HEALTH & LABOR OFFICIALS & GOVERNORS OFFICE

MONDAY AUGUST 31

7:30 PM

ONLINE MEETING

We immediately scheduled a listening session meeting with top officials at all relevant state agencies. This is an online meeting over Zoom and all Harrison/St Michael workers are invited. We will be joined by officials from:

• WA State Dept. of Health

• Kitsap County Public Health

• Labor & Industries

• Office of the Governor

You will have a chance in this meeting to ask questions, report safety concerns, and let them know what is really happening on the ground. These agencies want to hear from you about your experiences and what you need. Please register as soon as possible, and share this important opportunity with your coworkers.

---

We also created a COVID outbreak safety survey and reporting tool. Members said they would appreciate a place to share experience with testing, exposure, notification, safety protocols, PPE, and other issues surrounding this outbreak. That survey is here:

We encourage all Harrison/St Michael workers to spend 5 - 10 minutes this week to go through these questions and help us track as much information as possible about this outbreak and your safety. There is an option to upload pictures or documents in that survey as well, and a place you can request support if you are in quarantine and would like to be connected to any union or community support. Other members and our community across Kitsap is reaching out to ask how they can help support you at this time.

---

NOTES FROM OUR EMERGENCY MEETING

Our current demands for CHI:

• Rapid testing for all workers

• Complying with our existing agreement for 8-hour notification of any exposure

• Paid administrative leave during the full length of any quarantine and while waiting for test results

• Adequate PPE for all workers

• Maintaining safe staffing levels even during this outbreak

• Hazard pay

Existing right to paid leave: The first piece of our existing agreement with CHI says:

“A nurse or healthcare worker who the Employer does not permit to work due to exposure to Covid-19 disease while at work shall be placed in paid leave status during any required quarantine period. Paid leave status may be a combination of L&I Workers Compensation and employer paid administrative leave. The combination of which will ensure the employee will experience no loss of pay or accrued time off until such time as the Employer permits the employee to return to work. An employer representative will be available to assist employee with coordination of federal, state and employer benefits as may be applicable.”

The state has ruled that there is an automatic presumption that if a health care worker acquires COVID, it was acquired at work and you are eligible for workers comp. If you have any questions or issues with paid leave during this time, please contact your Union Rep as soon as possible.

Community support: Fellow UFCW 21 members and the larger Kitsap community are springing into action and asking what they can do to help, especially for workers who are in quarantine. We will be organizing whatever support workers need, be it meals, wellness checks, financial support, or anything else, and encourage all Harrison/St Michael workers to contact your Union Rep for whatever you or coworkers need so we can connect you with your community support.

​Union actions: We are planning for public actions that are safe but can put pressure on Harrison/St Michael management to meet our demands, keep workers and patients safe, and prevent the next outbreak crisis. We will be updating everyone as these plans solidify, but if you are interested in participating or have ideas for safe actions that make a point, please connect with your Shop Steward or Union Rep.

Ongoing safety issues: We received many helpful and specific reports of safety issues and workplace concerns during the emergency meeting. We will be addressing these individually and collectively in the coming days. Examples of issues discussed include: the safety of floating right now; worries about the upcoming flu season; inadequate PPE supplies, training, and fit-testing; short staffing in many departments including EVS; nurses being asked to clean COVID rooms; special issues facing procedural care staff, cath lab, and high-risk workers; problems with testing and notification; concern around new CDC guidelines; and much more.

As always, we encourage you to report safety concerns to your Union Rep, or to use our COVID safety report email:

safetyreport@ufcw21.org

---

PRESS COVERAGE OF HARRISON/ST MICHAEL WORKERS SPEAKING OUT

On Tuesday August 25, we held a press conference responding to CHI’s public statements that they are handling this outbreak as well as possible, that they notified everyone involved in a timely way, and that their PPE supplies now and throughout the COVID pandemic have been totally adequate.

You can watch the full press conference at this link

And find some of the press coverage below:

• KING 5: Hospital staff at St. Michael in Bremerton release list of demands after COVID-19 outbreak

• Kitsap Sun: ‘I’m surprised it took this long’: Hospital workers fault St. Michael leaders over handling of COVID-19 outbreak

• KUOW radio: Workers at Bremerton hospital say they are not being protected

• Seattle Times: Bremerton hospital’s union asking for more to be done to control COVID-19 outbreak

• KOMO News: Bremerton hospital workers speak out after COVID-19 outbreak

• Spokesman-Review: COVID outbreak at Bremerton hospital worries workers

National Week of Action for Hazard Pay for Essential Workers

When the COVID-19 outbreak hit, our members across industries felt it immediately—especially in frontline industries like health care and grocery stores.

