Providence Sacred Heart Techs Weekend Plans on the Strike Line!

Join us on Saturday for FEED THE LINE

We will have the Blue Apron Brigade (The Babs) delivering food and support we received from the Community in the area at various times in the day. Who are the Babs you may ask? Well come to the Strike line on Saturday and you won’t miss them.They’re the fun people wearing Blue aprons with FOOD!

• Breakfast will be delivered to the strike lines around 7:00am and is from Panera Bread.

• Lunch will be near the Check-In tent around 12pm and it is TECH-SASS STYLE BBQ from Fresh Soul. We will have folks relieve people from each strike line in groups so that you can grab lunch at the tent.

• Dinner will be delivered to each strike line around 3:00pm and will be from Las Delicias de Isla.

• Dinner will be delivered to each strike line around 5:30pm and is from Ricuras Caribeñas.

• Some Community members may be dropping by with goodies throughout the day as well!

"Why is Providence afraid to face us?”

—Join us on Sunday for Family day of Sweet Treats and Face painting! A face painter will be at the Check-In Tent from 11am to 4pm. Bring the children!

Superior Linen Bargaining Update

Sus centavos no tienen sentido.

Compañeros en los últimos días nos juntamos con la compañía con la gran decepción de que nos ofrecieron centavos de aumentos. Nosotros propusimos de buena fe aumentos razonables que reconocen la lealtad de empleados que han trabajado muchos años en esta compañía y también un aumento que incluiría a todos.

Nos sentimos muy frustrados y descontentos con la compañía a la cual le hemos trabajado duro. Estamos en un momento crucial, donde tenemos que unirnos más que nunca para poder lograr salarios dignos y justos. Ya no estamos en la época donde unos centavos de aumento hacían una diferencia en nuestros bolsillos, porque ahora unos centavos no alcanzan ni para comprar un huevo. Estos días estaremos demostrando nuestra unidad usando botones y tomando acción el día primero de Mayo.

Their cents don’t make sense.

Siblings, we have met with the company in the last couple of days, and we are very disappointed that they have offered us cents to the dollar. We came to them in good faith with a reasonable wage proposal that recognizes the loyalty of long-term employees while also raising the wages for everyone across the board.

We feel very frustrated and unhappy with the company that we have worked very hard for. We are in a crucial moment in which we must be more united than ever to achieve fair and dignified wages. We are not in an era in which a few cents of wage increases would make a difference in our pockets; cents nowadays are not enough to even buy an egg. On the upcoming days, we will show our unity by wearing our buttons and taking action on May Day.

Xen của họ không có ý nghĩa gì hết

Anh chị em, chúng ta đã gặp gỡ công ty trong vài ngày gần đây, và chúng tôi rất thất vọng khi họ chỉ đề xuất cho chúng ta một số xen nhỏ so với số tiền cần thiết. Chúng tôi đã đến với họ với lòng tin tốt đẹp, đề xuất một mức lương hợp lý nhận ra sự trung thành của nhân viên làm việc lâu dài và đồng thời tăng lương cho tất cả mọi người.

Chúng tôi cảm thấy rất thất vọng và không hạnh phúc với công ty mà chúng tôi đã làm việc rất chăm chỉ. Chúng ta đang ở trong một thời điểm quan trọng khi chúng ta phải đoàn kết hơn bao giờ hết để đạt được mức lương công bằng và đáng kính. Chúng ta không ở trong một thời đại mà một vài xen lương tăng sẽ làm thay đổi trong túi của chúng ta; hiện nay, một vài xen không đủ để mua một quả trứng. Trong những ngày sắp tới, chúng tôi sẽ thể hiện sự đoàn kết bằng cách mặc nút áo và tham gia hành động vào Ngày Quốc tế Lao động.

“Me siento muy decepcionada porque no es justo lo que nos están ofreciendo. I feel very disappointed because it is not fair what they are offering us. Tôi cảm thấy rất thất vọng vì những gì họ đang đề xuất cho chúng ta không công bằng.” — Martha Moreno, Dry-Fold, 11 years, union bargaining team

“Es una miseria lo que nos están ofreciendo, no estamos pidiendo limosnas estamos trabajando. It is a misery what they are offering us, we are not beggars we are working for our money. Điều họ đang đề xuất cho chúng ta là một bi kịch, chúng ta không phải là kẻ ăn xin mà là người lao động kiếm sống.” — José Domingo, Wash-room, 24 years, union bargaining team

“Siento que valemos mas que unos centavos de aumento, trabajamos muy duro y le somos leales a la compañía. We are worth more than a few cents because we are hardworking and loyal to this company. Chúng ta xứng đáng hơn chỉ là một vài xen vì chúng ta là người làm việc chăm chỉ và trung thành với công ty này.”— Busaba “Apple” Bass, Soil, 8 years, union bargaining team

Multicare Health System - Our Patience Is Running Thin

Your Union Negotiating Committee met with MultiCare again on Thursday, April 18, starting the day with all outstanding proposals awaiting response from the Employer.

