PCC Labor/Management Committee candidate Online vote!

Online vote: May 8 at 6:00am — May 9 at 6:00pm

The nominees are in and they are counting on you to get involved and decide who will represent PCC workers and our union by voting for the candidates you want to represent you on the Labor/Management Committee (LMC). The purpose of the LMC will be to study and make recommendations to the PCC Board of Trustees or PCC’s Leadership Team regarding:

Per our contract, our union can nominate ten candidates to send to the PCC Governance & Membership Committee (GMC) where they will, by a simple majority vote of the GMC, select the final five workers that will serve on the LMC.

Voting will be conducted via secure online vote to decide the ten nominees that will be recommended to PCC’s GMC. We are excited to announce the candidates that are running for the chance to participate and represent their coworkers!

Meet the nominees ▸

Kelly Campbell, View Ridge PCC, Front End

I’m Kelly, and I am eager to bring my unique blend of leadership, advocacy, and community engagement to the Labor Management Committee. My journey in advocacy began when I made history as the first athlete appointed Board Chair for Special Olympics Washington. This role not only honed my leadership skills but also deepened my commitment to driving positive change and advancing inclusion. With over three decades of experience as a Special Olympics athlete and more than five years serving on the board of directors, I’ve gained invaluable insights into the power of inclusion and community engagement. My involvement extends beyond Washington, as I actively contribute to Special Olympics committees at national and international levels, amplifying the voices of athletes and advocating for diversity and equity. One of my proudest achievements is leading initiatives like the Building Bridges program, which brought Special Olympics to tribal communities for the first time, addressing the unique needs of BIPOC individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. I am dedicated to fostering understanding and respect across all communities, tirelessly working to ensure access and opportunities for all. Outside of my advocacy work, I’m a dedicated team player, competing in various sports from softball to swimming. I’ve also had the honor of representing our community on Capitol Hill, advocating for funding to support programs like Special Olympics. In my role at PCC Community Markets for over two decades, I’ve learned the importance of community engagement and collaboration. Now, I’m excited to bring my experience and passion for inclusion to the Labor Management Committee, where I hope to continue driving positive change and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace. Thank you for considering my candidacy. I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the committee’s efforts.

Oscar Cea-Figueroa, Redmond PCC, Deli

Hello, my name is Oscar, and I am quite pleased to have been nominated by my peers to run for a position on the LMC! I am learning of all the benefits this committee will bring, being the first of its kind for our company! I’m very happy to be able to represent my coworkers at a level where we can not only present barriers, issues and concerns but also provide problem solving opportunities and trouble shooting with all the people we need to discuss these matters with. In the last few years, while working for this company, I’ve seen some changes. One of the reasons I came to work for PCC was the co op values. It’s very important to me that I continue to work with an employer who has similar interests. Since our contract negotiations earlier this year, I have been gaining so much understanding of the importance of partnership. Participating in the informational pickets helped me see the bigger picture, standing together is where the power is! There is so much information to read in our world, so much to learn! I really enjoy doing the work in the deli, communicating, and working with my deli team. I’m happy to know that I have the chance to be a part of the committee that will bring change that will benefit all.

William Chiang, Bothell PCC, Deli

I’ve been with PCC for 7 years, came from restaurant background in cooking.  Have been a deli cook, clerk, and cheese clerk.

Emily Dawson, West Seattle PCC, Produce

I'm thrilled to have the chance to join the Labor Management Committee. I'm eager to dive into understanding PCC's financial model and how business decisions are made. My aim is to promote better communication and understanding between workers and non-union management, bridging that gap and fostering a more harmonious relationship between office staff and in-store workers, while focusing on suggesting workplace enhancements that will improve the work environment. Additionally, having talked with many of our coworkers from diverse ethnic backgrounds, I am confident in my ability to represent all concerns within PCC. With your support, I'm excited to make a meaningful impact and enhance our experience here at PCC. Thank you for considering me for this role.

Bert DeCoy, Redmond PCC, Deli

I have been with the co-op for 11 years. The whole time at Redmond, in the deli. Roughly a year of counter (opening, closing, and mid shifts), then the last decade as a cook and hotbar runner. During my time, I have always tried to provide the best experience for our members whether it's through personable and knowledgeable service on counter, answering a many customer questions as i can, or making food whose quality is worth the price tag. I believe firmly in working as a team, in communication, and the need to be open... even if it means having difficult conversations. These were the values handed down to me by those who trained me and I try my best to pass them along to those who have come after. I talk with our members on a daily basis, about the things they love, the things they miss or honestly the things they really don't care for in recent years. I extend this same availability to my coworkers who know I am someone they can come to to express concerns, field questions from customers, or generally expand their knowledge of what we do. One of my greatest strengths is my connection to my team mates, and to the needs of our members. I believe strongly in the need for everyone's shared participation for this co-op to do its best; from members, to employee members, to office staff, if every aspect is collaborating then I think we can maintain that spark that made us special for over 6 decades. Thank you for your time.

Nellie Demeerleer, Ballard PCC, Front End

I have 3 years experience as a disability advocate, and  when I'm passionate about something, like making sure PCC employees, especially those like me, who work on the front lines and represent the company get the respect, safety in there stores, involvement in company decisions, and pay that we deserve, I will speak for those who may not have a voice, and make sure that everyone is represented equally and fairly, no matter their background.

Cina Ebrahimi, View Ridge PCC, Grocery

I believe Cina will be able to represent the workers interest accurately. He has spent a good deal of time and effort over the last year to interface not only with workers at view ridge but across PCC to better understand the needs of PCC Workers as a whole. He participated as a committee member in the recent contract negotiation and is a shop steward for the view ridge store. Cina is familiar with the cooperative model and has experience from work in finance that make him uniquely prepared for a position in the Labor Management Committee.

Nich Fallon, Issaquah PCC, Produce

Prior to working at PCC I managed a small independent grocery store on top of running the produce department. That role exposed me to the different perspectives amongst the management, employee, and customer relationships. It helped me see extra problems but also additional opportunities to solve those problems. I am passionate about finding ways to improve the working and shopping environment better for everyone. I think being on the LMC would be a great outlet for me and that I would be a great contributor to the LMC. I want to see the LMC become a permanent fixture and stepping stone for more labor representation on the PCC board.

Quil Freitas, West Seattle PCC, Clerk

Hi, Quil Freitas here, produce clerk at West Seattle for over two years. I was involved with negotiations and kept as close an eye on the finances as possible. I advocated for a "no" vote against this current contract. I believe information workers have received has not been sufficient. I see the Labor Management Committee as a flawed but continuing effort to win a fair portion of revenues for workers to have living wages.

