Ellensburg Fred Meyer Workers Celebrate Contract Approval
After months of intense negotiations, employees at the Fred Meyer store in Ellensburg have successfully ratified their first contract, securing significant improvements in wages, benefits, and workplace protections.
The new contract, which was approved by an overwhelming majority, marks a victory for both grocery and meat department workers.
“We did it! After months of bargaining, we’ve voted in our first contract with many amazing improvements,” UFCW 3000 announced on their website.
Key highlights of the contract include a substantial wage increase for journey-level workers, with raises of $4.00 or more. Additionally, lump-sum bonuses of $500 will be distributed to all workers, with Courtesy Clerks receiving an enhanced bonus of $750.
The new contract also introduces an “All Purpose Clerk” scale, with some departments seeing over a 25% wage increase during the contract’s term.
The contract also ensures wage escalators, providing ongoing wage increases as minimum wage rises and as workers advance through apprentice rates.
Furthermore, workers will now have “Just Cause” protections, meaning employers cannot discipline or discharge employees without proper justification.
Other significant improvements include enhanced vacation benefits based on hours worked, the establishment of a pension plan, and healthcare benefits set to begin in 2026. Safety measures have also been strengthened to address key issues faced by workers in the stores.
The success of this contract is a testament to the unity of the workforce. “We couldn’t have done it without standing together and supporting our bargaining team,” UFCW 3000 noted.
The finalized contract will be distributed to workers soon, but for now, employees can contact union representative Tammerly Evans or Shop Stewards for details.
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