Member Spotlights

Thanks to my union, I’ve been taking the free on-line college classes through Eastgate Community College offered to us just for being union members! It’s going great! I just finished the Spring semester and am looking forward to the Fall. The quality of class instruction is very good ! Unlike so many colleges that are trying to get used to teaching on-line, ECC has been using that platform for a long time so they’ve worked out the kinks already. Since it’s all on-line, it has worked great with my work schedule! One tip I’d like to pass on to those with student debt is, if you can continue to take at least 6 credits through this program (for free), it forestalls any garnishments or payments you must make on them.” You can learn more about the Union’s free college benefit at ufcwfreecollege.org

Hi, I’m Adriana! I work at Safeway 1123 in Hood River, with my cousin Olivia. I work in the dairy department and Olivia works in Starbucks. We have been working at Safeway for over a year. They work around our school schedule. The union offers students going into college a scholarship, which I’m planning to apply for. We love working with the union!

Stephany is a 12 year UFCW555 Member working at Sherms Food 4 Less who’s spouse Amber says as a stay at home Mom it is not easy to be able to continue your education. With UFCW555 and Eastern Gateway College I was able to continue my online education without missing any important moments in my children’s lives. I feel blessed to have this opportunity of getting quality education without sacrificing time with Family.

This isn’t just about me, it’s about all of us. As long as we stay focused in spite of the unknown, we have the opportunity to prevail.

I’m proud to be a union member because you get good benefits, the pension is awesome, and you get a better quality of life. I love that I’m protected not just by Washington state laws, but also our contract. I come from a union strong family and I am happy to be apart of 555!

“Working with a union feels like walking on a tight rope, not as I’m limited to space or speed but I know that the safety net is there if I need it. I feel safer not because I’m breaking rules but simply if accidents happen I wont loose my job.”

Melissa has been with Safeway for 21 years. She enjoys spending time with her family and her two boys. She also likes to quilt and sew in her spare time. She likes the unions healthcare insurance and appreciates the low cost and good benefits.

“I have been working for the Fred Meyer for a year now. This is my first time being in a union. I’m still learning but so far I’m enjoying the benefits that I get from being a union member. I feel like I have workplace protections and have more of a say. Being a part of a union I feel more appreciated and important versus my employer, who doesn’t treat us as much at times. The union also gives me the opportunity to fight for better wages and my rights in my workplace. Honestly without Local 555 I would be at the Mercy of Fred Meyer and I wouldn’t have my rights protected without them.”

I appreciate how the union is always there for us. Every time I call I get answers or assistance with who to go to. I am thankful to be apart of UFCW!

Since moving into a union position I can see the benefits. The medical insurance is step up from what the company offers. It cost me less for better.

I am new to being apart of a union. I am excited to see what experiences there are version working non union my whole life. I am also looking forward to seeing if we get a good increase in our wages with current contract negotiations.

Recently Kroger HR reps came around asking employees how they can do better. The answer was unanimous from all employees. Pay us more! Don’t pretend to not know what your employees need. We hope the companies attitude changes during the next round of negotiations.

James, aka ZZ, works in the Meat and Seafood department at the Tigard Fred Meyer. James has been a union member for three years and is currently a shop steward in training! When asked what he likes about being a union member, he replied, “ I like how the union always has our backs 100%!”

I used to work at Wal-Mart and am very happy to be working in a union position here at Safeway. I’m really excited about the benefits I get by being a member. I’m excited to see what this years negotiations are going to bring.

I went to work right out of High School in food service and customer service. I always give 100%. It just seemed that it was never enough, the companies didn’t care about the employees and it was very upsetting. After joining UFCW 555 my concerns were met and I know our Union genuinely cares about our well-being. UFCW 555 is always fighting for us no matter the issue and that truly gives me peace of mind. I know they have our backs!

I became a steward to help fight the deplorable direction that KP is heading. I want to restore the Partnership and culture that made KP a great place to work.

The union connects us and gives working people a voice. For me, it is a constant reminder of a positive vision for our future. As issues arise or situation change the union is a constant support for the members. Our Union provides a layer of security that allows us to continue to achieve our daily tasks. I encourage members of UFCW Local 555 to reach out to your Union Representatives. Don’t miss out on updates and other important information that may benefit you as a member.