Miles Gensoli, PCC Fremont, Produce

Miles Gensoli, 47yrs old. My wife Karen and I have been married for 13yrs. We have 2 children Tristan is 12 and Kiara 8. Lived here in the PNW since I was  8 years old when my family migrated from the Philippines. My favorite pass time is spending time with the family and anything outdoors( hiking, camping, gardening, jet skiing). All of my work experience have been in grocery retail. Been a member of UFCW since 1994, 6 years at PCC. I am the Produce Coordinator at the Fremont Location.

Thnley Gyatso, PCC Fremont, Produce

I believe in that I fit for the Pcc Labor Management committee. I want workers treat well and pay well and appreciate their any levels of contributions Pcc recognizes. All works voice most heard.

Marlin Hathaway, Greenlake Village PCC, Beer and Wine

Marlin Hathaway is the Beer Wine Spirits Specialist at PCC Greenlake Village and has worked for PCC for almost 3 years. He is a UFCW3000 Union Shop Steward and a founding member of PCC Workers United. Marlin is a steadfast advocate for living wages for all PCC workers, personally organizing and reaching out to workers in all of PCC’s stores in the struggle for the retention of Hazard Pay, and its expansion for all PCC workers. He was a leader in the campaign for One Wage Scale for all PCC Workers in the region, a base wage of $25 per hour, $30 for Journey, and a 3-year path to Journey. As a member of the Bargaining team this last contract cycle, Marlin fought hard for a base wage of $25 per hour for all PCC workers, a path to Journey in 3 years, and $30 per hour for Journey folks, and was an initiator of the idea of creating the LMC. Marlin has been a restaurant, grocery, and hospitality worker his entire life, from age 15 to 60. He has tenacity and will fight tooth and nail to uphold the needs of our workforce.

Kerry Hudson, Burien PCC, Front End

Hi my name is Kerry, I'm a cashier at Burien. Over the course of 9 years at PCC, I've worked in just about every department. I understand the experience and needs of roles throughout the store. I believe that there are opertunities throughout the co-op to trim the budget without punishing staff, making our co-op better for staff and the community. I think that as we've grown we have lost some of our co-op values and management refuses to see any solution other than cutting labor hours. It's time that we look at the whole picture and act more like a co-op in all facets.

Chloe Jett, Bellevue PCC, Beer and Wine

I come from North Carolina, a state which ranks 49th in the country for worker’s rights. I’ve seen firsthand what can happen when unions aren’t given the necessary power and respect they deserve. As an LMC member, I would see to it that worker’s rights are observed to make PCC an ideal place for labor.

Jackson Jones, Kirkland PCC, Meat Dept.

I have worked at several premium grocery stores and have gained a unique and solid understanding of the strategies that are helpful in navigating the relationship between corporate and worker interests. My experience has allowed me to gain respect for different cultures and how they do things, allowing me to find creative solutions in a variety of ways. I am dedicated to making our work environment safer through my role on the safety committee. My goal in nominating myself for the LMC is to improve employee’s knowledge, which will invite longevity & reduce turnover of the employees as well as foster a direct and open dialogue with leadership team.

Kris Jamison, Kirkland PCC, Deli

I've been with UFCW for over ten years and have always held a sharp interest in contract negotiations and try to stay as involved as possible. Info pickets, zoom meetings, CAT meetings, you name it. And because of my friendly, outgoing nature, people have always naturally gravitated toward me with questions or comments about the Union and the contract. I've been approached several times about becoming a Shop Steward as well. The LMC however appears to be a very unique opportunity, and one that instantly called to me once I read how it will function. So, I'm very excited to play a vital role in shaping the next contract and influence how my work environment is structured. Thank you for your consideration.

Scott Jue , Central District PCC, Receiver

I worked for Central District PCC as the Receiver for the last 4 years. I previously worked for Safeway for 28 years with 8 years as a Safeway Assistant Store Director. I have experience in sales projection, scheduling and order writing, expense control, ad planning, merchandising, inventory and shrink control, hiring, employee evaluations and terminations. I served on the Safeway Diversity Board and was a Safeway Division Safety Supervisor assisting 37 stores in 3 districts. I have a BA from Seattle University in business management and an MBA from the University of Washington. I am also a United States Marine and served with the Washington Army National Guard. I deployed to Iraq (08-09) and conducted combat security operations.  My outside interests include Cross Fit, cooking and spending time with my 2 black labrador dogs. As my store’s Receiver I work and interact with all departments and see the success, problems, opportunities, frustrations that occur daily. I believe I can provide a voice in making PCC a more profitable, adaptable, efficient, diverse and safe workplace. I believe in the 80/20 rule. Spend 80% of the time preventing, anticipating and solving problems and 20% of the time reacting to problems we cannot control.  I can reduce the gap between PCC Corporate and retail front line employees. I ask for the opportunity to assist in making PCC profitable again as we look to our next contract. 

Chris Maraslo, PCC Ballard, Grocery

PCC employee since 2019 and has worked through the pandemic. Understands the importance of proper support and care at the workplace. Chris is by far the fiercest advocate for workers' power that I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. If he were elected to the committee, I have no doubt at all that he would stand for the workers and advance our cause without fail.

Scott Norman, West Seattle PCC, Receiver

I am a true Seattlite. Born and raised in Ballard and have lived in the south Seattle area now for the last 32 years. I have worked in the grocery business for most of my adult life and have been with PCC for 6 years now. I hope to receive your consideration and vote because I am passionate about fairness, respect, and accountability. The Labor Management Committee is a great opportunity for all of our voices to be heard. With my background in public service and the grocery industry, I am a strong candidate to help ensure that our voices and ideas are being weighed and taken seriously, in order for PCC to be prosperous well into the future. Thank you for your consideration. 

Scott Shiflett, Redmond PCC, Meat Dept

My name is Scott Shiflett and I am excited to have this Golden Opportunity to run for a position on the LMC! I’m looking forward to the work that we’ll accomplish, the relationships that we’ll build and the improvements we will bring through the work of the LMC. This is quite an honor to potentially be involved at the ground floor level of building this very important committee! I am a proud worker of PCC who brings 35 plus years of experience through my service in the grocery industry. I’ve seen how different departments are managed, the successes and failures of some practices and been a part of countless conversations with coworkers regarding the concerns they have about workplace matters. Serving on the Safety Committee for this same period of time has given me insight into this critical topic of discussion that we all must be attentive to. As a Bargaining Team member for many contract cycles, I have been honored to serve my coworkers by bringing their voices to the Bargaining table. There have been many late night ( and into the wee hours of the morning) bargaining sessions where both the Company and the Union were so close to reaching an agreement that we didn’t want to end our session! I’ve seen PCC change dramatically from the original family/neighbor style co-op to the now more corporate style. There are pros and cons to both. I feel we need to work together to find a harmonious blend between the two styles. To maintain our roots while growing and keeping instep with our changing membership and the dynamics of the grocery business as a whole. We must get back to our roots and be the family/neighborhood store we used to be while keeping up with the modernization of the grocery industry. We will work on finding the perfect balance to bring forth a happy and caring yet profitable company. I ask for your support, your vote as we move ahead in bringing forward the PCC we need, the values we must hold dear and foster the commitments we have to our community! Let’s cultivate the success of this company together!

