UFCW 3000 Podcast Episode 6: Honey, Listen! …To the Rest of Kristina’s Story

Kristina was Michaela’s first interview here on the podcast, but they didn’t get to the full story of Kristina’s union journey. What happens when you become a full-time union rep? And what if it doesn’t work out like you planned? Kristina talks about her time as a union rep, why it was not actually a great fit for her, and how it impacted her returning to work as an even more educated and empowered shop steward.

UFCW 3000 union shop steward Michaela is always ready to answer fellow members’ questions about their union. She’s also a devoted murder podcast listener. Put those interests together, and she decided to start a union podcast to get all her coworkers’ questions and her own questions answered, and to meet as many people as possible who could share what it means to be a part of UFCW 3000. (No murder on this podcast, only solidarity!)

*The information shared on this podcast is offered by rank and file union member leaders of UFCW 3000. There may be inaccuracies or misstatements shared, as members will be speaking from the lenses of their perspectives and life experiences. While members are doing their best to share good information, we can make no claims to 100% accuracy and this podcast should not be construed as legal advice.

You have the right to enforce your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

As a member of UFCW3000 you have the right to enforce your Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA). Your CBA is a legally binding agreement between your Union and the Employer.

Collective bargaining agreements, or contracts, may define a grievance in several ways. A grievance is a legal process where your union can make an objection to the Employer when it is determined that the company may have violated your CBA. Many contract grievance procedures make it possible to grieve violations of state, municipal and federal law, company rules or policies, unfair or disparate treatment of workers, and “past practice”. Look at your contract to find the definition of a grievance as it applies in your workplace. If the terms of the CBA are violated, you can work with your union representative to investigate and determine if filing a grievance is appropriate.

 If you wish the Union to assist you in filing a grievance, you must have a conversation about the alleged CBA violation with a UFCW 3000 union representative. This could be your Union Representative for your work location, or this could be a Member Resource Center Representative. In order to make sure UFCW 3000 has all the information necessary to initiate the grievance process, grievances will only be accepted through a conversation in person or over the phone. Grievances will not be accepted through any other forms of communication, including but not limited to email, text message, and online communication through platforms like Facebook, and Twitter.

Member Resource Center (MRC) Representative not only assist in determining whether the Employer has violated the CBA, but when a grievance is filed, they will assist in the processing of the grievance. The grievance process includes step meetings with the Employer where the parties attempt to resolve any dispute. In some cases, arbitration is necessary when the grievance is not resolved or withdrawn. You must file and advance a grievance based on timelines within your contract. If you miss a timeline your grievance may not be able to be filed. If you think your contract has been violated, contact the MRC immediately to avoid missing a timeline.

If you believe your CBA has been violated, please contact the UFCW Member Resource Center at 1-866-210-3000.

"The MRC has helped me tremendously during a very tough time being an advocate for my family health issues and as a health care employee at the same time!"- Susan Mayer, Cook at St. Michael’s Medical Center

“I have been working with QFC for over 23 years and found out I needed help from our union.  The union came up to bat for me and helped me so much through the grievance process.  From the support of my coworkers and customers I am back to work.”- Phonesith Keopanya, Checker, QFC #819

UFCW 3000 Podcast Episode 3: More to Know, More to Learn, More to Teach: UFCW 3000’s Education Department

How do you become a shop steward, anyway? Why should you bother getting training on your union rights? Why does a union workplace feel different than non-union ones? Michaela meets with UFCW 3000’s Education Director Marc to discuss all the ways members can get more involved in their union, take on leadership roles in the workplace, and get training and education that makes our union stronger.

 UFCW 3000 union shop steward Michaela is always ready to answer fellow members’ questions about their union. She’s also a devoted murder podcast listener. Put those interests together, and she decided to start a union podcast to get all her coworkers’ questions and her own questions answered, and to meet as many people as possible who could share what it means to be a part of UFCW 3000. (No murder on this podcast, only solidarity!)

*The information shared on this podcast is offered by rank and file union member leaders of UFCW 3000. There may be inaccuracies or misstatements shared, as members will be speaking from the lenses of their perspectives and life experiences. While members are doing their best to share good information, we can make no claims to 100% accuracy and this podcast should not be construed as legal advice.