For our store over the last 7 years, having a union has helped us make sure we had a voice in how we would change our business to help us around our competitors. It gave members a feeling of fairness as we needed to grow and change to stay competitive. . Our store is small, and as a lot of our customers are union themselves or union supporters it helps bring business to us with people knowing we are a union shop. We also have had great opportunities for growth and help with wages through our most recent negotiations.

I am excited to start this next journey in becoming a steward. I hope to represent my team well and provide support when they need it!

I’ve been with Fred Meyers for 3 years and a member of my community for 6. What I love most about my Union is that they are reliable whenever I need help or have a question. My insurance is amazing! They went above and beyond for me when I went on maternity leave. Thank you!

My name is Alexie Benson and I work for Safeway. Here I am working in the peek of a global pandemic for barely more than minimum wage. No hazard pay yet for “essential workers”. I support our bargaining team because we need and deserve big wage increases!

After stepping into a manager position and being stuck with high deductibles and the lack of say with my health care, I chose to come back to a union position. I was able to get reinstated, preauthorized and save a lot of money and stress.

“The Boys”, at the Sherwood Safeway were an essential part of helping with the 2021 Unity Petition and are excited about their first experience with union negotiations!

My name is Amanda and working at Fred Meyer has been my toughest job yet and the amount of stress and expectations is unreal! What keeps me going is amazing support and benefits from my Union. Knowing that I have the Union in my corner has been uplifting and gives me the strength to carry on!!

As a steward I like being able to take a active role in how my day to day work environment is shaped. I like how I am able to support my co-workers and be that voice between them and management.

I am thankful to be apart of making the world a better place. Thankful for the UFCW and am hoping courtesy clerks can get recognized in the next contract for their hard work.

The Union has been amazing with answering any questions I have had. They go above and beyond to make sure everything is okay and going well!

Congratulations to Bobby Kral. He has been working at Safeway in Forest Grove for thirty years. Bobby will be 65 soon but he isn’t sure if he’s ready to retire yet because he likes his job. Bobby regularly attends UFCW Local 555’s quarterly meetings and is supportive of the union

I am very thankful to have a Union job during the pandemic because they have been there for us fighting for our pay and better protections.

We deserve more! So pay us more!

My name is Annie Crawford and I work in the deli at the Corvallis Fred Meyer. We have been underpaid, understaffed and overworked for months. So many people have quit for higher wages elsewhere that we can barely manage. Fred Meyers needs to pay us more so people want to stay.

Carrie works in the click list at the Wilsonville Fred Meyer. When the click-list was being organized in her store she went home and told her Gramma that she was being asked to join a union. Her Gramma told her, ‘Join. Unions are good, and belonging in one will help you and your coworkers.’

Carrie is happy to have become a member and has already helped in delivering the essential worker petition to management.

This member was fired and we got his job back, he was very happy for the outcome and this is all he could think to say “During this stressful time it was great to know that someone had my back”

We appreciate our union rep who is always available and and is coming frequently to protect our interests , answer questions, and keep us updated, especially with the upcoming elections.

I’m grateful for the insurance we have thru the union. It’s one of the reasons I’ve stayed working during the pandemic, considering the company hasn’t been giving us hazard pay. It’s been a rough two years and I think it’s time they raised the wages here considering everything that is happening.

I appreciate UFCW 555 and all that they do to ensure that my job is secure knowing that when in need the union is here to represent me and enforce the contract. I encourage the contract negotiation team to do their best for us. We all have worked hard and deserve nothing less

The thing I like best about being part of UFCW is the confidence that comes with knowing I have a strong union supporting me and my career goals.

I have worked for Fred Meyer for a long, long time. The one thing that has been consistent is the Union. My insurance is fantastic. My pension will be too. It has taken a lot of years to get here, but it is well worth it. 555 fights for workers and that is real protection.

As a PIC and working up front as journeyman checker , we are dealing with this pandemic head on, especially with the mask mandates coming back on. We deserve a competitive wage increase as they took away our hazard pay and the hazards are still here.

My name is Destiny DeSautel and I work for Safeway in Corvallis. I support our Bargaining Team because we need and deserve higher wages! We work hard and shouldn’t have to struggle. Safeway is making huge profits and we should get our share.

I became a union steward because I want to continue to have a knowledgeable and strong labor force.

“As a member I really appreciate the medical benefits the union provides me. The cost of participating in insurance plans at non-union companies is very high. The difference alone is worth the dues. I also appreciate a union administered pension plan at no cost to me which is something no companies provide.”

