What are the benefits of membership?

U.S. government figures show that union workers earn, on average, 30% more in wages and benefits than non-union workers.

By joining the Union, you have rights non-union employees do not. Union members have a real, collective voice and bargaining power that individuals don’t have alone. With the Union you have the protections of a legally binding contract, negotiated and voted on by you and your coworkers. As a member, you gain the right to sit across the table from management as an equal and bargain over your wages, benefits, scheduling, seniority rights, and much more.

You can have a Union Representative present if you are called into a disciplinary meeting by management, and your contract spells out an independent grievance procedure that protects you from unfair discipline. Most non-union employees have to accept whatever conditions management offers with no discussion or employee input, and they’re left to fend for themselves without advocacy or protection.

How can I contact Local 21 staff?

If UFCW Local 21 is the union at your worksite, there will be a Steward or Union Representative to answer questions and help you understand your contract. Contact us to get in touch with your Union Representative.

If you don’t have a union and would like to find out how to organize one, visit our Need a Union? section, or call Organizing Director Peter Diaz at 206-436-6596, or 1-800-732-1188 Ext. 6596.

Who is my Union Representative and how do I contact them?

If you know your representative but need his or her direct phone number, visit our staff directory. If you don’t know who your Union Rep is, contact our office.

How much are the dues for Local 21?

Dues range from $19 to $60 a month, depending on how much you earn and how many hours you work. Dues are determined by a membership vote. Members receive a half month dues credit for attending general membership meetings.

How are the dues spent?

Local 21 spends its resources to:

• Negotiate strong contracts by mobilizing union members and community allies.
• Reimburse members for lost work time when they serve on a negotiating committee — this ensures everyone has an opportunity to participate.
• Enforce members’ contract rights by pursuing grievances and taking issues to arbitration when necessary.
• Push for laws which protect and expand workers’ rights on the job.
• Pay the salaries of elected officers and a full-time staff that works on behalf of Local 21 members.
• Organize new members to help build our bargaining strength and raise industry standards.
• Train and support Shop Stewards and union activists.
• Keep members informed through newsletters, bargaining updates, the website, and other communications.

How do I pay my Union dues?

Most Local 21 members have the choice to pay dues through direct dues billing or through payroll dues deduction. (At some worksites, employers do not offer the option of payroll deduction.) Most members opt for the convenience of payroll deduction. Those who are on direct dues billing will receive a bill four times a year.

Where is the union office?

Local 21 has a main office in Seattle (5030 First Avenue South), and satellite offices in Silverdale (1191 NW Tahoe Lane) and Spokane (1710 N Calispel). How to contact Local 21.

How can I get more involved in the Union?

Local 21 is always organizing union members and community allies to collectively assert power in the workplace, in politics, and beyond. There are many ways to get more involved and contribute to this process:

• Become a steward
• Register co-workers to vote
• Join the Local 21 Rapid Response Team
• Campaign for politicians who support the issues that impact working families

More involved members gives us more strength to win on our issues. Contact your Union Representative to find out what you can do to help.

When are Membership Meetings Scheduled?

Local 21 holds both general membership meetings and new member meetings.

New Member Meetings provide an opportunity for new union members to learn more about their contract, their rights, and their union. New members receive two month’s dues credit toward initiation fees for attending a New Member Meeting. Contact the union office to find out the schedule of upcoming meetings.

Local 21 members attend quarterly General Membership Meetings across the state to find out what’s happening around the union, learn about important issues, and vote on union matters. We hold General Membership Meetings at multiple locations in February, May, August, and November, and the schedule is available online once the meeting schedule is set. Members receive one half month’s dues credit for attending.