So I just wanted to thank all the grocery workers that have done that.

Speaking before Council on March 8, the Labor Council’s Stelovich lauded frontline grocery workers: “They stepped up, they went to work, and they made sure that we had food on our tables. The Northwest Central Labor Council, led by Secretary-Treasurer Michele Stelovich, and Whatcom County Jobs With Justice, led by Betsy Pernotto, provided crucial support to UFCW21, engaging Council Members and mobilizing supporters to send messages of support and provide comments at several meetings. When we stand together, we win together!” I want to personally thank the Bellingham City Council for recognizing the hazardous conditions we work in and for their support in compensating us for it. Upon hearing of the victory, Vincent offered words of celebration: “We fought an honorable fight for an honorable cause to give the hard-working people on the front lines what they deserve in these hazardous times. It will cover unionized employers, including Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Haggen, as well as some non-union stores such as Whole Foods.Ĭhris Vincent, a veteran produce worker at Bakerview Fred Meyer, helped organize co-workers to send emails and give public comment at multiple City Council meetings. The ordinance will go into effect at 12:01AM on May 25th.

Last night’s vote was a final procedural step, following initial approval of the ordinance two weeks earlier.

The Bellingham City Council voted 5 to 2 last night (May 10) to mandate $4 per hour hazard pay for frontline workers at large grocery chain stores in the city.

Bernie sanders night at the roxbury