I started with Kaiser in 2015 and after having a baby in 2017 I moved to Mt. Talbert where I worked closely with our steward/co-lead and when she left our location the next co-lead just couldn’t replace her. He also moved on and at that point it felt right to step up and take on the role to help my coworkers understand their contracts and be a voice within our group. Together.

Patty stepped down from a management position in May. Since that time, her employer continued to deduct nearly $200 dollars a week from her paycheck for non union insurance. Patty spoke to everyone trying to get the deduction stopped to no avail. She finally notified her rep and the deduction was stopped in short order. Patty is delighted to have the large deduction from her check stopped and to be back with the Union, and affordable medical coverage.

Overall my experience with the Union this past year has been good. The information on the board is always updated should I have any questions. I’ve always received help from the Rep. especially during the Pandemic. Our Rep. always comes around to ask us how we are doing or need any help.

I wish the company would start recognizing the people who put in hard work.

My name is Terrina and I work at the South Salem Fred Meyer Jewelry department. We need Kroger to come to the table with more money so we can afford to live in this area. We should be able to raise a family on this job but all of us struggle to pay the bills.

I fully recommend being proactive in getting the union involved, because the union empowered me as an employee. The union represented me in disciplinary meetings, and the lines of communication between myself and the union has been incredible in navigating the grievance process. I was appreciative that the union handled the communication with my employer, so I didn?t have to worry about that side of things. The union helped me achieve a satisfactory outcome.

As someone who is extremely interested in employee culture and wellness, being part of UFCW has been so eye opening and giving in opportunity. I have been a consultant for salon chains, and I constantly work towards better policies and conflict resolution for their employees. So, I am constantly appreciative of the voice UFCW fights for for our members. And am excited to continue as a steward to add to the strength of that voice.

I am a proud member of this union because of the insurance and especially to pay raises we just received. As a newly organized Member I am very happy with the representation we now have. I am looking forward to the great things we will achieve in the future

I have been a long time member of the UFCW local 555 since 1998. I am proud to be part of this union because I have seen many many improvements over the years. Dan Clay and Jeff Anderson are doing a wonderful job at the helm!

I?m so happy that this store went union. I really love the union health insurance benefits for myself and my family. I have been working for Albertsons for 15 years

I am the oldest union member at my store and proud to be a UFCW member, because they help support the team and take care of everybody in the store

I love the holidays and I always use the opportunity to dress-up and amuse our customers. For Valentines Day, I dress as a giant strawberry.

? Benefits that are available to the membership of Local 555 are great. The union has helped me through my extended illness and without the unions negotiated pay, I would have faced a financial hardship. Union strong ? Wendy – Safeway 1447

?I was very happy with the recent wage increases and very much deserved retro wages negotiated by our bargaining committee. I am thankful to be union? – Jarred Safeway 1447

I had the pleasure of meeting my new rep Bill today along with Jeff and really appreciate the time they took to listen to me. I have been a member for 16 years and appreciate the insurance and pension that I have and the opportunity to be heard!

Glenn Hill is a long time UFCW555 member, And has now been working at Albertsons in Ashland OR for almost 4 years. Outside the store Glenn is an accomplished Harp Maker, and now he is a Published Author. Way to go Glenn. If you are looking for a good book, check out The Violin Maker.

I am just getting back into becoming a steward after taking a break. I think that being a steward is important work and I am very excited to continue doing it! The training I received from UFCW was very informative and very helpful!

I have loved working at Bimbo for the last 12 years, and this year I stepped up to serve on the bargaining committee for the first time. I am so excited that it is my turn to experience this! We are going to put up a fight for higher wages and better working conditions!

My name is Dari Varner and I have worked 29 years at customer service at Fred Meyer newberg. recently volunteered to be a picket captain and although we were prepared to fight for what we needed in the new contract I am glad we didn?t have to strike and we got a excellent contract. Goes to show you what us all sticking together can do.

Brooke is from a newly organized store and has been appreciative of everything the union has done so far. ?I can?t wait to see what the next round of bargaining will bring!?

Every time I have had an issue with the company, I called my Union representative and the issue was resolved. That does not happen at most jobs. I also appreciate the quality and cost of our healthcare. There is no comparison anywhere with what we have, and I and my family are grateful for the wonderful coverage we enjoy.