Andrew Shustov, Bellevue PCC, Cheese

The first lesson I was taught when I started working in the grocery industry was that how a customer feels about their experience with a store is very strongly weighted among their other grocery shopping concerns (such as how much products there cost, a location’s convenience, or the quality of items). Similar considerations also very much apply to those of us who have chosen to work in the grocery industry. (How does it feel to work here? What is the pay? How convenient is it?) When I first started with PCC in 2019, the balance among these considerations on the employee side seemed very healthy among workers. Arrival of present year, and I’ve already watched coworkers who genuinely love the company and their own store locations vehemently vote “yes” on a strike ballot, and fully accept all of the personal uncertainty, anxiety, and financial awkwardness that comes with such a decision. Such votes were (by the majority) not made lightly. To run a successful grocery it is important to balance the above concerns of customers (or they will stop shopping). Likewise, to succeed in contract negotiations it is important to balance the above concerns of workers (or they will not accept the contract negotiations). My interest in the committee is to advance awareness toward worker concerns with the same level of enthusiasm, care, and practicality that any of us would bring toward the weight of shopper concerns.

Jayne Sonesen, PCC Fremont, Meat

Cares greatly about coworkers, and the future of the company as a whole. Views the company as a career and not just a job and is invested in its success.

Christopher Trebaol, Bellevue PCC, Produce

Christopher Lee Trebaol is Produce Lead at PCC Bellevue, starting with the company in summer of 2020. He is currently on the Worker Health and Safety Committee and founded the first Bellevue Worker Caucus Committee, and performed duties as Bellevue Shop Steward from 2020-2022. To Christopher the LMC represents an opportunity to elevate the unique concerns of all PCC employees, as well as take the first steps towards creating a more equitable Co-Op across the board. He hopes to address concerns around internal communication, budget, personal development and promotion, as well as provide a voice and expression to the varied and unique concerns of everyone within the company high or low. He hopes to bridge the many divides within the company, with charity and equanimity for all, and malice towards none. “The best days of PCC are ahead of us if we are all willing to reach out and take hold of them.”

Gabriella Von Ins, View Ridge PCC, Front End

I first started working for PCC in January 2018, and since then have worked in multiple stores and in various roles and departments. I am now currently a PIC at the View Ridge Store. My goals in being a PIC is to foster strong avenues for communication between staff members, empower staff to advocate for themselves and each other, and to provide resources for staff to safely and efficiently complete their tasks while finding a sense of pride in what they do. I believe that being a part of the LMC will allow me the opportunity to bridge these goals across the co-op, and collaborate with others in making them not only the reality but the standard.

Emily Weisenburger, Issaquah PCC, Health and Beauty

In 2023 I was a member of the bargaining committee where I was given the opportunity to listen to not just two sides of an argument, but many during negotiations. Back in the store, I was asked to explain the decisions and compromises. I am a member of the Worker Caucus Committee because I believe that workers should be heard and I want to facilitate that to better open the lines of communication between workers and managers.

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Online vote: May 8 at 6:00am — May 9 at 6:00pm

To ensure you are able to participate in the secure online vote on May 8 and 9 you must make sure your personal email is up-to-date with the union! If you believe your information is out-of-date or if you haven’t been receiving union emails, please update your information!

Update you personal contact information ▸

If you have any questions, please reach out to a union Rep.

PCC Nominations for the new Labor Management Committee are open!

Nominations for the new Labor Management Committee are open!

As a democratic union, we know that when we all come together and actively participate in the decision-making processes that have direct impacts on our workplace then we win better outcomes, safer workplaces, and a more fulfilling work environment. One crucial way we can have direct impact is through the election of PCC workers to the Labor Management Committee (LMC), which will play a key role in representing our collective interests and ensuring a fair and respectful work environment for all.

The LMC's purpose is to study and make recommendations on important matters to the PCC Board of Trustees or Leadership Team. These recommendations will cover various issues that are important to workers and members at PCC like, profit sharing structures for unionized staff, fostering understanding of the co-op's business and financial model, workplace enhancements and improvements, staff training needs, productivity improvements, financial performance, and the member/shopper experience. 

Our participation in this election is vital to ensuring that the voices and concerns of PCC workers are addressed. By electing five representatives who truly understand and advocate for our needs, we can work together to create a stronger and more inclusive workplace for everyone. Read more about the LMC in our union contract FRS (page 23) here.

Are you interested in nominating yourself or a co-worker for the Labor Management Committee? 

The best potential candidates should fit the following criteria:

1. You are a PCC employee in good standing.

2. You can represent diverse ethnic groups, backgrounds, and positions within PCC.

3. You are willing to commit the time needed to the LMC (3 year term) to have the greatest impact for co-workers.

Once all the nominations are in, we will hold a democratic online vote to choose the five new LMC members!

The deadline to submit LMC nominations is April 27, 2024 at midnight.

Nominate yourself or a co-worker for the LMC here>>

Make sure you can participate in the vote! Once all the nominations are in, we will hold a democratic online vote to choose the five new LMC members! You are encouraged to learn about the candidates, and to cast your vote. Your vote matters, and your involvement in this process will help to strengthen our union and build a better future for all of us. To participate in the online vote make sure your personal contact information is up-to-date, go to ufcw3000.org

Join the next Contract Action Team Meeting

4/15, 4/17, 4/18, 4/22, 4/24, 4/25 @ 6pm via zoom >>
Meeting ID: 871 1956 3836 Passcode: 095974 
Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings are a time for us to get together, talk about workplace issues and our plans for the future! If you have questions about nominations for the LMC wring those questions to the next CAT meeting!

PCC Workers Ratify Industry Leading Collective Bargaining Agreement!

Today we ratified a new 2-year Collective Bargaining Agreement! 

Our union Bargaining Team put our interests first and we won on our top priorities.  

The contract was not only ratified, workers at every PCC location overwhelmingly voted YES! Many members who were initially skeptical ended up voting yes when they saw the details of the contract.   

