More than 11,000 Fred Meyer workers across Oregon, SW Washington ratify new 3-year contract
PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) -- After months of negotiations, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 who work at Fred Meyer and QFC stores in Oregon and SW Washington have overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new 3-year contract, officials said Monday.
"This agreement ensures significant wage increases, maintains industry-leading healthcare coverage, enhances dental benefits, and strengthens retirement security for more than 11,000 workers," the union said in its announcement, which continues.
“This contract is a victory for members of Local 555, who showed strength and solidarity throughout the entire fight. It was won by union workers coming together and by a community standing with them. After months of hard work, Fred Meyer and QFC workers have secured an agreement that ensures higher wages, stronger healthcare, and a stable retirement. The agreement also improves our process to address contract violations. This contract is going to change thousands of lives and it could only have been accomplished with the work and dedication of everyone involved and the support of our communities.” Dan Clay, President, UFCW Local 555.
“Our new contract gives me peace of mind knowing that my healthcare is protected and my wages will keep up with the rising cost of living. I’m especially thankful for the improvements in dental benefits and retirement. It feels good to know we are a fighting union and when we work together, we win.” Dale Russell Cronin, Fred Meyer employee and UFCW Local 555 Board Member.
“We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming support from our community during these negotiations. Your solidarity was instrumental in securing the strong contract our members deserve. You can continue to stand with them by shopping at Fred Meyer, and QFC, and helping to support strong Union jobs that provide wages, healthcare and pensions that workers and their families can live on in the Northwest.” Miles Eshaia, Communications Coordinator, UFCW Local 555.
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About Local 555: United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 represents over 35,000 workers in Oregon, Southwestern Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming. Our membership consists of workers in retail, manufacturing, health care, and many other industries. We are a diverse group of workers that have grown into being the largest private sector labor union in Oregon. Local 555 has a rich history dating back to 1936. Our Local is chartered by the UFCW International Union, joining us with over 1.3 million workers across the United States and the World.
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Fred Meyer/QFC/Fred Meyer Jewelers Announce New Agreement
Union members vote to approve new contract
(Portland, OR: -- October 28, 2024): Fred Meyer, QFC, Fred Meyer Jewelers’ associates represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 in collective bargaining ratified a new labor contract on October 26, 2024. The new agreement invests more in hourly wages, retirement benefits and healthcare.
“The new agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by the company and union bargaining committees. This competitive wage investment and continued investments in benefits represent Fred Meyer, Fred Meyer Jewelers, and QFC’s continued commitment to the well-being of our associates. We appreciate our associates hard work, the excellent and friendly service they provide for our customers every day and for approving this new agreement.” said Todd Kammeyer, President of Fred Meyer Division.
“At QFC, Fred Meyer and Fred Meyer Jewelers, we know that our associates are the heartbeat of our business, that’s why we continue to put them first by delivering on our promise to accelerate associate wages and balancing that investment to keep groceries affordable for our customers,” said Brent Stewart, Vice President of QFC Division.
This collective bargaining agreement covers more than 11,000 grocery, meat and non-associates in Portland, Bend, western Oregon, and southwestern Washington.