We continue to believe that all essential workers deserve hazard pay during this pandemic.

UFCW has been advocating for employer-paid hazard pay as well as federal support for essential workers throughout this pandemic. Hazard pay is intended to compensate people for hazardous work duties, and all essential workers have had elevated risk added to their work lives during this crisis. We also believe many workers have new job duties related to sanitizing, infection control, protective equipment, chemical use, and handling ever-evolving public health recommendations and government mandates that change nearly everything we do. These new duties and the reminder of the centrality of our work deserves recognition that goes well beyond thank-you commercials.

After workers spoke up about what we were facing on the job and started organizing for hazard pay, many grocery employers started paying it in various forms, most commonly $2/hour in extra wages. “We recognize that this crisis is far from over,” Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen wrote to workers in mid-April. “After reflecting on feedback from you, we want to further acknowledge you for your hard work to date as well as the work yet to come.” But by mid-May, Kroger had cut hazard pay, and in mid-June Safeway/Albertsons followed suit. Other smaller local chains have ended hazard pay or never started it in the first place. And health care workers facing daily exposure to COVID patients have been demanding hazard pay from early on in this once-in-a-century pandemic, with very little action from health care employers.

We know this crisis is still far from over. This summer we’ve started giving employers more of the kind of “feedback” that really moves corporate offices—union grievances, public pressure, and essential workers and our community coming together to say enough is enough.

---

NATIONAL WEEK OF ACTION FOR HAZARD PAY

UFCW essential workers across the country are taking action next week to stand up for hazard pay. You can participate in this week of action!

Below, click the button to record a video message explaining why hazard pay is important to you, and what it’s like working through a pandemic. Whether it’s cracked skin and repetitive stress injuries from constant sanitizing and disinfecting, working in health care without adequate PPE, or representing an industry that hasn’t been in the news as much but is still essential—laundries, food processing, cannabis, retail, etc! Why do we need hazard pay? Let’s tell the public:

If you’d like to participate further in the national week of action for hazard pay, contact your Union Rep.

---

HAZARD PAY GRIEVANCES FILED

In July, UFCW 21 filed grievances over Fred Meyer, QFC, Albertsons, Safeway, Haggen, and PCC’s cutting of our hazard pay. Here’s an excerpt of what we said in our grievance:

As you know, the Employer paid Hazard or Appreciation pay to bargaining unit employees for at least two reasons. First, it recognized Local 21 members have been working in the stores under constant threat of exposure to the deadly COVID-19 virus. Second, the Employer relies on Local 21 members to perform additional and/or different job functions to allow customers to continue shopping uninterrupted during pandemic conditions.

Both conditions mentioned above continue to persist today. Nevertheless, the Employer unilaterally decided to eliminate or modify the Hazard/Appreciation pay. In doing so, Local 21 believes the Employer has violated numerous terms of the parties' labor agreements, including, but not limited to the Recognition, Wage classification provisions and Appendices, and Just Cause.

In the coming weeks there will be plenty of opportunities to support this grievance and take action to show employers that we are all paying close attention to their next steps and we are not taking no for an answer.

Press Advisory: St Michael's Medical Center Workers and Their Union to Speak Out

Press Advisory

Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421
For Immediate Release: Monday, August 24

Press Conference Tuesday at Noon Regarding St Michael’s Outbreak

After announced outbreak of COVID cases among staff and patients, St Michael’s Medical Center workers and their union (UFCW 21) are outraged, but no longer surprised by ongoing problems at the Hospital. St Michael’s Medical Center is formerly known as Harrison Hospital and is located in Bremerton, WA.

WHAT: Staff and members of UFCW 21 plan to hold a Zoom Press Conference to communicate the magnitude of the problems at St Michael’s – both how widespread the concerns are and how long the workers have been raising the alarm. Workers and their union will present a list of demands to the WA Department of Health and Kitsap County Public Health.

ZOOM MEETING:

Direct join link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86353217505
Webinar ID: 863 5321 7505
Dial-in #: (253) 215 8782

WHEN: Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at 12 PM, NOON

WHO:   UFCW 21 President and staff will be joined by hospital workers who will share their experiences regarding the problems that have been going on at the hospital for months. These individuals will make brief prepared statements including information about their efforts over each and every month since March to raise concerns and the hospital’s failed response. We will be available to answer questions live during the ZOOM call.

Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

July 26, 2020 is the 30th anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). The history of the ADA is one of people stepping up to fight for their rights, speak out about what they need, and stand together for change, and we are honored to celebrate this milestone in workers’ rights. As the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission put it:

The ADA story began years before its enactment, when people with disabilities and their allies began opposing unfair barriers that kept people with disabilities excluded from vast swaths of life, including joining and thriving in America’s workforce. This movement brought existing inequalities to the attention of those in all levels of government, the press, and the American people.

The ADA continued protections for people beyond what was fought for and won in the 1964 Civil Rights Act, which protects workers from employment discrimination based on race, sex, color, religion or national origin. Bold leaders in the disability rights movement have added to the quality of life not just for people with disabilities, but for all workers. We hope to continue this legacy, now more than ever.

Hear from UFCW 21 member Shayla, a Medical Assistant at Skagit Valley Hospital, about workplace accommodations under the ADA:

I’m a proud UFCW 21 member, and I have Autism Spectrum Disorder. I was diagnosed 7 years ago by the University of Washington Autism Center. I think there’s a lot more people on the spectrum than most people realize, and people being diagnosed later in life don’t always know that accommodations are available.

I’ve utilized ADA accommodations in the workplace. I’m pretty high-functioning, but there are some things that I really did need. I’m really sensitive to sound and visual distraction—people that have autism, it’s almost like we have weird superpowers. I’ve exercised my rights to request quieter working conditions, noise-canceling headphones, moving my desk, getting a shade over a light that was triggering migraines.

I have a different learning style. But I have to work, and I try to make things really clear when I hire on. I’m able to get accommodations when I request them, but I’ve really had to fight at multiple employers to get what I need. I think it took me 25 emails one time to actually get that shade over my light, and I ended up buying my own headphones. I’ve experienced discrimination. I think a lot of employers don’t want to have to do this stuff.

I think what the ADA accomplished was great, but I wish it was even stronger. Pushing for even better education and enforcement of the ADA would be tremendous. We need to get out there and let people know that accommodations for disabilities are a resource that we are legally entitled to in the workplace, and we should not be afraid or discriminated against for asking for accommodations.

My advice to workers with disabilities is: Don’t give up! Stand firm. It’s the law. It is our basic right in the workplace to get the accommodations we need.

---

This video from Disability Rights Washington is a great introduction to what accommodations at work can look like for people with disabilities, and how to get reasonable accommodations in your workplace. They don’t mention it in the video, but we encourage you to talk to your Union Rep for help at any point in this process—requesting, negotiating, or filing a claim.

---

Ways to Celebrate this Anniversary of the ADA

Shaila Jackson at the “capitol crawl” in 1990, photo by tim olin

• Check out ADA 30 In Color from the Disability Visibility Project, a series of original essays on the past, present, and future of disability rights and justice by disabled BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) writers, and attend the #ADAInColor online event (7/26 4pm PT)

• Watch the Seattle Channel’s special programming: Celebrate the 30th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act

• Watch the show Vote for Access, which asks the question: “If people with disabilities voted at the same rate as non-disabled voters, 2 million more votes would be cast. What is getting in the way of disabled voters exercising their rights?”

• Learn best practices for Digital Accessibility from local organization Rooted in Rights — we’re working on implementing these in our own digital communications!

• Read The ADA at 30 from New Mobility magazine, including the history of the “Captiol Crawl” action (pictured left)

• Follow the hashtags #ADA30, #ThanksToTheADA, and #ADA30InColor on social media

2020 scholarship recipients

Congratulations to our 2020 UFCW 21 Scholarship Recipients!

Four-Year Scholarship ($4,000/yr, 4 years)

Alyssa Thilmony

UFCW 21 Member, Sacred Heart Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I recently sent in my Nursing School application, so my plan is to finish my Associates in Nursing, and continue my education to get my Bachelors in Nursing.

What's your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal would be a Psych Nurse Practitioner.

What does the union mean to you?

The job I have now is my first job with a union, and I think they're amazing. I've been a union member for 5 years now and I got to witness the full force of the union last year when we were negotiating the new contract for the hospital. Many stewards spent countless hours at the negotiation table to fight for their members to get a fair contract, and were successful. To me when I was first hired I was a little skeptical about unions as I had never been apart of one, but after having been a member I see the immense value unions have for not only their members, but also to the facilities their members work for.

First in Family  

Jeanett Quintanilla Herrera

UFCW 21 Member, PCC Edmonds

What do you plan to study?

I am a foreign attorney from Peru, and I am planning to study my master’s in law at the University of Washington. This university has various master’s in law, so I decided to study the Sustainable International Development, LLM.