Despite our team being onsite and ready to negotiate by 9:30 AM, we were kept waiting until the afternoon to receive a proposal from management. During this delay, our committee utilized the downtime to strategize our next steps, yet we found it both inefficient and disrespectful to be left without a proposal to review for much of the day.

MultiCare’s counter proposal fell short of expectations, totaling fourteen pages with only minor changes from their previous offer. Furthermore, their proposal didn’t include a response to our wage proposal as MultiCare said they won’t have a response until next month at the earliest. 

Our committee expressed our frustration with MultiCare directly, warning management that our patience is not infinite. We are here to bargain in good faith, working together to find creative solutions to serious workplace issues, not to just pass papers back and forth. 

UFCW Local 3000 members at Providence Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane are on an unfair labor practice strike this week, the second against the health system in less than 6-months. Providence has repeatedly made the mistake of testing the patience of workers by failing to come to the table to bargain in good faith and it would be unwise for MultiCare to make a similar mistake. 

Our Negotiating Committee is scheduled to meet with MultiCare again on May 1, with additional bargaining dates scheduled through the end of June.

“We’re ready to work together, but it takes two sides willing to engage. MultiCare needs to step up and show they’re serious about reaching an agreement.” 

— Cheyenne Hannaman, Medical Laboratory Scientist @ Tacoma General Hospital

Join us, along with your friends, family, and MultiCare coworkers for a Union Family Day! RSVP NOW!

IBEW Local 76 Hall
3049 S 36th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Saturday, May 4
11 AM — 2 PM

Contract Action Team Meetings:
Monday, May 6
9AM — RSVP Online
12PM — Tacoma General in Bunker Conference Room
5PM — RSVP Online

Providence Sacred Heart Techs ULP Strike Day 2 update

Amazing turnout of workers and community the first two days of the strike! We will be sending out short updates throughout the strike- today is an important update regarding your strike benefits and an invitation to join the Rally tomorrow night 4/24 at 7pm in Cowley Park.

Please help pass the word to friends and family- and wear your best western themed clothing for a Sunset showdown Rally in support of the Technical workers. We’ll be joined by community and legislative speakers… we hope to see you there!

WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT?    

Our Union Executive Board has approved strike fund benefits for represented workers of: 

• $500/week for picketing a minimum of 20 hours a week, 

• $800/week for picketing a minimum of 32 hours or more a week, 

• $200/week “Respect the Line Benefit” for those who cannot join their colleagues on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross. *Respect the Line Benefit only available on full week.  

  Since this is an 8.5 day strike, there are an extra two days that represented workers are eligible for strike benefits: 

• Week 1: Monday April 22 – Sunday April 28: Receive benefit above based on hours on the strike line 

• Week 2: Monday April 29 – Tuesday April 30: Strike Benefit will be pro-rated: 

• $200 for picketing 8-12 hr

• $320 for picketing more than 12 hr

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart.

Come by at 7 PM to meet striking workers and prepare for a sunset solidarity rally, with voices from the hospital and our community. Let’s show Sacred Heart workers that this community has their back!

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart. https://www.mobilize.us/ufcw3000/event/620522/
 

Grocery East Contract Votes Set

After nearly six months of bargaining with Albertson/Safeway and Kroger for a new contract that respects our work, increases our wages, and improves our retirement and healthcare, we are holding a contract vote! This notice serves to inform all members that a critical membership meeting will be held on May 2, 2024, at the Spokane Double Tree Hotel, in the conference center. We will be conducting a vote on the last offer presented by the Employer following our scheduled bargaining dates on April 29 and 30, 2024. 

The Agenda, Times and Location for the meeting will be: 

1. CONTRACT RATIFICATION VOTE: The bargaining committee will present the last offer received from the Employer. Members will have the opportunity to discuss the terms and implications of the offer before proceeding to a vote on whether to ratify or reject the proposed contract. 
2. STRIKE AUTHORIZATION VOTE (if applicable): Should the final offer not be recommended by the bargaining committee, we will also conduct a strike authorization vote. This vote will determine whether to engage in a strike or other action in response to the Employer’s final offer. 
3. VOTE TIMES & LOCATION: Any member in good standing will be able to vote at the Spokane DoubleTree Hotel and Conference Center, 322 N Spokane Falls Ct, Spokane WA 99201 from 9am-12pm or from 3pm-7pm on May 2, 2024. Carpool if you can, as parking is limited. Available parking will be at no cost, details available at registration.

