More than 1,400 grocery employees at 16 PCC Community Markets in the greater Seattle area landed a new contract last month. Represented by UFCW Local 3000, the workers won better wages and benefits, back pay, and more.
“After eight months of bargaining, I felt proud to ratify a contract with industry-leading wages, strong protections for immigrant co-workers and customers, and improvements to our democratic governance,” said Atsuko Koseki, a PCC bargaining team member. “To be sure, we didn’t win everything we wanted, but that only increases our resolve to remain united when we return to the table in a couple years.”
The contracts for both grocery and meat departments run through December of 2027. Wins include wage increases for grocery and deli clerks, and meat cutters and wrappers, as well as full back pay for multiple job classes.
The deal also calls for premium pay for night shift workers and coordinators, retirement contributions that rise with wage increases, and increased employer contribution to workers’ training fund.
Members secured those gains through consistent pressure throughout months of contract negotiations, including informational pickets held outside of multiple stores in April.