Organize with Local 21

It makes a difference to have a union. Local 21 members, alongside Union staff, negotiate with employers for better wages, benefits, and working conditions. They win contracts that guarantee and improve their income and benefits for themselves and their families. Through negotiations and standing together in their Union, members earn the respect of their employers and gain a greater voice at work.

Local 21 has a strong record of organizing new members by the thousands—more than 7,000 workers have joined our union in the last 10 years.

To learn more about organizing a union at your worksite, read through the questions and answers below. These are questions that typically come up when people are thinking about organizing a union.

If you have other questions, call Peter Diaz, Organizing Director, at 206-436-6596 or 1-800-732-1188 Ext. 6596. Or email him at pdiaz@ufcw21.org

We Were Asked…

Why should workers organize a union?

The reasons vary from person to person, but the common thread seems to be workers want pay and benefits union employees enjoy, a strong voice at work, and respect and fair treatment on the job.

How do workers become union?

A majority of you and your coworkers must sign union authorization cards. Signing a card authorizes the Union to represent you for the purpose of collective bargaining. The cards will be used to obtain a secret ballot election or to show a neutral third party person that a majority of employees want union representation. Management will not know who did or did not sign cards.

Is there a risk in supporting the union?

Whether or not your support is public is up to you. It is illegal for management to grill anyone about union activity or to threaten, harass, or discriminate against anyone because of union activity. Workers attempting to form a union have legal rights and protections under the National Labor Relations Act. For detailed information, click here for information on workplace rights.

If workers have a union, who decides what is proposed for our contract?

You do. Employees meet with Union staff negotiators to discuss and decide what to propose for your contract. You elect a negotiating committee from the employees to represent you in bargaining, alongside a Union staff negotiator. Your negotiating committee then meets with management representatives in contract negotiations. Local 21 reimburses negotiating committee members for any lost work time to ensure everyone has an equal opportunity to participate.

Is there an initiation fee? How is a dues rate decided upon and how much are dues?

There is no initiation fee for newly-organized members. Local 21 members determine and vote on their dues structure. Dues range from $19 to $60 a month. Members also receive one-half month dues credit when they attend quarterly membership meetings.

No one pays any dues until a contract is negotiated and you review it and vote for it. You get to see the results before paying any dues. Government figures show that union workers get better pay and benefits than non-union employees. That’s how people can afford dues and why Local 21 represents more than 30,000 workers.

Why Local 21?

Local 21 is a large diverse union, representing more than 30,000 workers in retail, health care, offices and other service industries. We are a democratic, progressive local union dedicated to advancing the rights and living standards of workers.

Local 21 represents retail employees at Safeway, QFC, Fred Meyer, Albertsons, Macy’s, Bartell Drugs, Rite Aid, and other grocery stores, drug stores, and clothing stores. Click here to see who we represent in retail.

In health care, we represent more professional and technical employees than any other union in Washington State. Local 21 represents employees at MultiCare Health System, Group Health Cooperative, Children’s Hospital, The Franciscan Health System, and Providence Health System, as well as health care employees in many public hospitals. Click here to see who we represent in health care.

What about strikes? Can the Union force workers out on strike?

Union members do have the legal right to strike. Sometimes employer demands or unfair treatment leave no other alternative. But generally, strikes are rare. Over 98% (U.S. government figures) of all contracts in the U.S. are settled without a strike. The Union’s bylaws stipulate that Local 21 members may not strike unless a two-thirds majority votes to do so. In addition, federal law requires most health care providers go through Federal Mediation before a strike can be called, and then only with a 10-day notice. In any case, you are the only ones who can vote on a contract or strike and make such a decision.

Will the Union provide more job security?

Yes. A union contract will provide protection against unfair management decisions to reduce hours, layoff employees, or discipline and/or write up employees without just cause.

For example, Local 21’s contracts ensure just cause, which states an employee can only be written up or disciplined for a justifiable reason. If an employee feels they have been disciplined unfairly, Local 21 contracts give employees the right to file a grievance and, if needed, have their case presented to an independent arbitrator.

What is the main difference in having a union contract?

With a union, you’ll have a written contract which spells out and guarantees your rights; a real grievance procedure; job security; guaranteed wage rates; and a timeline for pay increases and benefits. It’s written down in black and white—a legally binding contract that cannot be changed at management’s whim.