For questions, please contact your Union Representative, bargaining committee members, and stewards for critical updates as things can change quickly and are time sensitive. If you are unable to connect with your union rep, steward or bargaining committee member you may call the MRC at 1-866-210-3000 for more information. 

All members in the Spokane Albertsons Meat, Spokane Albertsons Grocery, Spokane Safeway Meat, Spokane Safeway Grocery, Spokane Fred Meyer Meat, Spokane Fred Meyer Grocery, Spokane Fred Meyer CCK, are encouraged to be present for this important vote. Your voice and vote are essential in guiding the direction of our bargaining strategy.  

The Cheney Meat and Grocery Votes will be held at a separate time and location to be announced. The Oregon Grocery Vote will be held at a separate time and location to be announced.  

Franz Bakeries Strike Authorized

On Friday April 19, UFCW Local 3000 members working at Franz Bakery Outlets voted unanimously to reject the Employer’s offer and to authorize a strike. Our Union Negotiating Committee now heads into federal mediation next week with a clear mandate to demand more from Franz. It should now be evident to Management that their offer is insufficient, and they must increase it to align more closely with the wages of bakery clerks at neighboring Union grocery stores.

We will resume negotiations with the employer and a federal mediator on Tuesday, April 30. Further updates will follow.

UFCW Locals issue statement on Kroger's updated proposed divesture plan

UFCW 5, 7, 324, 400, 770 and 3000

“This bigger proposed divestiture simply increases the challenge C&S, a New Hampshire-based wholesaler, would have trying to operate a hodgepodge chain of retail stores. They have no experience operating retail stores in these states, would still lack the IT, customer loyalty and manufacturing capabilities needed, and would most likely end up monetizing the real estate under many of these stores,” said a coalition of UFCW locals (Locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000). These local UFCWs have been central in the coalition opposing the proposed merger from the get-go and represent over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers across the nation from Washington DC and surrounding states, and California, Colorado, New Mexico, Washington state and Wyoming.

Please go to www.nogrocerymerger.com for more information in the coalition efforts to oppose the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger.

 Contact: Tom Geiger, 206-604-3421

Providence Sacred Heart Techs ULP Strike starts on April 22

ULP Strike starts on April 22

On Monday April 22 at 2pm our unfair labor practice (ULP) strike at Providence Sacred Heart begins. The most important thing is that as we leave our shifts, there is a continuum of patient care. We cannot abandon our patients and should follow Providence’s instructions for safe transfer of work. Technical workers whose shift starts prior to 2pm on April 22 should report to their shift and at 2pm should give report and safely transfer their assignment to a replacement worker. If there is no replacement worker to transfer your assignment to, then you should continue working your shift until you can safely transfer your assignment (this may be at the end of your shift). Once you have safely transferred your assignment then you can join us on the strike line!

If you do not work on April 22, please join us on the strike line starting at 2pm so we can welcome our coworkers who have walked off their shifts. You may sign in on Day 1 on the strike line OR at the sign in Tent on 8th and McClellan St.

The strike will conclude on April 30 at 8:30pm. As this is a ULP strike, Providence must offer all technical workers an unconditional return to work. This means that technical workers should expect to work their next regular or call shift following April 30 at 8:30pm. If your regular or call shift on April 30 starts before 8:30pm, Providence will communicate instructions. We expect that supervisors will send out return-to-work instructions on or before April 29.

While we encourage all technical workers to join us on the strike line throughout our 8-day ULP strike, we recognize that personal circumstances may influence individual decisions regarding participation. If you choose to strike, please adhere to Providence's instructions.

For any questions or concerns, please reach out to your Union Representative Juanita Quezada, 509-340-7407.

For more information about our ULP strike please visit ufcw3000.org/strike >>

Kaiser Market wage increases ratified!

MARKET WAGE INCREASES RATIFIED!

KP ProTech/Optical and Pharmacy union members turned out yesterday in record numbers to say YES to increased wages!

After several months of union members pushing back against wage disparities through petitions, a demand letter, hundreds of postcards and using our collective voice, KP agreed to increase wages for UFCW Members.

Wage increases will be effective the beginning of the next full pay period.

Implementation of the wage increases will be in 90-120 days.

KP ProTech/Optical and Pharmacy members should see retro pay within two pay periods following the implementation date.

Congratulations!

Providence Sacred Heart Tech ULP Strike FAQ

Providence Sacred Heart Technical Unit Frequently Asked Questions

Next Monday April 22 at 2pm we will begin our Unfair Labor Practice Strike- for our patients, community, and each other. Updates will be sent via email and text before and during the strike to keep all Techs updated and answer questions. The best way to get our questions answered during the strike, is on the strike line itself.