This program will prepare me to help the world recover from the global pandemic, which threatens the stability of economies worldwide and the livelihoods of people across the planet. In addition, this program is focused on key subjects in the area of law and policy that will help the private sector, government institutions, and civil society, to achieve responsible sustainable growth in the face of challenges to global health, food security, the environment and global trade and supply chains.

What's your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is getting my license as a lawyer in Washington state, and represent workers. I would love fight for the rights, hazard pay, and equal opportunity for essential workers, and immigrants in our state. Also, I would like to be representative of the Washington state Legislature, and then represent WA state in the congress.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe that the union play a very important role in our society because labor union represents the collective interest of workers, bargaining with employers over such concerns as wages, hazard pay, and working conditions. The role that the union plays right now in this pandemic is very important because we are in a global pandemic and we need a strong union. I also believe that all the industries work needs to collaborate with our union and be part of them. The idea is not just be a member, so the idea is be activist, and speak up for our rights with no fears.

First in Family

Rosa Conejo

UFCW 21 Member, Monica Sauno Mascote, Draper Valley Farms

What do you plan to study?

I’m currently trying to get my Associates in Pre-Nursing 

What's your ultimate career goal?

After receiving my Associates in Pre-Nursing I plan on transferring to a University to get my Bachelors in Science of Nursing. I eventually want to become an Oncology Nurse. At some point in my nursing career I want to be a travel nurse. I think that would be really fun. 

What does the union mean to you?

What I know about Unions is that they are the voice of the workers for a better working environment or getting them a better wage. I feel like they are an amazing group of people that are able to stand up for what’s right and what they believe their workers deserve. Without them the workers would not be able to fight for better wages or even better working conditions. They are with the people who are sometimes too scared to stand up to their superiors because they think they’ll put their job at risk. They’re like the light at the end of the tunnel. If a member needs help or feels something needs to be fixed the union is the voice of the people to keep on fighting to work in the best conditions.

Health Care ($3,000)

Marcellis Dodson-Smith

UFCW 21 Member,
MultiCare Auburn Medical Center

Health Care

Hannah Little

UFCW 21 Member, Connie Little, Olympic Medical Home Health

What do you plan to study?

I am currently studying to become a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine at Pacific Northwest University of Health Sciences in Yakima.

What's your ultimate career goal?

I want to become a family practice physician or pediatrician for a rural community in the Pacific Northwest.

What does the union mean to you?

Unions were founded to protect workers in their workplaces and lives: fighting for safe conditions, establishing the 9-5 work week, and introducing fair compensation. Unions continue to fight for workers in these ways and many more today. They represent solidarity of the workforce, and ensure fair treatment and living for work. People like my mother are able to focus on their work without worrying about working conditions, and know that she and her fellow workers can advocate for change when needed.

Full-Time Student ($2,000)

Keith Wilwert

UFCW 21 Member, Tracy Wilwert, Olympic Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I think it would be awesome to be an automotive engineer. That's kind of my goal.

What does the union mean to you?

As the son of a longtime Union member, Keith been aware of unions but didn’t know much about how they operate. “I know I learned about unions during U.S. history classes. I know that they're to protect workers from being fired for dumb reasons.”

Full-Time Student

Ishmael Togi

UFCW 21 Member, Lesa'o Togi
Fred Meyer #28 - Burien

What do you plan to study?

Multimedia, but probably business administration.

What does the union mean to you?

Ishmael mom has worked at Fred Meyer for about 20 years. She's the one who let him know about the scholarship opportunities. "They help our fight for the worker's rights."

Full-Time Student

Soleil Wieland

UFCW 21 Member, QFC #822 - Factoria

What do you plan to study?

At first, my plan was to study Mechanical Engineering. However, as I continued taking classes, I realized that it is really not my passion. I decided to change majors to Math and add an English minor. So now I am majoring in Math and double minoring in English and Mechanical Engineering. I feel so happy with what I am studying!

What’s your ultimate career goal?

I want to be an Algebra teacher. Algebra is my favorite part of Math, so I would love to teach it. Additionally, my Mom is a teacher and I have always admired how passionate she is about teaching and I feel really connected to that passion. I also had a great Algebra teacher; she made the subject fun and easy to understand, and I hope to be able to do that as well.

What does the union mean to you?

I have been a part of the union since I started working at QFC in 2015. I have always appreciated that the union has stood for ensuring that their members are treated fairly. This has been abundantly clear during these difficult times. The union has fought to not only to ensure that we have the protective equipment we need to do our jobs safely, but also to ensure that we have continued to receive additional compensation for the risks we take every day going to work. I am so grateful that the union never stops protecting its members and that I am a part of it!

