Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555, representing over 35,000 workers in Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, will soon vote on whether to authorize their union to call for an unfair labor practice (ULP) strike against Fred Meyer.
This potential strike is in response to several unfair labor practices that the union claims Fred Meyer has committed. These include not providing essential information for current negotiations and not processing grievances, despite a long history of doing so between Fred Meyer and Local 555. Approximately 4,500 union-represented workers at affected Fred Meyer locations could be impacted by the strike.
“Fred Meyer continues to violate the law and their commitments made to Local 555. The most outrageous examples include refusing to provide essential information for current negotiations and refusing to process grievances despite a longstanding history of doing so over the many decades between Fred Meyer and Local 555.
In response, we are holding a vote to give the union the authority to call for a ULP strike, in addition to already having filed a Federal lawsuit demanding that Fred Meyer adhere to the contracts they have signed,” said UFCW 555 President Dan Clay.
As of Wednesday afternoon, no specific date has been set for the strike. The vote will give Local 555 leadership the power to call for a strike if they determine it is necessary to make Fred Meyer comply with the law and its commitments. The vote is scheduled to start on August 13 and will be open to impacted UFCW members working at Fred Meyer stores in the Portland metro area.
Negotiations are ongoing and are expected to continue on August 14 and 15. A spokesperson for Fred Meyer sent a statement to FOX 12. Fred Meyer has been criticized by the union for what they describe as consistent violations of their agreements. The union’s decision to file a Federal lawsuit alongside the strike vote underscores the seriousness of the accusations. The lawsuit demands that Fred Meyer adhere to the contracts they have signed, emphasizing the union’s determination to hold the company accountable.
Union members are rallying together in response to what they perceive as unfair treatment by Fred Meyer. The authorization vote is a significant step, reflecting the growing frustration and demand for fair treatment among the workforce. As the vote date approaches, both sides are preparing for the next phase of this dispute.
The situation at Fred Meyer highlights broader issues within labor relations and the importance of adhering to negotiated agreements. The outcome of the vote and the subsequent actions will likely have a significant impact on the workers, the company, and, potentially, the wider community.
In the coming days, all eyes will be on the vote and the negotiations that follow. The union’s decision to potentially call for a strike marks a pivotal moment in their ongoing battle for fair treatment and adherence to labor agreements. As the process unfolds, the dedication and unity of the union members will play a crucial role in shaping the future of their relationship with Fred Meyer.
The vote is not just about the immediate grievances but also about setting a precedent for how such disputes are handled in the future. The union’s actions are a powerful reminder of the importance of standing up for workers’ rights and ensuring that companies honor their commitments. The outcome of this situation will be closely watched by other unions and companies alike, as it could influence labor relations practices more broadly.
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Fred Meyer workers are gearing up for an important decision. Their vote will determine the next steps in their fight for fair treatment and could lead to significant changes in how their grievances are addressed moving forward. The result will be a testament to the power of collective action and the ongoing struggle for workers’ rights.
