April 2009- TIGARD, OR – On Thursday, April 23, 2009 nearly 100 community activists, UFCW Local 555 members, and non-food workers at The Dalles Fred Meyer gathered together in support of non-food workers at the store.  People traveled from all over Oregon and Washington to attend the event.

Fred Meyer has refused to settle a fair contract with these workers.  Back in November of 2007, the non-food employees overwhelmingly voted to be represented by UFCW Local 555.This struggle at the bargaining table is a perfect illustration of why workers need the Employee Free Choice Act, which would require employers to bargain fairly with employees.  As Kellie Archer, UFCW 555 member and non-foods employee at The Dalles Fred Meyer said, “If we had the Employee Free Choice Act, we would have a contract today.”

At issue are meaningful and affordable healthcare, wages that support families, seniority, full-time work, and stable and safe money for retirement (pension).  The grocery, meat, and CCK departments of the store are already represented by UFCW Local 555, and have a contract.
The non-food workers don't understand why Fred Meyer is treating them differently than the rest of their employees. "I feel like Fred Meyer doesn’t believe I am equal to other workers in this store," said Cyndi Vipperman. Workers say the time has come for Fred Meyer to listen to its employees and to listen to the community.

If you would like to see photos of the event, please visit our flickr site at www.flickr.com/ufcw555