The new contract will make our PCC members the highest paid Grocery and Meat workers in the area, improve the safety of our stores, and maintain our healthcare benefits. We also made significant gains in increasing our voices in the operation of PCC going forward. We secured a groundbreaking agreement and process to have workers on the board and begin discussion with the company around profit sharing. Together, our collective action set a new standard for PCC workers and continues the fight of moving PCC closer to its CO-op roots. We stood together for each other and our community.    

“For the first time ever, we won wage escalators to ensure our lowest wage workers stay above the minimum wage.  We fought hard for helper clerks and won wage increases for our lowest paid deli workers. We did this by standing together and fighting together.” -Atsuko Koseki, Deli, PCC Edmonds 

“Healthcare was a top priority and we fought back PCC takeaways. We also reduced our wage scales and won a path for permanent worker representation on the PCC Board of directors. Our co-workers and customers stood with us. And we won.” -Keith Allery, Deli, PCC Green Lake Village 

“Perserverance to prosperity, I am grateful for the largest pay raise in PCC history.” -Allison Smith, Meat Cutter, PCC Issaquah 

“My coworkers and fellow union members are happy with our union contract and we won a groundbreaking contract. There were outside agitators who tried to divide us, but we stood together. Can’t wait two years from now to bargain again. We must build off every contract.” -Yasab Pfister, PIC, PCC Burien 

PCC Tentative Agreement Reached! Bargaining Committee is recommending a YES vote!

After a Powerful Strike Vote, UFCW 3000 PCC Bargaining Team Reaches a Tentative Agreement on a New Contract and Recommends a YES vote!

Contract Vote: Tuesday, February 6.

After months of bargaining and a powerful strike authorization vote, we reached an overall tentative agreement with PCC that will once again make our workplace an industry leader in workplace standards, wages, and benefits. 

We strengthened our voice as workers over the future of the co-op for the first time ever securing permanent seats for PCC workers on the Board of Trustees, improving our Worker Caucus Language, and setting up a Labor Management Committee that is tasked with exploring profit sharing, improving the workplace and more. PCC workers know better than anyone what works in our stores. Workers' voices will make PCC successful. 

We won wage increases that will put us ahead of every other grocery store in the region, recognizing our hard work and expertise. We won wage scales that will help foster retention by allowing workers to reach top of the scale within three years of employment. We protected our high road healthcare and pension.

Key Tentative Agreements include:

• Wages: Largest wage increases ever at PCC, making PCC workers some of the highest paid Grocery Store workers in the Puget Sound

• Healthcare: Maintaining our high road healthcare plan and controlling cost for workers

• Pension: Securing our pension for all workers

• WeTrain Funding: Funding for future training programs and keeping our Meat Apprenticeship Program strong

• Improvements to Work Schedules: Allowing workers to pick up more hours when they are available

• Improvements to Leave of Absence, Bereavement

• Improvements to the Workers Caucus Committee

• Establishment of a committee to discuss gainshare and profit share for PCC workers to benefit from PCC profits and gain greater insight into PCC financials

• Increases to the night premium, time and one half for all work after 8th day (Grocery), increasing rest between shifts from 10 hours to 12 hours

• Orca Pass: provided for no more than $20, stronger promotion language

• Improved Safety language

• And more

Contract Vote: Tuesday, February 6.

You may attend any vote location during the polling times to vote on the tentative agreement. The full tentative agreement will be available to review at the voting locations. All members in good standing are eligible and encouraged to vote on the tentative agreement.

Morning Votes 8:00AM — 12:00PM

West Seattle PCC: 2749 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116

Burien PCC: 15840 1st Ave. South, Burien, WA 98148

Green Lake Village PCC: 450 NE 71st St. Seattle, WA 98115

Bothell PCC: 22621 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98021

Fremont PCC: 600 North 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103

Bellevue PCC: 11615 NE 4th St. Bellevue, WA 98004

Ballard PCC: 1451 NW 46th St. Seattle, WA 98107

View Ridge PCC: 6514 40th Ave NE. Seattle, WA 98115

Afternoon Votes 2:00PM — 6:00PM

Columbia City PCC: 3610 South Edmunds St. Seattle, WA 98118

Central District PCC: 2230 E Union St. Seattle, WA 98122

Redmond PCC: 11435 Avondale Rd NE. Redmond, WA 98052

Edmonds PCC: 9803 Edmonds Wy. Edmonds, WA 98020

Issaquah PCC: 1810 12th Ave NW. Issaquah, WA 98027

Kirkland PCC: 430 Kirkland Wy. Kirkland, WA 98033

Greenlake PCC: 7504 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98103   

Our Union Bargaining Committee: 
Atsuko Koseki – PCC Edmonds – Deli
Scott Shiflett – PCC Redmond – Meat
Greg Brooks – PCC Burien – Meat
Allison Smith – PCC Issaquah – Meat
Cina Ebrahimi – PCC View Ridge – Grocery
Yasab Pfister – PCC Burien – Front End
Keith Allery – GLV – Night Crew Deli
Emily Weisenburger – Issaquah – HBC
Arlo Bender-Simon – Bothell – Grocery  
Marlin Hathaway –  GLV – Grocery
Jordan Young – View Ridge – Grocery

PCC Strike Vote Results: Strike Authorization APPROVED, Contract Offer REJECTED

Today, PCC workers overwhelmingly voted to reject PCC’s most recent contract offer and voted to authorize a strike!

PCC has historically led the grocery store industry, but now they are making proposals that are far behind other stores—Town and Country, Saar’s, Safeway, and every other union grocery store in this region pays more than PCC.

We are sending a clear message: We will no longer allow our wages to lag behind and we are ready to strike.

PCC is the largest food co-op in the United States. When they were doing well, PCC was all too happy to spend money on fancy executive offices, or on big payouts to recruit Kroger and Starbucks management, or to install, then uninstall, then install again banks of USCAN machines, or to expand beyond their ability to operate. They spent their money in ways that did not benefit workers or improve the customer experience, over the objections of workers and our union. And now, after years of poor executive decision-making, PCC wants to balance their books on the backs of the workers.

We will not tolerate a grocery store that claims to care about the community and its members while undercutting community standards.

PCC has lost its way. And the only way for PCC to find its way again is to have workers involved in the decisions. Workers know better than anyone what works in our stores. Workers know the customers. Workers’ voices will make PCC successful.

Our message is clear: If we must strike, we will.

We are back at the bargaining table Tuesday, January 30. We must stand against the corporatization of PCC, we must stand together to keep up with industry standard wages, and we must stand up for ourselves.

