Frequently Asked Questions Regarding The Recent 14 Day Notice

Do you have questions about the 14 Day notice?  The information below should help.

Q: What is the 14 day notice?
A: Our contract has been on an extension for 11 months in Salem. Unfortunately, Fred Meyer has consistently chosen to be disrespectful to their union represented employees by not settling a contract for the non-food members throughout Oregon and Washington. Fred Meyer members around the jurisdiction are pushing back and taking a stand for fair contracts. Our 14 day notice allows us full freedom to take all steps necessary to push Fred Meyer to do the right thing and settle a fair contract now!

Q: Are we going on strike?
A: A strike is your right as union members to tell management that you deserve better. The 14 day notice does not mean we are going on strike. Union Representatives from UFCW will be checking in with members in the Salem/Albany/Corvallis area Fred Meyer stores on actions necessary to encourage Fred Meyer management to settle a contract.

Q: How does the 14 day notice to Fred Meyer affect me?
A: Management will likely:

1. Stop dues deductions from your paychecks
2. Attempt to deny union officials, staff access to your store or to you
3. Make promises about what happens if the Union goes away

Management will likely try to intimidate you by saying:

1. That you are going on strike
2. That you are replaceable
3. That you will lose benefits, wages or have worse working conditions
4. That your union just wants your money

Intimidation and threats by management because of union activity is illegal. Fred Meyer has already been cited by the Labor Board for breaking the Law in these areas. If you are victim to these types of threats and intimidation notify one of the union staff immediately at 1-800-452-UFCW.

Q: How will the notice effect my ability to file a grievance?
A: You will continue to have the right to file grievances. You need to stay in close communication with your Union Representatives and make sure you give them all information necessary.

Q: Do I still have the right to a Union Representative if I get in trouble or am called into the manager’s office?
A: YES! Call your Union Representative, the union office, or we have a 24 hour emergency phone 1-800-761-3914 that is staffed 7 days a week. If your manager tries to intimidate you, call us IMMEDIATELY. If you get called into the office for potential disciplinary action, you continue to have the right for Union Representation.

Q: How will the notice aff ect my Representatives access to Fred Meyer to protect my interests?
A: Your Representatives still have the legal right to access Fred Meyer and you to protect you and your interests in your employment. If you ever observe management attempting to restrict your access to your Union Representative, call the 24 hour emergency phone 1-800-761-3914. We will continue to use all legal avenues to protect our members.

Q: How will the notice effect my pension, healthcare?
A: Fred Meyer is still required to continue pension and healthcare contributions per the law. We have a whole legal team working with us to ensure your rights are being protected.

Q: Why won’t Fred Meyer settle a contract with our union UFCW Local 555?
A: Fred Meyer is doing well financially. Recently it was noted that Kroger, the parent company of Fred Meyer is “the port in the storm.” During this economic downturn Fred Meyer has the resources and is making a choice to pay their workers less and provide a benefit that is less than that of their other workers within the same store. This is the same fight UFCW Local 21 members in Washington are having with Fred Meyer. Fred Meyer non-food workers deserve more!

Questions: Contact your Union Representative today! 1-800-452-UFCW