Below are the top questions from Techs- please reach out to your Strike Captains and Union Representative Juanita Quezada with any questions. If you are interested in being a Strike Captain and taking a leadership role on the strike line, please join us for an in-person Strike Captain meeting tomorrow April 19 at 6pm at the UFCW 3000 Spokane Office.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS   

IF I AM WORKING AT 2PM WHEN THE STRIKE BEGINS, WHEN WOULD I JOIN THE STRIKE LINE? 

You should join the strike line as soon as you are able to give report and hand off your patient assignment in a safe manner. If there is no one who can take your assignment at 2PM on April 22, then you should work until the end of your shift and then hand off your assignment as you would normally and then join us on the picket line. Providence will likely communicate prior to the strike the plan for relieving Techs from shift, and UFCW 3000 has requested Sacred Heart’s plan for these hand-offs to ensure that they take place as smoothly as possible.  

IF I AM TOLD TO LEAVE MY SHIFT BEFORE 2PM ON APRIL 22 WHAT SHOULD I DO?

You should document who from management told you to leave your shift early and ask if you will be paid for the remainder of your shift. Then you should join the picket line. If you are relieved early, report this to your Union Rep.

WHEN DO I RETURN TO WORK? 

You will return to work on your next scheduled shift that begins after Tuesday April 30 at 8:30 pm. UFCW 3000 will also be requesting guidance from Providence and will keep members informed throughout the strike.  
 
Do i have to work on-call shifts during the strike?   
No. The reason for the 10-day notice is to give the Employer time to seek replacement workers during the strike to cover all shifts, including on-call.

WILL I LOSE MY JOB IF I GO ON STRIKE?   

You cannot be legally fired. You can be permanently replaced only if the strike is caused solely by economic issues and only after the actual hiring of a permanent replacement for your position. Our strike is called to protest unfair labor practices by the employer, and in this case the employer cannot legally hire a permanent replacement for you unless the NLRB determines that this was solely an economic strike. However, you may certain job protections if you engage in activity such as harassing those who choose to cross the picket line.  

CAN I RETURN TO MY SAME JOB AND SHIFT?   

Yes- during an Unfair Labor Practice Strike, your employer must offer you an unconditional return to work. In an economic strike, a “return to work” agreement is usually negotiated prior to the conclusion of any strike. We will insist, as part of the “return to work” agreement that each Tech is returned to their job, unit, and shift. If Techs stay unified in striking, we are more likely to prevail in negotiations for a “return to work” agreement.   

WHAT IF Providence LOCKS US OUT?  

If Providence chooses to lockout employees, they have to lockout all employees including non-members. Workers locked out by their employers are generally eligible for unemployment benefits. The Employment Security Department will determine eligibility for unemployment benefits on a case-by-case basis.  

CAN I GET UNEMPLOYMENT WHEN ON STRIKE? DO I ACCRUE PTO/EIB WHEN ON STRIKE?   

You will not accrue PTO or EIB while you are on strike. The Employment Security Department determines eligibility for unemployment benefits on as case by case basis for workers in a labor dispute.  

CAN I USE ACCRUED EIB OR PAID TIME OFF BENEFITS?  

Although an employer may not discriminate against strikers with respect to the use of paid time off during a strike, an employer is not required to allow strikers to use their accrued paid time or other benefits during a strike unless they are otherwise entitled to do so. If you submitted a vacation request before the strike and it was approved in accordance with Providence’s established policies, Providence must pay the paid time  benefits even though the approved paid time  occurs while you are on strike.   

WILL I STILL HAVE HEALTHCARE DURING THE STRIKE?  

Yes. There is a lag month under your health insurance plan that would keep your insurance through the end April.

WHAT IS MY STRIKE BENEFIT?   

Our Union Executive Board has approved strike fund benefits for members and non-members of:
$500/week for picketing a minimum of 20 hours a week,
$800/week for picketing a minimum of 32 hours or more a week,
$200/week “Respect the Line Benefit” for those who cannot join their colleagues on the strike line but respect the strike line and do not cross.
 
Since this is an 8-day strike, there is one additional day for Techs to have an opportunity to get enough hours to receive strike benefits. The Union will only pay one week of benefits and encourages everyone to picket at least 32 hours.
 
Our union also has a strike hardship fund to assist members whose families face difficult financial situations. If you are in a hardship position, please let the Union know so that you can apply for assistance. We are also working closely with other local labor unions and community organizations to coordinate resources for striking workers.

IS THERE PAPERWORK I NEED TO FILL OUT FOR MY STRIKE BENEFIT?  WHEN WILL I BE PAID?