Our Union Bargaining Committee: 
Atsuko Koseki – PCC Edmonds – Deli
Scott Shiflett – PCC Redmond – Meat
Greg Brooks – PCC Burien – Meat
Allison Smith – PCC Kirkland – Meat
Ebrahimi – PCC View Ridge – Grocery
Yasab Pfister – PCC Burien – Front End
Keith Allery – GLV – Night Crew Deli
Emily Weisenburger – HBC – Issaquah
Arlo Bender-Simon – Bothell – Grocery  
Marlin Hathaway – GLV – Grocery
Jordan Young – View Ridge – Grocery

PCC Friday Contract Vote and Strike Authorization Vote

Friday Strike Vote: Our UFCW 3000 PCC Bargaining Team Unanimously Recommends a NO Vote on the Contract Offer and a YES Vote to Authorize a STRIKE! 

Yesterday, after having six weeks to prepare a fair proposal, PCC came to our bargaining session only willing to propose a move of 10 cents for the Grocery contract and 20 cents for the Meat contract at the top of our scales. PCC then left the session without even responding to our counter proposals. PCC has clearly decided that our wages should be lower than our region’s grocery store standards. They think we deserve less than the grocery store worker across the street.

Our Member Bargaining Team thinks our work is worth more than that. We are ready to stand up for a fair contract.

PCC has historically led the grocery store industry and now they have fallen far behind. PCC is behind Town and Country, Saar's, Safeway, and every other union grocery store in this region.

We are sending a clear message: We will no longer allow our wages to lag behind and we are ready to strike.

PCC is the largest food co-op in the United States. When they were doing well, PCC was to happy to spend money on fancy executive offices, or big payouts to recruit Kroger and Starbucks management, or to expand beyond PCC's ability to operate, or to install, then uninstall, then install again U-SCAN machines. PCC has spent money in ways that did not benefit workers or improve the customer experience, over the objections of workers and our union. Now, after years of poor executive decision-making, PCC wants to balance their books on the backs of workers.

We will not tolerate a grocery store that claims to care about the community and its members while undercutting community standards.

PCC Management has lost its way. And the only way for them to find their way again is to have workers involved in their decisions. Workers know better than anyone what works in our stores. Workers know our customers. Workers' voices will make PCC successful.

If we must strike, it will be a strike to protect PCC from itself.

Contract Votes and Strike Authorization Meetings: Friday, January 26

Tomorrow, Friday, January 26, we will be holding Strike Authorization votes at all 15 PCC store locations. All members in good standing are eligible to vote. Copies of the PCC contract offer highlight sheet will be available for review at each vote location. Our Union Bargaining Team is recommending a NO vote to reject PCC's latest contract proposal and YES vote to authorize a strike.

Morning Votes 8:00AM — 12:00PM

West Seattle PCC: 2749 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116  

Burien PCC: 15840 1st Ave. South, Burien, WA 98148  

Green Lake Village PCC: 450 NE 71st St. Seattle, WA 98115  

Bothell PCC: 22621 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98021  

Fremont PCC: 600 North 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103  

Bellevue PCC: 11615 NE 4th St. Bellevue, WA 98004  

Ballard PCC: 1451 NW 46th St. Seattle, WA 98107  

View Ridge PCC: 6514 40th Ave NE. Seattle, WA 98115  

Afternoon Votes 2:00PM — 6:00PM  

Columbia City PCC: 3610 South Edmunds St. Seattle, WA 98118  

Central District PCC: 2230 E Union St. Seattle, WA 98122  

Redmond PCC: 11435 Avondale Rd NE. Redmond, WA 98052  

Edmonds PCC: 9803 Edmonds Wy. Edmonds, WA 98020  

Issaquah PCC: 1810 12th Ave NW. Issaquah, WA 98027  

Kirkland PCC: 430 Kirkland Wy. Kirkland, WA 98033  

Greenlake PCC: 7504 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98103  

Resources

Strike Frequently Asked Questions document >>
Make sure you have filled-out and submitted a W9 form for union strike benefits during a strike >>

Our Union Bargaining Comittee: 
Atsuko Koseki – PCC Edmonds – Deli
Scott Shiflett – PCC Redmond – Meat
Greg Brooks – PCC Burien – Meat
Allison Smith – PCC Kirkland – Meat
Ebrahimi – PCC View Ridge – Grocery
Yasab Pfister – PCC Burien – Front End
Keith Allery – GLV – Night Crew Deli
Emily Weisenburger – HBC – Issaquah
Arlo Bender-Simon – Bothell – Grocery  
Marlin Hathaway –  GLV – Grocery
Jordan Young – View Ridge – Grocery

PCC Contract Votes are Coming!

We will be bargaining with the Employer on January 23 and 24...

If we do not reach a Tentative Agreement:

For a successor contract we will hold strike vote meetings on Friday, January 26 for all PCC workers in good standing. Members will be able to review the most recent offer from Management, ask the union member Bargaining Committee questions, and vote on whether to accept or reject the offer and vote to authorize a strike at PCC.

Tentative Votes for Friday, January 26:

8:00am — 12:00pm

West Seattle PCC: 2749 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116

Burien PCC: 15840 1st Ave. South, Burien, WA 98148

Green Lake Village PCC: 450 NE 71st St. Seattle, WA 98115

Bothell PCC: 22621 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98021

Fremont PCC: 600 North 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103

Bellevue PCC: 11615 NE 4th St. Bellevue, WA 98004

Ballard PCC: 1451 NW 46th St. Seattle, WA 98107

View Ridge PCC: 6514 40th Ave NE. Seattle, WA 98115

2:00pm — 6:00pm

Columbia City PCC: 3610 South Edmunds St. Seattle, WA 98118

Central District PCC: 2230 E Union St. Seattle, WA 98122

Redmond PCC: 11435 Avondale Rd NE. Redmond, WA 98052

Edmonds PCC: 9803 Edmonds Wy. Edmonds, WA 98020

Issaquah PCC: 1810 12th Ave NW. Issaquah, WA 98027

Kirkland PCC: 430 Kirkland Wy. Kirkland, WA 98033

Greenlake PCC: 7504 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98103

If we reach a Tentative Agreement:

If we reach a tentative agreement with PCC during bargaining on Tuesday 23 & 24 we will cancel the Strike Authorization Vote meetings on January 26 and reschedule the vote for a later date to give members time to review the contract offer and union Bargaining Committee recommendation.

Reach out to a Union Rep, Shop Steward, or Bargaining Team member with any questions.

Our PCC Bargain Continues

We are preparing for a ULP strike if we are unable to reach a tentative agreement during our next bargaining session on January 23 and 24.

RSVP as soon as you can!

Next Bargaining dates are January 23 and 24 at the Federal Mediation and Consolatory Service office located at 2001 6th Ave #2500, Seattle, WA 98121. If you plan to attend bargaining, you must RSVP by January 15 to ensure you are on the list and can attend as an observer. You will need to RSVP with your name as it appears on your government ID and supply a valid email address. Upon arrival, you must present a government ID to check into the building. Bargaining begins at 9:00 AM.