Full-Time Student

Robin Grant

UFCW 21 Member, Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center

What do you plan to study?

I am working towards my Bachelors Degree in Elementary Education

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My goal is to teach 1st grade, but I will be happy with any grade.

What does the union mean to you?

I have been a part of UFCW 21 for 19 yers, since I worked for Labcorp in Seattle in 2001, and 2003-present at Sacred Heart MC. Since being a part of the union, I have received steady raises and support. In recent years, Providence has tried to make many changes to our benefits, the Union has stepped in and made sure we get the best possible.

Full-Time Student

Nicholas Subocz

UFCW 21 Member,
QFC #827 – Holman Rd

What do you plan to study?

I plan to study public policy and public administration, and in the future I will perhaps pursue law school. I already have a declared major, titled Law, Economics, and Public Policy (LEPP).

What’s your ultimate career goal?

In the future I wish to be on the senate or house floor debating among future (and perhaps current) congressmen and congresswomen, and working with the people of my state that I grew up in to pursue a better future for America. My ultimate career goal would be to have done everything in my ability to have helped the American people, especially the working class.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe unions are a symbol of the solidarity of the working class against the larger corporate forces. I know that unions offer services and protection for workers across the country, offering rights and representation for laborers who would otherwise be under the thumb of the large companies they work for. One example might be being unrightfully terminated or receiving a sudden massive cut in hours, especially when the employee in question has been working there for over a decade. I know that if I or my father are brought into the manager’s office, I could ask to have a union representative represent me instead if I feel they are going to ask questions that may result in my termination.

Full-Time Student

Troy Schmidt

UFCW 21 Member, Laura Schmidt
Safeway #1472 – Mt Vernon

What do you plan to study?

I will be studying Instrumentation and Control Technology from Bellingham Technical College beginning in the fall. This is a program that covers calibration, maintenance, problem solving, etc. of different electrical tools, software, and systems at industrial type facilities (power plants, refineries, etc.). In short, it is a cross between engineer and electrician.

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to complete this program in Bellingham, and then apply my knowledge by receiving a job in that field. By achieving this goal, I hope to be able to start and provide for a family as well as still live the lifestyle I choose and partake in activities I enjoy. I want to be the best and most successful person I can be and in 30 years be able to look back and be proud of the person I am and be glad I made the career decisions I did to help me become that person.

What does the union mean to you?

I believe I have a decent general understanding about unions and and what they represent/offer members. My mom is a UFCW Union member herself and as a journeyman hydro mechanic, my dad is a member of the IBEW Union. I have seen from both of them how hard the union works to protect workers, their rights, and improve working conditions.

Full-Time Student

Emily Drozynski

UFCW 21 Member, Jenny Drozynski
Kaiser Permanente – Tacoma

What do you plan to study?

I am studying Aerospace Engineering with a focus in Astronautics.

What’s your ultimate career goal?

My ultimate career goal is to be an astronaut and work in space. I would love to work for a small, private company such as Blue Origin. I also have a dream to serve my country, so I plan to join the Air Force as an officer after college for some time.

Full-Time Student

Kayshish Pichette-Cline

UFCW 21 Member,
Safeway #3285 - Bellingham

Providence Centralia (Tech Unit and Support Services) - Register now to discuss your first UFCW 21 contract

Welcome to UFCW 21 Providence Centralia Tech Unit and Support Services Unit

Our next step is to fight and win a good collective bargaining agreement! We will be having a Zoom Webinar on Tuesday, July 21 from 5pm to 6:30pm to talk about contract bargaining and to answer any questions. In addition, a bargaining survey has been sent out via email to both units. We will compile survey results, comments from the Webinar, and your bargaining committee’s advice to create our first contract proposal. Please attend the Zoom meeting or fill-out the bargaining survey to have your voice heard!

Please register with the following link and an email with the Zoom Webinar link will be sent to your email: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Ev5wvrSNQJqvsO_dFE667w
OR
If you do not have a computer/smartphone, you may call in
Phone: (253) 215-8782
Webinar ID: 824 2705 5245 (no password required)
 
If you have questions please contact your Union Rep, Erin McCoy (206) 436-6598

Complete your PHA and save money

If you’re participating in the Sound Health & Wellness health care plan we want to remind you that right now you’re able to earn $300 in your HRA, and up to $600 if you have family coverage, by simply filling out your annual Personal Health Assessment. It is easy, its confidential, and it’s a benefit we’ve negotiated on your behalf. Don’t miss out on this great benefit.