To receive Union Strike Benefits, YOU will need to complete a W9 Form online or in-person at the Strike Sign-In Tent. Strike Checks will be mailed to the address listed on your W9 no later than the week of May 6. In order to not have a delay in receiving your check, please make sure to Sign In and Out on each shift, so that your hours are recorded accurately.

WHAT ARE MY PERSONAL OBLIGATIONS IF WE GO ON STRIKE?   

Do not cross the picket line! Our Strike Remains Strong when workers respect the picket line. Take your share of picket duty and/or strike activity. A strike is not a vacation; it is a very intensive, goal-oriented job. Pay attention and engaged on social media and any other communications from your team or UFCW 3000. Do not contribute to the rumor mill. Stay in contact with your colleagues. Help each other out in any way you are able. Discuss issues and continue a productive dialogue.   

HOW MANY WORKERS WILL IT TAKE FOR A STRIKE TO BE EFFECTIVE?   

A large active picket line is vital to a successful strike. Every Tech needs to participate to send a strong message to Providence. The more workers, family, and friends we have out on the line, the harder it is for people to cross it. Being at the picket is also the best way to get the latest information on how the strike is going and to show the community that workers are united in the strike.    

WHAT ARE THE CONSEQUENCES OF CROSSING THE PICKET LINE?   

Crossing a picket line weakens workers’ power to win the change we need in negotiations, whether it be safe staffing, better compensation, or holding the employer accountable to follow labor law. It also erodes the camaraderie in the workplace, could prolong the strike and negatively impacts our efforts to work as a team once the strike is settled.   

WHO WILL TAKE CARE OF MY PATIENTS? WILL IT BE CONSIDERED ABANDONMENT?  

The facility received 10 days’ notice which will allow them to move patients to other facilities and to cease taking elective patients. Any patients remaining will be taken care of by managers and strike breakers (travel/contract workers and bargaining unit Techs who cross the picket line). Patients who would normally come to the facility may have to use other facilities.  

WILL A STRIKE AFFECT THE IMAGE OF TECHS IN A NEGATIVE WAY?  

No. We are professionals. We should demand reasonable management practices, a safe environment for both our patients and us and benefits that reflect our professional status. It is important to conduct ourselves in a professional manner and be informed. UFCW 3000 Techs have the support of the community and Local and State Elected Officials, and Labor organizations.  

HOW LONG WIIL THE STRIKE LAST?   

Our strike will start on Monday April 22 at 2pm and last until Tuesday April 30 at 8:30 pm. 

IF I AM NOT YET A MEMBER OF THE UNION, BUT AM IN THE BARGAINING UNIT, CAN I GO ON STRIKE?   

Yes. All Techs in the bargaining unit are represented by the Union. All employees, even new hires in their probationary period, have the legal right to strike and honor the picket line. Non-members within the bargaining unit have the same protection under the law as members do during a strike.   

WHAT ARE OTHER WORKERS ALLOWED TO DO OPENLY TO SUPPORT WORKERS ON STRIKE?  

All workers have the right to collective concerted union activity such as voicing their support and wearing buttons, stickers, or other visible solidarity. Please check www.ufcw3000.org/strike  for up-to-date information.  

CAN MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY JOIN THE PICKET LINE?   

Yes! Our fight is our friends’, families’, and communities’ fight. However, they will be required to abide by the same rules of conduct expected of all Techs.   Invite your family and friends to join the strike line and an evening solidarity Rally on Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm over in Cowley Park (next to the hospital at 7th & Division St.)

CAN OTHER UFCW 3000 MEMBERS NOT IN NEGOTIATIONS STRIKE? 

No. Members cannot strike while their contract is in effect. This includes other UFCW 3000 members in the Service and Maintenance Unit and at Holy Family. They may join in solidarity at Sacred Heart when they are off work.    

WHERE SHOULD I PARK DURING THE STRIKE?

You may park in public parking areas, street, or residential parking. We encourage everyone to carpool or utilize public transportation. No one should use employee parking during the strike.  

WHAT OPTIONS  WILL BE AVAILABLE FOR RESTROOMS?

In the event you need supplies or need a bio break, there will be restroom access at surrounding businesses and strike headquarters: Hampton Inn Spokane Downtown-South: 675 S. McClellan St., Spokane. Do not enter the Hospital to use the restroom or buy food.

WHAT CLOTHES SHOULD I WEAR ON THE STRIKE LINE?

Wear comfortable shoes and weather appropriate clothes or scrubs if possible. Gloves are encouraged for early morning and evening to keep warm. Wear UFCW yellow and blue- and have fun with it!

WHERE DO WE REPORT FOR STRIKE SIGN-IN/OUT?