>> Observe our next bargaining session with PCC!

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Allison Smith

Allison Smith at the Issaquah PCC during the recent contract vote meetings. It’s pretty clear where she stands on the offer that was voted down.

Allison Smith has worked for PCC as a meat cutter since 2013, and is currently home-stored at the Issaquah store, which has been great for her as it is close to home.

During Allison’s time at PCC, she has stepped up to become a leader, including currently serving on the bargaining team for the new PCC contract. She knows that to win a fair contract, bargaining team members not only have to represent coworkers in negotiation sessions with management but also have to be organizing on the shop floor. Allison not only keeps her Issaquah meat and grocery coworkers informed and ready to take action, she also reaches out to other meat departments in the area to make sure that PCC management knows it isn’t just the bargaining committee at the table, it is all PCC workers collectively fighting together!

Petitions, fliering customers outside the store, and info picket lines aren’t done by activists. It is the rank-and-file union members standing together in solidarity that advance a contract campaign. Recently PCC members voted to reject their employer’s latest contract offer, and held info pickets just ahead of the Holidays. There will be more actions to come unless PCC offers a fair union contract to its workers, and it will be shop stewards like Allison leading the way.

Organizing to fight for better working conditions, wages, and safety is as much of a full-time job as the job that our employers hired us for. Allison’s coworkers are lucky to have such a dedicated activist representing them at the PCC bargaining table!

PCC Preparing to be Strike Ready

PCC workers are preparing for a possible strike if we are unable to reach a tentative agreement during our next bargaining session on January 23 and 24. If we do not reach an agreement that is recommended by our Bargaining Committee on January 23 and 24, then we plan to hold a strike authorization vote on January 26. At this vote workers will be able to review PCC’s most recent offer, vote to accept or reject the offer, as well as vote on whether to authorize a strike or not.

As part of our preparation for a possible strike PCC workers met last Thursday at 6pm virtually, including members of our bargaining team, to discuss how we can best prepare for a possible strike. We discussed what a strike could be like, the importance of having Strike Picket Captain trainings at our next round of Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings, strike benefits and more. Our Bargaining Committee plans to hold regular Thursday virtual open meetings at 6pm going forward. Feel free to drop by and ask any questions or share any ideas you have about the bargain, the contract and strike authorization votes and more.

Next Steps:

• Join our drop-in Q&A meeting every Thursday at 6pm

• Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings next week: January 8-12 attend a CAT meeting, where we will be going over the Strike Picket Captain training. The training will help PCC workers get more prepared for a strike and allow for time to go over any questions you may have.

• Next Bargaining dates are January 23 and 24. At the Federal mediation and Consolatory Service office located at 2001 6th Ave #2500, Seattle, WA 98121. If you plan to attend bargaining you must RSVP by January 15 to make sure you are on the list and can attend as an observer. You will need to RSVP with your name as it appears on your government ID and supply a good email address. When arriving you must have a government ID to check into the building.

Preparándonos para la Huelga 

Los trabajadores de PCC estamos preparándonos para una huelga posible si no podemos lograr un acuerdo tentativo durante la próxima sesión de negociaciones del 23 y 24 de enero. Si no logramos el acuerdo recomendado por el comité de negociaciones, tenemos planeado una votación de autorización de huelga el día 26 de enero en donde los trabajadores podrán revisar la oferta más reciente de PCC, votar por aceptar o rechazar la oferta, y además votar por hacer huelga o no. Como parte de la preparación para la posible huelga, los trabajadores de PCC, incluidos los miembros de nuestro comité de negociaciones, nos reunimos virtualmente el jueves pasado a las 6pm para hablar de la mejor manera de prepararnos para la posible huelga. Hablamos de cómo podría ser la huelga, de la importancia de realizar capacitaciones de Capitanes de Piquete de Huelga durante la próxima ronda de reuniones del Equipo de Acción por el Contrato (CAT por sus siglas en inglés), de las prestaciones en caso de huelga, y de otros temas más. Nuestro comité de negociaciones tiene planeado realizar de aquí en adelante reuniones abiertas por medio virtual todos los jueves a las 6pm. Se les invita asistir a las reuniones y hacer cualquier pregunta o compartir cualquier idea que tengan acerca de las negociaciones, el contrato, el voto de autorización de huelga y más. 

Los Próximos Pasos:  

Asista a nuestra próxima reunión de Preguntas y Respuestas (Q&A) este jueves, 4 de enero a las 6pm

La próxima semana, del 8 al 12 de enero se le invita asistir a las reuniones del Equipo de Acción por el Contrato (CAT) donde vamos a repasar la capacitación de Capitanes de Piquete de Huelga. Este taller ayudará a los trabajadores de PCC a estar mejor preparados para la huelga y permitirá tiempo para repasar todas las preguntas que puedan tener. 

Las próximas fechas de Negociación son el 23 y 24 de enero en la oficina del Servicio Federal de Mediación y Conciliación ubicada en el 2001 6th Ave #2500, Seattle, WA 98121. Si piensa asistir a estas negociaciones tiene que confirmar su asistencia para el 15 de enero en el. Para garantizar que esté en la lista y que pueda asistir como observador tiene que confirmar su asistencia (RSVP) con el nombre que aparece en su credencial de identificación emitida por el gobierno y tiene que incluir una dirección válida de correo electrónico. Cuando llega debe presentar su Identificación emitida por el gobierno para registrar su entrada al edificio. 

PCC January Contract Action Team Meetings

Tuesday, January 9, 6:00pm – 7:00pm @ Kingsgate Library 12315 NE 143rd St, Kirkland, WA 98034

Tuesday, January 9, 4:00pm – 5:00pm @ Bellevue Library 1111 110th Ave NE, Bellevue, WA 98004

Wednesday, January 10, 2:00pm – 3:00pm @ Seattle Library: Columbia City Branch 4721 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118

Thursday, January 11, 9:00am – 10:00am @ Lynnwood Library 19200 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036

Thursday, January 11, 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM @ Seattle Library: University Branch 5009 Roosevelt Way NE Seattle, WA 98105

Join Zoom Meeting >> Meeting ID: 871 1956 3836 Passcode: 095974

This is a recurring meeting at the same times as the in person meetings listed.

UFCW 3000 Member Stories: Sheila Sloan-Evans

SHeila SLoan-Evans in the deli

Here is Sheila Sloan-Evans’s story in her own words:

Prior to the pandemic, I was a job coach with Northwest Center in a high school transition program. I so enjoyed training a client in his new grocery job that I realized grocery might be a fit for me too! I have been a PCC member for many years, but during COVID, the Redmond PCC was my go-to store, always a safe and welcoming place with quality products.