Go to: www.soundhealthwellness.com

LOG-IN https://secure.soundhealthwellness.com/index.php?action=

HRA FAQ (PPO) https://soundhealthwellness.com/ppo/benefits/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra/

HRA FAQ (KP) https://soundhealthwellness.com/kp/benefits/health-reimbursement-arrangement-hra/

If you have Questions, or need help Troubleshooting contact the Trust @ (206) 282-4500

July 13 Telephone Town Hall Calls

UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall Monday, July 13 at 6:30 PM 
Call-in Phone Number:  888-652-0386 Meeting ID: 4947 

TO JOIN: This Monday, July 13, listen for a phone call from UFCW 21 between 6:30 and 6:40 pm. (Note that sometimes this call appears on phones as “potential spam.”) If you miss the call or don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number above to join the call at any time. 

Health Care UFCW 21 Telephone Town Hall Monday, July 13 at 7:30 PM 
Call-in Phone Number:  888-652-2664  Meeting ID: 4948 

TO JOIN THE CALL: This Monday, July 13, listen for a phone call from UFCW 21 between 7:30 and 7:40 pm. (Note that sometimes this call appears on phones as “potential spam.”) If you miss the call or don’t receive a call, just use the call-in number above to join the call at any time. 

Workers Win Historic $2 Million Settlement from Macy’s Over Secure Scheduling Violations in Seattle

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 1, 2020

Contact: Joe Mizrahi, jmizrahi@ufcw21.org

Workers Win Historic $2 Million Settlement from Macy’s Over Secure Scheduling Violations in Seattle

Macy’s owes more than 800 workers back pay and damages in the largest settlement in the history of Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards

SEATTLE - Workers are celebrating the 3rd anniversary of Seattle’s Secure Scheduling law, a law their union UFCW 21 was involved in passing, with a $1,999,839.35 settlement stemming from claims they filed with Seattle’s Office of Labor Standards (OLS) around Macy’s scheduling practices.

“When I first reported scheduling issues, I was just hoping that Macy’s would have to follow the law like everybody else,” said Susan Hedman, who worked at the downtown Seattle Macy’s for more than 30 years. “fact that our settlement turned out to be the biggest one in OLS history is beyond my wildest dreams.” Hedman, a shop steward with UFCW 21, encouraged coworkers to track their schedules and hours after noticing a discrepancy between the city’s scheduling law and the treatment she was experiencing at work, especially when it came to the premium pay she was supposed to earn for last-minute schedule changes. “I noticed something with my schedule that didn’t feel right, so I started documenting what was happening and I went to my union. It took some effort, but it was pretty easy to keep track of the violations. It’s not enough to have strong labor laws on the books—we need to enforce them. Strong city enforcement coupled with the backing of my union helped me and my coworkers get what we deserved.”

Macy’s, which closed its two Seattle locations in 2019 and early 2020, owes back pay and damages to 803 employees who worked in those stores between July 1, 2017, and February 24, 2020. Workers will receive about $2,500 on average, with some receiving upward of $10,000.

“We hope this sends a strong message to employers, especially retail employers in Seattle, that you cannot break the law and expect no consequences,” said Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 21 Secretary-Treasurer. “UFCW 21 members and other workers in Seattle fight hard to both pass strong workers’ rights laws and adequately fund the office that enforces these laws. This historic outcome is what happens when we have elected officials who prioritize workers over corporations, and we appreciate the continued leadership of our city council and the hard work of OLS investigators.”

The Secure Scheduling ordinance, which went into effect on July 1, 2017, requires large retail and food-service businesses to post workers’ schedules two weeks in advance, compensate workers for employer-requested schedule changes, and offer additional work hours to current employees before hiring new people.

“In 2016, I co-sponsored the passage of our Secure Scheduling Ordinance because I believe that all work is dignified,” said Councilmember Lorena Gonzalez. This law has always been about forcing massive corporations, like Macy's, to respect the time of workers that are key to their success. This settlement shifts respect back to Macy's workers and makes them whole, while holding Macy's accountable. Thank you to our OLS staff and the UFCW Local 21 members that played a role in upholding this important labor protection.”

“I want to thank the workers whom this has directly impacted for years. You deserve the money owed to you,” said Councilmember Lisa Herbold. “Secure Scheduling requires employers to schedule 14 days in advance, and if that schedule needs to change then employers must compensate their employees.  Time is money and last minute disruption of the schedules of parents, caregivers, students, and people with second jobs has real economic impacts. I also want to thank OLS and UFCW for bringing this injustice to light and setting the record straight.”

Any worker who believes their employer is violating Seattle’s labor laws should document what is happening and contact their union or file a complaint directly with OLS at seattle.gov/laborstandards or by calling (206) 256-5297.