Upon arrival, sign-in at the Tent on S. McCelellan St. and W 8th Ave. You must sign-in here when you arrive. When your shift is over, sign out at the tent or with a UFCW 3000 staff person on the strike line in order to receive Strike Benefits.

IS THERE ANYTHING I CAN DO TO HELP BEFORE WE GO ON STRIKE?   

Yes! Volunteer to be a strike captain and attend the Strike Captain Meeting on Friday April 19 at 6pm at the UFCW 3000 Spokane Office. You can also share the Community Pledge and Rally Information with friends and family- all info centralized at www.ufcw3000.org/strike.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER WE STRIKE? 

We have requested bargaining dates during the 10-day strike notice period. Providence has declined, and up to this point has indicated that they have no intention of changing their minds. Our hope is to return to the table as soon as possible either during or after thestrike and use the power of our ULP strike to reach a contract agreement.  

Strike Hotline: 1-866-210-3000  

To Stay Updated and find additional information on the Community Rally and Rules for the Picket Line: www.ufcw3000.org/strike  

Event: Stand With Sacred Heart Workers on ULP Strike

Our health care workers are standing up for fair treatment and safe patient care at Sacred Heart.

Come by at 7 PM to meet striking workers and prepare for a sunset solidarity rally, with voices from the hospital and our community.

Let’s show Sacred Heart workers that this community has their back!

Providence Sacred Heart Service and Maintenance FAQ about ULP strike

Download and print Service & Maintenance ULP strike FAQ here

As you may know, there is scheduled to be a strike at Sacred Heart next week. This Unfair Labor Practice strike is over the Providence Sacred Heart Technical Unit Collective Bargaining Agreement and Providence committing several unfair labor practices that include making changes in the workplace without first negotiating and skirting the bargaining process by attempting to direct deal and coerce staff. This strike does NOT include the Service and Maintenance agreement. There has been some confusion due to emails Providence Sacred Heart management has sent that did not specify which departments are going on strike. All Technical staff will be out on a ULP strike beginning at 2pm on Monday, April 22, and continuing until 8:30pm on Tuesday, April 30.

There are questions around what Services and Maintenance staff should expect when the strike happens. Here are some common questions we have been asked.

Do I cross the Picket line?

Service and Maintenance employees are required to work their regularly scheduled shifts during the time that the technical staff are on strike per Article 13 of your contract. Service and Maintenance staff should not join the strike line while on lunches or breaks. If you would like to support the strike lines on your own personal non-work time, your fellow UFCW 3000 members in the Technical unit would really appreciate the show of solidarity!

How can we show solidarity while at work?

You should wear UFCW 3000 buttons and solidarity stickers, and blue or yellow scrubs. Get creative and please wear them each day! One of the most important things you can do is to share stories about what is happening in the hospital. Please keep your Union Rep informed on what is happening and if there are any stories that could make strikers feel empowered. Our job during the strike is to show solidarity- both visually and with our actions. If management instructs you to remove your buttons and/or stickers, you should comply with their request but report the incident to your Union Rep.

Can I be asked to do work outside of my normal duties?

One of the most powerful things you can do to affirm your scope of work is question and object to improper assignments that are changes to your normal working conditions. You also have a responsibility to provide good patient care and make sure no person is harmed. If management asks us to do something that you are uncomfortable with, is unsafe, or outside of our normal responsibilities- you have the right to object and state why.

Objections can include any personal reason that you feel strongly about- including your licensure, patient safety, insufficient training, or that it’s not in your job description. You have the right to push back and encourage managers and replacement workers to do the additional tasks asked of you. However, you only refuse a task if it is an abnormally dangerous assignment.

You have the right to object- but if you refuse it may be considered insubordination. Your job is to object on why an assignment is improper, and if management insists on you doing the work, you should comply, document the scenario, and call our Union Rep if you have questions. If you feel unequipped or unsafe for any reason, report it to your Union Rep as well.

Scheduling, Overtime, Low Census, and all other provisions of our contracts remain in effect and should be adhered to. Please refer to your Union contract: ufcw3000.org/contracts

Do I have to come in on my days off and work extra shifts/hours?

No, after the schedule is posted, changes to the schedule can only be made with mutual consent. Out of support for your fellow UFCW 3000 members we ask that you consider not picking up any extra shifts.

7.8 Schedule Posting. Work schedules of shifts and days off (including call schedules) for a six (6) week period will be posted three (3) weeks in advance. After posting, the schedule may only be changed by mutual consent.

Can I be forced to take PTO or furloughed without pay?

Management may ask for volunteers to take unpaid time off or to use educational time– deciding to do so is up to you. They must continue to follow the Low Census process that is in your contract.

What else can we do to help?

