Fred Meyer union grocery store workers begin week-long walkout, allege unfair labor practices

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(Update: The walkout clarification does not apply to all stores, but focuses on allegations of unfair labor practices)

Stores affected by walkout remain open, officials say

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Union grocers at Fred Meyer in Bend and elsewhere in the state began a week-long walkout Friday morning, accusing the company of unfair labor practices and failing to pay employees wages that they deserve.

About 20 picketers were lined up as they marched with picket signs along S. Highway 97 near the entrance to Bend Fred Meyer on a freezing Friday morning. They told NewsChannel 21 that they could not speak to the media and referred the questions to union officials.

Fred Meyer’s spokesperson Jeffery Temple said the walkout only affected stores in Portland, Newberg and Klamath Falls, a total of 30 Fred Meyer stores and four QFC locations.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 spokesperson Miles Eshaia confirmed that the strike had only taken place in these four locations as their contracts expired earlier this year .

“This is an unfair labor practices strike, which is different from a general strike, by law,” Eshaia said. “There is a definite beginning and an end.”

The UFCW has contracts across the region, with varying expiration dates. “Typically, changes to a contract spread to all stores,” he said.

Here is the full statement from UFCW Local 555:

UFCW 555 members at Fred Meyer and QFC to strike at 6 a.m.

Tigard, Ore. – Almost a year and a half ago, Fred Meyer and QFC stopped paying an hourly risk premium. Since then, workers have continued to deal with the pandemic, while the company has recorded record profits. The danger never ended.

Fast forward to today, Fred Meyer and QFC continue to refuse to give the pay increases workers deserve. We are asking for substantial salary increases so that we can afford to live in the community we serve. The company is currently offering long-term employees a 50-cent increase for the next 2 years and a 40-cent increase for the third year of the contract. They offered no increases for a large majority of employees.

“After nearly two years of violating employment law to continue paying their employees less, Fred Meyer has raised the bar by systematically ignoring the law and flouting employee rights. It is absurd and odious. said Dan Clay, president of UFCW Local 555.

“Fred Meyer’s callous disregard for their own essential workers is staggering given the sacrifice these workers have made throughout the pandemic. While so many have been able to stay safely in their homes, essential grocers have come forward to help feed our communities. These employers should recognize their sacrifice in treating these workers with the fundamental respect they deserve, ”said Sandy Humphrey, secretary-treasurer of UFCW Local 555.

On December 17, UFCW members will quit their jobs in response to unfair labor practices that Kroger continues to promote, preventing our bargaining committee from getting the contract our members deserve.

“Fred Meyer’s and QFC’s continued disregard for the rules protecting their employees left UFCW Local 555 members with no choice but to act. All over the country, essential workers are rising up and demanding fair treatment. And after facing the pandemic head-on, communities stand alongside those who stood up and risked infection to feed the communities in which they live, ”said Miles Eshaia, communications coordinator for the local. 555 of UFCW.

The ULP strike will begin at 6 a.m. on December 17, 2021, and end at 12:01 a.m. on December 24, 2021.

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About Local 555: Local 555 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union represents more than 29,000 workers in Oregon, Southwest Washington, Idaho and Wyoming. Our members are workers in retail, manufacturing, health care and many other industries. We are a diverse group of workers that has grown into Oregon’s largest private sector union. Local 555 has a rich history dating back to 1936. Our Local is accredited by the UFCW International Union, joining us with over 1.3 million workers in the United States and around the world.

Press release from Fred Meyer:

Fred Meyer and QFC remain open to clients

Strike follows proposed $ 36 million investment by Fred Meyer and QFC in pay increases while maintaining health care benefits

PORTLAND – December 17, 2021 – Today Fred Meyer and QFC called UFCW Local 555’s decision to strike our Portland, Bend, Newberg and Klamath Falls stores “reckless” and urged Local 555 to consider all the implications for its members before the holiday season. Fred Meyer and QFC also announced that their stores will remain open to deliver on their commitment to provide fresh food and other essentials to the communities they serve.

“At a time when we want to invest more than ever in salary increases and affordable health care, the UFCW has chosen the disruption and the unknown for our associates and their families,” said Dennis Gibson, president of Fred Meyer. “We value our associates and thank them for what they do every day for each other and for our customers. We are committed to serving our customers and our stores are open and stocked with fresh food and essential household items. “

The total investment proposed by Fred Meyer and QFC for its more than 5,000 partners covered by this contract includes:

$ 36 million investment in additional salaries $ 30 million in annual contributions for health care benefits $ 5 million investment in retirement for retirement

“Our offer respects our associates by investing considerably in their remuneration. That includes an investment of $ 36 million in salary increases, health care coverage and a stable retirement – all while keeping groceries affordable, ”added Gibson.

We came up with an offering that invests in the whole person with a package of benefits including market competitive salaries, healthcare, retirement pension and on-demand access to mental health assistance , career advancement opportunities, tuition assistance, scholarships, volunteer opportunities, grocery discounts, and other perks and rewards.

Here are some more details about our investment:

The average hourly wage for an Oregon associate is $ 17.29 an hour. With our generous healthcare and retirement packages, the average total compensation is $ 22 per hour. During COVID, our associates earned an additional $ 1,100 to $ 1,700 in appreciation for their hard work to keep communities functioning with access to fresh food and other essentials. Fred Meyer and The QFC Associates pay only $ 10 for individual health care coverage, or $ 25 for family coverage per week. In comparison, the Oregon weekly average for individual coverage is $ 21 and $ 117 for family coverage according to the Kaiser Family Foundation.

“While we respect the rights of our associates to participate in this work stoppage, any associate who chooses to continue working is welcome,” Gibson said. “We remain open to continuing to meet with UFCW. Our associates would be better served if the UFCW worked with us to come to an agreement that does not leave our associates without a paycheck during the holidays.

Learn more at fredmeyercba.com

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About Fred Meyer

Fred Meyer Stores, based in Portland, Ore., Offers one-stop shopping at its 132 multi-department stores in four western states. More than 39,000 Fred Meyer associates help customers meet their food, clothing and general merchandise needs in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon and Washington. The stores vary in size from 65,000 to 200,000 square feet and offer more than 250,000 products under one roof.

In addition, Fred Meyer gives $ 5 million to Northwestern communities each year through grants from the Fred Meyer Foundation as well as product donations, cash donations and sponsorships. Fred Meyer also donates 6 million pounds of food to local food banks each year through the Food Rescue program. For more information, please visit our website at www.fredmeyer.com.

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