###

UFCW 21 is building a powerful union that fights for economic, political and social justice in our workplaces and our communities. UFCW 21 is the state’s largest private-sector union with over 46,000 workers in retail, grocery stores, health care, cannabis, and other industries in Washington State. More than 10,000 UFCW 21 members live or work in Seattle. Whenever workers are ready to form a union, give UFCW 21 a call.

Pride 2020

Every year we celebrate Pride, our hard-fought right to bring our whole selves to work and to be who we are at work and in our communities. People have sacrificed and died for the right to love who we love and live as who we are. In 2020, in the face of the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and institutionalized racism in the US, we must be vigilant in not sliding back but moving forward for all workers. We know LGBTQ and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) face discrimination in our workplaces and our communities. We continue to make vital contributions to healthcare, grocery, retail and all of our workplaces so that all our communities can be healthy and thrive.

We hope you can join us in celebrating Pride 2020!

---

Attend Pride 2020 Events online: 

This year’s Seattle-area Pride celebrations have moved online, and we encourage any and all interested UFCW 21 members to attend. Register for free at the link below.

www.togetherforpride.org 

---

Check out the gallery of past years when we could celebrate Pride in person: 

---

There are a few in-person Pride events as well:

As with all in-person actions at this time, please be careful and follow all best practices: wear a face covering, bring hand sanitizer, practice social distancing, and do not attend if you are feeling unwell or are in a high-risk category for COVID-19.

Black LGBTQ+ Lives Matter   
Saturday, June 27, 1:00pm
Wright Park, 501 S I Street, Tacoma

This rally and march organized by three young activists focuses on the impact of police brutality on Black LGBTQ lives.

Capitol Hill Pride March  
Saturday, June 27, 10:00am
Seattle Central College Campus Lawn, 1701 Broadway

This event is organized by the Capitol Hill Festival directors Charlette LeFevre and Philip Lipson. Help bring a message that strengthens connections between the issues particularly facing the Black and LGBTQ community today.

---

Further reading:

Read the open letter from LGBTQ organizational leaders to Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan: 

“Here we are, more than 50 years later, still fighting the same systems of anti-Black violence and lack of police accountability that spurred our movement.” Read the full letter >>

Read the letter from UFCW 21 community partner LGBTQ Allyship to Mayor Durkan and Seattle City Council: 

“It is in our tradition to fight for justice, to demand for equitable treatment, and advocate for fairness. The brutal murder of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, Shaun Fuhr, Manual Ellis and Tony McDade and so many others at the hands of the police is unconscionable. Over the last week many in the LGBTQ+ community went to the streets in Seattle to protest police brutality targeting our black community.”  Read the full letter >>

Read UFCW 21’s statement on the recent Supreme Court ruling banning workplace discrimination against LGBTQ people nationwide: 

“Today’s Supreme Court ruling confirms the legal precedent of what our union already knows: all working people deserve a workplace that is free from discrimination based on who we are. No one deserves to be fired or denied a job because of our gender identity or sexual orientation. That has now been upheld as federal law by the highest court in the country, offering millions of workers legal protection from discrimination at work.”  Read the full statement >>

Support Whole Foods workers in Seattle who were kicked out of work for wearing Black Lives Matter masks, then watched management take down the store’s Pride flag as a show of neutrality. Follow these workers on Twitter: twitter.com/WfmWsl 

---

Learn how to get involved in LGBTQ rights in the labor movement year-round by getting in touch with these organizations:  

• UFCW OUTreach is a UFCW constituency group working to ensure full equality for LGBTQ+ workers on their jobs and in their unions. 

• Pride at Work is a UFCW 21 community partner organization dedicated to mutual support between the organized labor movement and the LGBTQ community to further social and economic justice. Learn more at prideatwork.org  

• LGBTQ Allyship is a UFCW 21 community partner building power among LGBTQ communities and allies in Washington State to work towards economic, racial, and gender justice. Learn more at allyship.org 

• Ingersoll Gender Center is a UFCW 21 community partner and one of the oldest organizations by and for transgender and gender nonconforming communities in the United States. Learn more at ingersollgendercenter.org 

• Gender Justice League is a UFCW 21 community partner working to empower trans activists and our allies to fight oppression based on gender & sexuality in Washington State. Learn more at genderjusticeleague.org 

A message from election Chairperson Maria Milliron

Dear Members,

I’ve received numerous ballots returned due to incorrect addresses.  If you have not received your ballot and believe it is due to a wrong address please send me an email directly at maria@ufcw21.org with your updated address.  Please note: only returned ballot envelopes in my possession can be resent out, no new ballot envelopes can be reproduced.  Updated addresses I receive by 12 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 will be back out in the mail by end of day June 30, 2020.  Any updated addresses received after 12 pm on Tuesday, June 30, 2020 is not guaranteed to be resent out.