Kirk Holder has been serving his country in the National Guard while working at Interstate Fred Meyer for nearly 5 years. He called his union to find out if there was anything that could be done about some vacation days that he thought were missing. This was a good move, because even though he didn?t work the hours that the union contract would entitle him to the missing days, his rep knew a little something about USERRA. USERRA is a federal statute that protects service members? and veterans? civilian employment rights. One section of USERRA states that ?a person who is reemployed under this chapter is entitled to the seniority and other rights and benefits determined by seniority that the person had on the date of the commencement of service in the uniformed services plus the additional seniority and rights and benefits that such person would have attained if the person had remained continuously employed.? In other words, Kirk was entitled to vacation days that he would have earned if he had been working rather than serving in the military! This also applies to hours he would have worked that are applied toward any contractual raises. Once his rep had addressed the issue with the company, Kirk was rewarded with over 150 hours of vacation time! This is a reminder to all of our valued members who serve in the military. Make sure that you notify your HR or manager that your time off is for military leave and keep an eye on your vacation and sick leave banks. Thank you for your service!

I love the union and am very proud to be apart of it. I would like to thank the UFCW and its members for getting us the best contract ive ever seen . The benefits offered are second to none. Im looking forward to becoming much more active in the near future.

Nicole Coalter has been the cheese master at Oregon City Fred Meyer since 2017, and has worked for Fred Meyer since 2002. Nicole lives in Salem with her husband Alen and her two dogs (Annabelle and Olivia) and her cat named boots. Together they have four children. While not working, she is pursuing a Masters Degree in mental health and clinical counseling at Phoenix University. Nicole would ultimately like to have a career advocating for the homeless and mentally ill. In her “spare” time Niki likes to watch Law and Order and play games on her phone. Nicole is grateful for the Union’s hard work at getting us a new contract.

“I had an opportunity to work at Fred Meyer after being with Safeway for over 20 years and happy to still be in the union! Looking forward to my new journey at Fred Meyer and being a shop steward here.”

After spending most of my career working in non-union jobs I found myself laid off for the second time due to “corporate restructuring “. I came to QFC and spent the last 20 years working in a Union position. I will take my Union job any day! It is good to know that our Reps have our backs and we’re fighting for us. I’m retiring in 2020 and look forward to my Union pension!! Rep’s comment: I wish Becky a great retirement and will really miss her and all her hard work for the Union. She was a tireless advocate for her coworkers. When I needed any help with flyering stores or anything else she stepped right up to help. She is a real trade Unionist and will be truly missed.

“I have spent all of my employable life (13 years) being a union member and working at Fred Meyer. Most of my time I spent in the Produce department learning as much as I could. I was trained to run the department in my manager’s absence, and moved into the Grocery department to further my knowledge of running the store. This put me in a position where I was able to do most everything, and I wanted to transfer to Meat to again further my career with the company. My first attempt to move departments was unsuccessful, and the store posted the position again. Thanks to the language in the new contract, the company really had no choice to promote me to the Meat department after I re-applied. It is my first official week in the Meat department, and I couldn’t be happier!”

I just want to thank the entire bargaining team, leadership, and all members that stayed strong during these negotiations. Well Done, Thank You. Very Proud to be a UFCW555 Member.

Anotoinette Reynolds is very happy with the recent contract settlement. She has been working in the nutrition department at the Hillsboro Fred Meyer. Because of the new language she will now be classified as a grocery clerk something that Local 555 had been working for a long time. She looks forward to all of the opportunities that the grocery department has

The UFCW was a voice for me and my employment status when I was not able to be that voice for myself. The voice that protected my employment rights, rights that I didn’t realize I had. A voice that supported me as a valued, dedicated and hardworking employee. I am so grateful for the knowledge and commitment of our local union.

Hi my name is Kinthia Brooks and I work in the bakery at Rosaurers in Hood River. I am glad to be part of the union because of all the benefits we get. I am also glad that we have people that are looking out for us and I am excited to see what out new contract will look like.

I feel like the union has fought so much for our wages. They have made it so we can live our lives. I have a lot of respect for the union and that its well earned.

My name is Yvette Silmon and I work at the Orchards Fred Meyer in Vancouver, Washington as a checker. I have been with Fred Meyer for 20 years. I think the union is great and it just makes me feel good to know I can come to work and have some protections that I would not have if I were non-union. Back in 2009 I was in a situation where I was termed, a grievance was filed, and my rep saved the day and got me back to work. The only thing I regret is not having been more active with the local in my store in previous years. I just would like to say to my co-workers: keep your head up and stay positive.