UFCW 21 - A Voice for Working America

Our Bargaining Team presented a full proposal to Management on November 15. Management will bring their offer to us at the next bargaining session on December 7.

Our proposal included:

• Wage increases of at least 3.5% across the board plus step anniversary increases
• Job postings prominent in the departments
• Fairer lay-off language
• Extra shifts going to full and part time volunteers prior to supplemental employees
• Increases in shift differentials, standby, and weekend premium pay
• PTO/EIT donations
• Slow the cost increases for dependant health coverage
• Add steps to the wage scale
• Simplify the process for job classifications not currently in the union to join the union

At our next session we will finalize our proposal by adding a cap on low census for all employees.

Communication is Key
If you would like to be the first to know what is happening at the bargaining table be sure to update your email address. Email is the fastest way we can communicate with you during bargaining. Talk with your Bargaining Team member, call Bob at 509-340-7369 or go to ufcw21.org to update your email address.

Mark Your Calendar

We are meeting with local legislators to discuss the impact of budget cuts on patient care and services. These proposed cuts will have a major impact on our bargain. The meeting will take place on November 21 at 12:30 at Saranac Building in the main conference room on the second floor (25 W Main).

Building Long-Term Power
Shop Steward Training on January 7, 9:00am – 3:00pm, at the UFCW 21 Spokane Office (1710 N Calispel, Spokane, 99205). Be trained to make a difference and help build power and strength in this bargain and beyond.

Health Plan
We were told in bargaining that there will be no change to the 100% PHP Primary Plan for 2012. We have yet to bargain the plan for 2013. If people were on the PHP Primary Plan and did nothing during open enrollment they would stay on the same plan.

Some people called the union wondering if they’d be forced into the new Providence Plan in 2012, and the answer is no. If anyone thought they needed to change during open enrollment to the Providence Plan, and did so because they were misinformed, they need to call Bob at 509-340-7369.