PCC Community Markets Working To Provide Appreciation Pay Across Co-op
2021 News
Disclaimer: PCC has a legal duty to bargain in good faith with UFCW Local 21, its employees’ representative. This duty encompasses many obligations, including a duty not to bypass the union and deal directly with employees represented by UFCW Local 21. PCC continues to bargain in good faith with UFCW Local 21.
PCC COMMUNITY MARKETS WORKING TO PROVIDE APPRECIATION PAY ACROSS CO-OP
(SEATTLE, Feb. 4, 2021) – PCC Community Markets (PCC), one of Seattle’s original grocers and the largest community-owned grocer in the U.S., today shared it has submitted a proposal to the United Foods and Commercial Workers Local 21 that would institute a four dollar per hour temporary appreciation pay for all union-represented staff in the Puget Sound area — not just those in locations with regional hazard pay ordinances, in exchange for certain noneconomic concessions. At the time of this release, the co-op and the union had not been able to reach a final decision.
“Staff members are the heart of the co-op. The PCC leadership team, Board of Trustees and I remain focused on doing what’s right for our teammates,” said PCC CEO and President, Suzy Monford. “We recognize that our actions reflect our co-op’s values and are working to provide equitable treatment to all of our staff.”
PCC is also increasing its efforts to expand access to vaccines for its staff. The co-op is talking to state and local government officials to prioritize available vaccines for frontline grocery workers. PCC is also providing KN95 masks to all staff and the co-op’s “no mask, no entry” policy remains in place to provide a safe environment for staff and the larger PCC community of members and shoppers.
While compensation and access to the vaccine are important, so too is medical care. PCC offers its staff members generous medical, dental and mental health benefits that include:
- Low monthly premiums, low annual deductibles, disability and life insurance;
- Alternative health coverage, including naturopathic physician coverage, acupuncture, chiropractic and massage;
- A free employee assistance program to help with a range of challenges from emotional well-being to legal and financial issues.
About PCC Community Markets
Founded in Seattle in 1953, PCC Community Markets (PCC) is the nation’s largest community-owned food market with an unmatched enthusiasm for making food from scratch. PCC is a haven for those who share a dedication to fresh, organic, seasonal food that is sustainably sourced from local producers, farmers, ranchers and fishers. With an active membership of nearly 90,000 households, PCC operates 15 stores in the Puget Sound area, including the cities of Bellevue, Bothell, Burien, Edmonds, Issaquah, Kirkland, Redmond and Seattle. Seattle stores are in the neighborhoods of Ballard, Central District, Columbia City, Fremont, Green Lake, View Ridge and West Seattle. The co-op also plans to open new stores in Downtown Seattle and Madison Valley and relocate its Kirkland location.
In 2019, PCC gave more than 65 percent of its pretax earnings to members and the communities it serves, including nonprofits around the Puget Sound area.