Invite your family and friends to join the Techs on the strike line! Also, If you are not working at the time, you are invited to join Technical staff and community allies at an evening solidarity rally on Wednesday, April 24, at 7pm over in Cowley Park (next to the hospital at 7th & Division St.)

If you have any questions or concerns on the Service and Maintenance contract, please contact Union Representative Lenaya Wilhelm, 360-409-0556.

Find all the latest Union updates in one place: UFCW3000.org/strike >>

Grocery East Close -but not close enough!

After three days of bargaining with the Employers, Albertsons/Safeway and Kroger, we made good progress towards an agreement. Our union member Bargaining Committee made major progress on key issues like wage escalators that help ensure we keep our wages above minimum wage and workers get raises when the minimum wage goes up. We will continue to fight to get the Employers to propose more money for Journeypersons so that we get the big raises we deserve, especially in the first year of the contract.

New bargaining dates are set with the Employers for April 29 and 30, which we hope will be productive. After these sessions we will take the Employers’ last offer to a vote of the membership on May 2 at the Spokane Doubletree hotel. This will either be a strike authorization vote if the Employers’ offer falls short, or it will be a ratification vote if the employer meets our demands and our Bargaining Committee recommends a yes vote.

Continue to get strike ready! Become a picket captain, sign strike pledge cards, attend Contract Action Team meetings and become a steward!

This vote is for the Spokane & Cheney stores only due to expired contracts. NE Oregon to be announced. Please reach out to your Rep with any questions about the vote.

Multicare Health System - Status Quo Has Got to Go

Your union negotiations committee met with MultiCare on Thursday, April 11 and presented our wage proposal to management. Collectively, we’ve spent countless hours reviewing our current wages against what healthcare workers are earning across the region, and we strongly believe we’ve made a proposal which not only aims to bring in new talented staff, but to keep them at MultiCare.

But it’s not just about incentivizing people to come here, it’s about recognizing the hard work we do every day to keep MultiCare operating!

• We keep our facilities CLEAN
• We ensure our patients are SAFE, HEALTHY, and COMFORTABLE
• We process thousands of labs and medications, perform diagnostic testing, and provide COUNTLESS life-saving treatments to the sick and vulnerable members of our community.

We also highlighted that much of our typical workflow over the past few years has involved training new-hires (who often received very large sign-on bonuses!) only to have these new-hires leave MultiCare and pursue their career elsewhere, likely for higher wages & better staffing conditions. We’ve stepped up to meet the demands of our community, and now we demand that MultiCare do the same for us!

“We simply cannot provide great patient care with this status-quo! Wages are too low, staffing levels are too low, and this isn’t going to be fixed if people can just drive down the street for better pay!” — Ryan Boyd, MRI Tech @ MultiCare Clinics

Join us, along with your friends, family, and MultiCare coworkers for a Union Family Day! RSVP NOW!
IBEW Local 76 Hall
3049 S 36th St
Tacoma, WA 98409
Saturday, May 4
11 AM — 2 PM

Contract Action Team Meetings:
Monday, May 6

• 9AM — RSVP Online
• 12PM — Tacoma General in Bunker Conference Room
• 5PM — RSVP Online

MultiCare Health Benefits Story Collection

Downtown Dog Lounge - Vote scheduled

After eight months of negotiations, our union Bargaining Team fully recommends a “YES” vote on our tentative agreement! Drop in to view the proposal and vote to have your voice heard.

South Lake Union
Friday, April 26 @ 2pm—5pm
1011 Mercer St, Seattle, WA 98102

Ballard
Friday, April 26 @ 8am—12pm
824 NW 46th St, Seattle, 98107

Macy’s - Tukwila Minimum Wage Increase Grievance

Macy’s
Tukwila Minimum Wage Increase Grievance

Our union is filing a grievance against Macy’s for their failure to pay workers what they fought for and won earlier this year. Macy’s workers in Tukwila reported that they did not see their wages increase to what they should have above the city’s minimum wage. We gave Macy’s the chance to fix this problem on their own, but they refused. Our union will continue to enforce our contract through the grievance procedure.

If you have any questions, your pay has been fixed, or another economic piece of our new contract isn’t being followed, please reach out to Union Rep Tae Abraham @ 206-436-6631.

MultiCare Auburn Medical Center Professionals - Bargaining Update

On Wednesday, April 10, your bargaining team met with MultiCare to continue negotiations on our first union contract. After nine suspenseful weeks of awaiting management’s response to our wage proposal—we finally have it in hand!

However, the suspense isn’t over yet. We did extensive market research and proposed wages, premiums, and differentials that we believe match the rates of some of the highest paid union professionals in the region, because we know MultiCare has aspirations to be the premier healthcare provider in the region!