I began work at PCC on October 4th, 2022. I take customer service and food safety seriously but also have fun in the process. I enjoy helping people in both French and English--and attempting to learn Spanish from my coworkers!

In late May of this year, Sheila became injured off the job and had to apply for a leave of absence. It was here that her story took a troubling turn:

I provided Redmond PCC and HR a return-to-work letter for July 7th, 2023; Redmond staff and managers were very supportive. PCC human resources called me en route to surgery to terminate me as ineligible for the 6 weeks off and inform me that my insurance coverage would end the next day as well. It was devasting.

Sheila reached out to her rep and the Member Resource Center, who filed a grievance for her termination. After some meetings with PCC, they agreed to restore her employment and bring her back to work!

I truly love this job. I say that every day and am genuinely surprised by that, as it is an unexpected joy to work with these great people in grocery who have so much to teach me. The support of the union was essential. Having strong union advocates really helped me focus on healing and getting back to work. Thank you!!

PCC Bargaining Update

On Tuesday, December 19, PCC workers participated in informational pickets at six different locations. Despite the grey skies and rain, workers made their voices heard, demonstrating to PCC management that their last offer was insufficient.

Bargaining dates with a mediator are scheduled for January 23 and 24. If a tentative agreement is not reached, we will hold strike authorization votes on January 26. The locations and times for the strike vote will be announced in early January.

In the meantime, our focus will be on training strike captains and circulating strike schedule sign-up sheets in all our stores.

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CAT meetings are planned for the week of January 7 – 14. Attend these meetings to learn how to manage a strike line and to ask questions about what to expect during a strike.

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>> RSVP for our next CAT meeting via Zoom on Thursday, December 28, at 6:00 PM

>> Contact the bargaining team!

>> Visit the PCC contract page & read the PCC Strike FAQ

 

Informe sobre las Negociaciones con PCC

El martes 19 de diciembre, los trabajadores de PCC participaron en piquetes informativos en seis locales distintos. A pesar de los cielos nublados y la lluvia, los trabajadores se hicieron escuchar, manifestando ante la gerencia de PCC que su última oferta fue insuficiente.

Las fechas de negociación con el mediador están fijadas para el 23 y 24 de enero. Si no se logra un acuerdo tentativo, vamos a votar por autorizar una huelga el 26 de enero. Se anunciarán los lugares y las horas de la votación de huelga a principios de enero.

Por mientras, nuestro enfoque será la capacitación de los capitanes de huelga y pasar las hojas para apuntarse para un horario de huelga en todas nuestras tiendas.

Tenemos planificadas reuniones de CAT para la semana del 7 a 14 de enero. Asista a estas juntas para informarse sobre cómo manejar una línea de huelga y para hacer sus preguntas acerca de lo que pueden esperar de la huelga.

>> Súmase a nuestra próxima junta de CAT por Zoom el jueves, 28 de diciembre a las 6:00 PM

>> ¡Comuníquese con el equipo de negociaciones!

>> Visite la página del contrato de PCC y lea las preguntas frecuentes sobre la Huelga de PCC

PCC Update - Take Action! Info Pickets on Tuesday!

In our last session, your union bargaining team put forward a proposal. It included, among other improvements, the following demands.

• To maintain the best of our healthcare plan!

• To give us industry leading wages and a shortened path to Journey!

• To develop lasting worker representation in the governance of PCC as well as a path to a worker ownership that would give us a share of future PCC success!

Unfortunately, despite our efforts to come up with creative ways to achieve a good contract, PCC was unwilling to offer a response to our proposal. As a result, we have requested to go to mediation for our next bargaining sessions. PCC has agreed to this option.

With months of bargaining behind us, where PCC has been unwilling to offer wages that even match what others in the industry achieved years ago, it is time that we show PCC how serious we are about securing a great contract!

To demonstrate strength of our solidarity, we want every available worker to join us on December 19 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm at the various locations where we are holding Informational Pickets:

• Columbia City 3610 S Edmunds St, Seattle, WA 98118

• Issaquah 1810 12th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

• Green Lake Village 450 NE 71st St, Seattle, WA 98115

• Edmonds 9803 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020

• Redmond 11435 Avondale Rd NE Suite 101, Redmond, WA 98052

• Central District 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122

PCC Bargaining Update

Our PCC Bargaining Team met to strategize and discuss next steps after our successful NO vote on PCC’s last proposal that took place in November. With wage proposals that hardly account for inflation and still no pathway for workers to be permanently on the Board of Trustees, we still find ourselves apart. New bargaining dates have been set for December 11 and 14, we are hoping to come to an agreement at these sessions but if we are unsuccessful we will hold actions at various PCC locations!

Save the date! Tuesday, December 19 from 1pm—3pm

• Columbia City PCC 3610 S Edmunds St, Seattle, WA 98118

• Issaquah PCC 1810 12th Ave NW, Issaquah, WA 98027

• Green Lake Village PCC 450 NE 71st St, Seattle, WA 98115

• Edmonds PCC 9803 Edmonds Way, Edmonds, WA 98020

• Redmond PCC 11435 Avondale Rd NE Suite 101, Redmond, WA 98052

• Central District PCC 2230 E Union St, Seattle, WA 98122

Join your coworkers and be heard, even if we come to a deal!

Observe open bargaining on Dec. 11 & 14. RSVP here >>

Stay informed! Visit the PCC Contract page here >>

PCC workers overwhelmingly voted NO on PCC’s latest offer

Yesterday, November 9, PCC workers overwhelmingly voted NO on PCC’s latest offer, with over 92% rejecting the contract. Our bargaining committee will be seeking more bargaining dates with PCC and continue fighting for the best contract possible. In the meantime, if we are unable to reach a deal that benefits all workers at PCC, we need to get ready to take action. Upcoming Contract Action Team (CAT) meetings are being scheduled and information will be sent out as soon as possible. It’s important to attend one of those meetings, as we will be prepping for informational pickets at various locations. 

Solidarity is key as we try to secure a contract that we hope will put us ahead of other union grocers in the region. You can stay updated by visiting our news & updates section on our website, reaching out to your union rep, or attending an open bargaining session when they resume.

It is important to get informed and stay informed during this process, It is your right to talk about these negotiations on the shop floor. You can always send a message to our PCC union bargaining team here >>

PCC Contract Votes Scheduled

Bargaining Team Recommends a NO Vote on Management’s Latest Contract Offer

After months of negotiations, PCC Management has put forth their latest offer, and our Bargaining Team wants all union members to see for themselves if this offer is really good enough. While many tentative agreements have been reached throughout negotiations, there is still division on key issues, including across-the-board wage increases, Board of Trustees language, and more. We believe PCC can do better, that is why our Bargaining Team is recommending a NO VOTE on this offer. 

