On July 13, about 65 workers at the Fred Meyer store in Lacey, Wash., joined UFCW Local 367. These workers are employed in non-management general merchandise positions in the home and garden, apparel, health and beauty, and floral departments. With this organizing win, the Fred Meyer store in Lacey is now wall-to-wall union.
These workers joined our union family because they were concerned about insufficient wages, retirement benefits, job security and scheduling. Workers at the Fred Meyer store in Tumwater, who are members of UFCW Local 367 and located just a few minutes away, were making $2 per hour more for the same work since they ratified their first contract in January. The Lacey workers saw that happen and wanted the same wages and benefits as their unionized colleagues.
The organizing campaign was a worker-led effort. Some of the workers from the unit came together early on and formed a committee. Current members from the grocery side of the store were immensely helpful by talking with their non-union co-workers and helping to alleviate their concerns. The recently organized members at the Tumwater store were also helpful and walked through the store with organizers on multiple occasions to talk to the Lacey workers about the value of being a UFCW member. UFCW Local 367 also distributed flyers, buttons, and stickers about the benefits of joining our union.
“I am thrilled that we won the campaign to form a union at Lacey Fred Meyer for general merchandise employees,” said Mellisa Pfingston. “This is what we’ve been waiting for, and I am optimistic about what the future holds for myself and my co-workers. I look forward to the benefits that being a union member will bring.”
“This latest victory is the culmination of a three-year organizing project designed to close our ranks and better position us for 2025 contract negotiations,” said UFCW Local 367 President Michael Hines. “Our Lacey group ensures we are now wall-to-wall at every Fred Meyer shop throughout the six counties we represent. It’s a good day for our entire membership.”