But these aspirations don't seem to extend to the compensation we earn for the care we provide.

Even after just a quick review of their proposal, we were frustrated to see that the wage rates offered at the top end of their proposal are what some of our current coworkers are already being paid!

Furthermore, our proposal contained language which would honor existing employees' years of experience in our positions and compensate us accordingly. This recognition was unfortunately nowhere to be found in MultiCare's counter.

"We waited nine weeks to receive a proposal on wages, only to be disappointed by MultiCare's counter, which appears to only offer small increases to many of us!"
—Brent Kirshenbaum, Pharmacist, Bargaining Team Member

Join our upcoming Contract Action Team meetings to get details about our ongoing bargain, the proposal we got from management, and some events for MultiCare workers to make this an action-packed spring!

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CONTRACT ACTION TEAM MEETINGS:

Thursday, April 18
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cascade Training Room

Thursday, May 16
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Cascade Training Room

Mark your calendar and join UFCW members from Auburn Medical Center, Tacoma General, Allenmore, and many more for a spring kick-off with Union Family Day for MultiCare Workers.

Saturday, May 4
11 AM - 2 PM
IBEW Local 76 Hall
3049 S 36th St
Tacoma, WA 98409

Mfused: L&I Investigation Results

Since the introduction of the new mylar zippered bag packaging at Mfused, members in production have been vocal about the pain and injuries caused to their wrists and hands from constantly opening and pinching these bags closed. Management had attempted to address the situation by ordering bags that supposedly come opened or outsourcing the task to other workers, but they still were not able to find a harmless solution. This led to multiple injuries and claims with Labor & Industries (L&I.) Meanwhile, L&I’s Department of Safety & Health (DOSH) had opened an investigation into a complaint made about the safety of this work. 

After some months and in-depth review from Occupational Hygienists, an Ergonomist, and (unlike most cases,) the head of DOSH, it has been determined that it is unsafe to open bags by hand and pinch bags closed by hand, even for part of a shift. The company has been given multiple serious citations, with one penalty, of which the amount has not been disclosed. Mfused must post a notice of their citations in the workplace for 7 days after it is received in the mail. L&I will not be checking on this, so if it is not seen or comes down early, please notify your shop steward or union rep.  

Employees, whether union members or not, should not be opening product bags by hand at all for any reason. If a batch of bags comes in sealed or partially sealed, please notify your manager and do not open them by hand. It is up to the employer to provide a safe way to get the job done, L&I has recommended finding a tool that can open and seal the bags without harmful repetitive motions. Do not open or seal bags until the company has provided a tool or machine that will help you do it harmlessly. Please notify your union rep when a tool or machine for opening/sealing bags is made available, or if you or another employee are asked to open or seal bags by hand. 

This is a win for members who have been saying that this work has been harmful to them all along, with injuries to show for it. Their voices have now been validated by safety regulators who have the authority to make management listen. 

If you have questions, reach out to your Union Rep.

Downtown Dog Lounge Bargaining Update: Tentative Agreement Reached!

After 8 long months of bargaining with Downtown Dog Lounge, we have finally reached a tentative agreement fully recommend by our union worker bargaining team!

Bargaining began in September 2023 and your bargaining team has been working hard and focusing on our core issues: safety for dogs and humans, a livable wage, and regular maintenance to the facilities. While it has been a fight, DDL workers have remained strong knowing that winning this first contract is the first step in changing standards in the animal care industry.

This tentative agreement includes:

• Additional holiday with pay

• Grievance procedure

• Just cause language

• And much more…

Details will be sent out soon on voting times and locations. If you have any questions, contact your bargaining team or Union Representative.

The union bargaining team fully recommends a YES vote!

Bargaining team includes: Maribeth Fletcher, Ayla Gersdorf-Duncan, Judy Coy, and Elsie Hedberg.

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Kelly Kanary

Kelly Kanary

Kelly Kanary has been working for Kaiser Permanente as a Certified Registered Nursing Anesthetist since 2015. Many union activists don’t get involved until workplace issues arise and suddenly they are getting a crash course in shop floor organizing, which is how Kelly got involved.

With Kelly it was the Continuing Education requirements that Kaiser CRNAs has that started things off for her. To maintain certification, CRNAs, like other healthcare workers, must complete a high level of continuing education hours, often called CEs. Without meeting those CE requirements, workers can lose their certification and employment. Kelly worked with her colleagues and management to improve how they get the time needed for the required Continuing Education.

Kelly really enjoyed advocating for her coworkers and has now led her team of CRNAs at Capitol Hill through during a shift rebid period and has started serving on the Staffing Committee. CRNA’s at Kaiser’s Central Hospital on Capitol Hill are lucky to have her in their court!