Please email or call me at (206) 436-6571 if you have any questions.

Thank you,

Maria Milliron
Election Chairperson

Governor Announces Statewide Mask Mandate

Many UFCW 21 members have been wearing masks to work for months already, but the public has not been required to do so. We wear masks to protect our customers, patients, and each other, but we know masks are most effective when everyone is wearing them. That’s why UFCW 21 members have been pushing for the public to be required to wear masks when they visit our workplaces—like stores, pharmacies, and clinics.

This week the governor has listened to essential workers and issued a mandate that everyone wear face coverings when going out in public. We know we had an impact, because members have been demanding this for months and that has been repeatedly passed on to state officials. When we speak up together, we make change. UFCW 21 President Faye Guenther joined Governor Inslee for a press conference announcing this safety proclamation on Tuesday, June 23.

Meanwhile, Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, Albertsons, and Haggen have cut hazard pay for front-line grocery store workers. Employers should be implementing hazard pay for all essential workers immediately. Get in touch with your Shop Steward or Union Rep to get involved in actions for hazard pay at your workplace.

Read the Governor’s proclamation about mask-wearing here:

Beginning June 26, every Washingtonian in an indoor public space, or in an outside public space when unable to physically distance from others, will be legally required to wear a face covering…

MLK Labor Council Kicks Out SPOG

For Immediate Release: 10:29 PM, June 17th

MLK Labor Council Kicks Out SPOG

Seattle, WA – In a dramatic show of building a labor movement that is better connected with the local community and taking action to address historic and ongoing racism in our society, the MLK Labor Council affiliates voted tonight to expel the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild from the Council.

“Two weeks ago we gave yet another chance for the Seattle Police Officers’ Guild to make immediate and drastic changes to correct the systemic and institutional racism in the Department. That was not done, and tonight we followed through on our commitment for change by voting for accountability, for justice, for Black Lives Matter and for reform by kicking SPOG out of the MLK Council,” said Joe Mizrahi Secretary Treasurer of UCFW 21.

“As a worker, as a labor leader, as a Black man in Seattle, I am honored to be part of this action tonight. We have made the voice of the community and the voice of the workers in our city loud and clear. We will not tolerate racism and we are demanding that SPOG make systemic changes to address the racism in the Police Department,” said Sam Dancy, a UFCW 21 member from QFC in West Seattle.

UFCW 21 is the state’s largest private sector union with over 46,000 members working in grocery stores, health care, retail and other industries.

###

Resources from our Guardian Nurses

Resources for UFCW 21 Town Hall on June 15, 2020

1. National Suicide Prevention Line: 800.273.8255 or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

2. King County Crisis Line: 866.427.4747 or 206.461.3222 or https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/community-human-services/mental-health-substance-abuse/services/crisis-services.aspx

3. National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)/Washington office: NAMI Washington is the state office of the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for those affected by mental health conditions. (206) 783-4288 or website: https://www.namiwa.org/

4. Asian Counseling and Referral Service (ACRS); promotes social justice and the well-being and empowerment of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and other underserved by developing, providing and advocating for innovative, effective and efficient community-based multilingual and multicultural services.  https://acrs.org/ or 206-695-7600

5. Black Mental Health Alliance.  A national organization whose mission it is to develop, promote and sponsor trusted culturally-relevant educational forums, trainings and referral services that support the health and well-being of Black people and other vulnerable communities. https://blackmentalhealth.com/ or (410) 338-2642

6. Mindfulness and Meditation: Check out Headspace for hundreds of articles for any mind, any mood, any goal.  Articles about sleep, anxiety, meditation, movement and healthy living. https://www.headspace.com/ or check out https://www.calm.com/

7. Domestic Violence Hotline (with on-line chat functionality) www.thehotline.org or 800-799-7233

8. Sexual Assault National Hotline (with on-linen chat functionality) www.rainn.org or 800-656-HOPE

9. On-line emotional support: www.7cups.com offers 180 professional therapists and over 300,000 trained listeners.

10. National Parent Helpline:  powerful online resource for parents and caregivers of children all across the United States.  https://www.nationalparenthelpline.org/

11. El Centro de la Raza Center. A local community organization whose mission it is to confront problems of racism, sexism and other forms of inequality http://www.elcentrodelaraza.org/

Find additional resources for UFCW 21 Members here