Vote meetings have been scheduled on Thursday, November 9 for all PCC workers in good standing to review the offer from Management, ask our union member Bargaining Team questions, and vote on whether to accept or reject the offer.

Contract Votes for Thursday, November 9:

9:00am — 12:00pm

West Seattle PCC: 2749 California Ave SW. Seattle, WA 98116
Burien PCC: 15840 1st Ave. South, Burien, WA 98148
Green Lake Village PCC: 450 NE 71st St. Seattle, WA 98115
Bothell PCC: 22621 Bothell Everett Highway, Bothell, WA 98021
Fremont PCC: 600 North 34th St. Seattle, WA 98103
Bellevue PCC:  11615 NE 4th St. Bellevue, WA 98004
Ballard PCC: 1451 NW 46th St. Seattle, WA 98107
View Ridge PCC: 6514 40th Ave NE. Seattle, WA 98115

2:00pm — 5:00pm

Columbia City PCC: 3610 South Edmunds St. Seattle, WA 98118
Central District PCC: 2230 E Union St. Seattle, WA 98122
Downtown PCC: 1320 4th Ave. Seattle, WA 98101
Redmond PCC: 11435 Avondale Rd NE. Redmond, WA 98052
Edmonds PCC: 9803 Edmonds Wy. Edmonds, WA 98020
Issaquah PCC: 1810 12th Ave NW. Issaquah, WA 98027
Kirkland PCC: 430 Kirkland Wy. Kirkland, WA 98033
Greenlake PCC: 7504 Aurora Avenue N. Seattle, WA 98103

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Amber Wise

Amber Wise ready to go to work to break down a side of pork!

Amber Wise is truly one of the busiest UFCW 3000 members we have featured here in our Member Stories. Amber is an apprentice meatcutter at PCC Redmond, a mother of two children with her husband Daniel, is serving on the UFCW 3000 Racial Justice Advisory Board and on our Climate Justice Advisory Board, and to top it all off, she is running for public office this November!

Amber moved to Western Washington 10 years ago and began working as a preschool teacher at Harborview Hospital while going to school to get a degree in Childhood Development. It was at Harborview that she learned about the importance of health care workers to the community and the stresses and challenges they face every day. She left work at Harborview in 2020 shortly before the birth of her second child, and delivered the baby at Evergreen Hospital. Amber made connections with the health care workers there during an extended stay, reinforcing what she had learned at Harborview.

It was at about that time that her husband started a small business and Amber knew she needed a job with flexible work hours that could provide health care benefits for her family. She got a job working as a deli clerk at the Redmond PCC which had what she needed. As Amber worked there she met two women in the meat department who recruited and mentored her to apply for a position as an apprentice meatcutter. She started attending classes with the Puget Sound Apprentice Meatcutting Program at the Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center (pictured above) to learn the tools and skills of her new trade. She has almost completed the 2-year program and will be graduating in January of 2024!

As she worked at PCC, she got more involved with her union. Amber’s union rep asked her if she would be interested in running for public office, specifically as a Commissioner for Public Hospital District 2, which covers Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland. Because of the commitment to advocacy and community that she had learned both from working at Harborview Hospital and the care she received from Evergreen Hospital staff, Amber said yes!

Amber then attended the Washington State Labor Council’s Path to Power conference where rank-and-file union workers learn how to run for and win public office. She filed to be a candidate for Public Hospital District 2, and now ballots for the November 7 election have begun arriving around the area! She is hoping to win and become a strong advocate for the patients and workers at Evergreen Hospital and to bring mental health resources to the area.

Want to know which other pro-worker candidates are on the ballot this year? Find our union’s endorsements for the November 7 election here. If you want to hear more about how inspiring Amber is, check out the 9th episode of the UFCW 3000 Podcast, where podcast host and union shop steward Michaela interviews Amber about her journey!

PCC Bargaining Team unanimously recommends a NO Vote!

After months of negotiations, we find ourselves at a crossroads with PCC. We entered these discussions with the goal of securing a fair and competitive contract. A contract that would provide living wages, across the board wage increases that keep pace with inflation and with no cuts or takeaways from our healthcare.

Collectively we have won several TA’s (Tentative Agreements) to improve our work life, but still find ourselves far apart from PCC on wages, board of trustees and a few other items. Our bargaining team believes we shouldn’t be punished for PCC’s financial decisions, and we expect to see a wage increase that rewards our labor as essential workers. 
 
Now is the time to stand together and vote NO on this contract to send a strong message to PCC and bring them back to the bargaining table with the knowledge that this current offer is unacceptable! 
 
We will be voting on the current proposal in the next few weeks and will be notifying all members as soon as the dates are set.

Make sure your personal contact information is up-to-date with the Union >>

UFCW 3000 Member Story: Marlene Padilla

Marlene Padilla in the Meat Department at PCC Bothell

Marlene Padilla has worked in the grocery industry since 1999, starting at the Foodland stores in Hawaii. “Being a single parent and working close to home with great hours helped me with my decision to work in the grocery industry,” she says. At Foodland, she was promoted to meat wrapper, and when she moved to Seattle she started working for Safeway. After nine years, when one of Marlene’s meat managers left to work at PCC and suggested she come work there, too, she decided to go for it. She respected him because, as she puts it, he “gave me a lot of respect as a female, not just a fixture.”

When Marlene started at PCC in 2014, she knew that it was a risk starting with a new employer and a new group of coworkers: “I had to work harder to prove I had it in me, not because I knew someone. I’m still working in a man's world.” She showed her coworkers how dependable and trustworthy she was and has been working there ever since. She wants coworkers to know: “I always got your back.”

Away from work, Marlene enjoys reading, being a single mother, a grandparent, a Seattle Seahawks fan, and hanging out with her cat Shadow. “My three children and two grandchildren keep me grounded,” she says, “as well as all the meat department guys I work with.”

Negotiations with PCC for a new contract this year have required more workplace actions from PCC workers than ever before. As Marlene and her coworkers have discussed the bargain and taken action, she reminds coworkers about all the important parts of a union contract—the bargain can’t be about “the payscale and nothing else,” she says. Her top priority? ”Maintaining good health benefits.”

Marlene has taken an interest in attending PCC negotiations as an observer. “It’s important for us as members to see how the language in our contract is fought for!” Marlene is a strong woman and union member; her coworkers are lucky to have her standing with them in this bargain. Mahalo, Marlene!