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Macy’s Workers Union Response to Company’s Intention to Close Hundreds of Stores

Seattle, WA – UFCW 3000, the largest UFCW union local in the country representing grocery, retail, cannabis, healthcare and food processing workers, today responded to news that Macy’s Corporation plans to close hundreds of stores. Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 Secretary Treasurer, commented on the news:

“The news that Macy’s corporation is planning to close hundreds of stores, without regard for the impact on thousands of employees who provide essential customer service the business depends on, is disappointing, but sadly not surprising. This is more of the same from a company that is more interested in monetizing real estate than running retail stores.

Union member Macy’s workers at some of Macy’s busiest stores in Washington have significant protections to bargain over store closures. UFCW 3000 is prepared to support and protect the rights of our members in the event Macy’s corporation intends to close stores in Washington.

Macy’s should be investing in their stores and staff—making them a place people want to shop, rather than buy online. The best way to bring customers into stores is to retain the workers who understand fashion, health & beauty and so much more.

This is a good time for Macy’s workers across the country to join a union to protect their jobs, demand liveable wages, affordable benefits, and safer stores. If you are a worker at a non-union Macy’s or any other retail or grocery store, give us a call.

Macy’s workers at Bellingham, Tukwila and Lynnwood Washington stores won historic safety, wage and benefit protections earlier this year after more than 400 unionized workers launched an unfair labor practices strike.”

To connect, contact Kristin Hyde 206-491-0773

# # # 

UFCW 3000 Macy’s Workers In Washington Win “Gold Standard” Contract

Sales Associates, Beauty Experts Won with Black Friday Strikes,
Boycott, And Support from 20,000 Macy’s Shoppers

Seattle, WA — More than 400 sales associates, beauty experts, and other UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers in Washington just won the largest ratification bonus in the nation for Macy’s workers.

After a hard-fought battle, including a 3-day Black Friday strike and a 9-day strike in bitter winter conditions, UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers voted overwhelmingly to accept a new contract that includes:

  • best in the nation bonus for ratifying the contract

  • better health & safety conditions, including protection from retaliation for calling 9-1-1

  • improved wage scales for current and new employees.

UFCW 3000 President Faye Guenther and Secretary-Treasurer Joe Mizrahi discuss the contract and the fight in a video release.

“Macy’s sales associates, beauty consultants, and other employees who belong to UFCW 3000 stood together and won. This agreement sets a new gold standard for retail workers across the country, both in the fight and in the outcome.” —Faye Guenther, President of UFCW 3000, the largest UFCW local in the nation with 50,000 members

Macy’s workers at three of the busiest stores in the Pacific Northwest—Alderwood Mall, Southcenter Mall and Bellis Fair Mall—went on strike over Unfair Labor Practices, wages and safety issues over Black Friday weekend in November. UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers voted to authorize an open-ended strike after bargaining in early January failed to address their concerns. Workers at the Macy’s Alderwood Mall store hit the picket lines again January 15-23, and more than 20,000 shoppers pledged not to shop at Macy’s while workers were on strike.

“We’re on our feet for 8, 10, sometimes 12 hours a day making the store and our products shine and helping our customers. Pay is low, and understaffing has left us at higher risk when confronted with health and safety threats. Our union member workers told Macy’s, enough is enough. We were prepared to strike and support a consumer boycott as long as it took to get Macy’s to address our serious concerns. This tentative agreement shows Macy’s management is ready to recognize that we are essential to making Macy’s a profitable business.”

— Azia Domingo, a worker at Macy’s Southcenter Mall store for 21 years

Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer at UFCW 3000, commented on the Tentative Agreement:

“When we fight, we win. This was the biggest retail worker strike we have ever experienced. Hundreds of Macy’s workers in Washington, with the power of their union, just got a TA for the best in the nation contract. If members approve the offer, workers will have increased wage protections and safety protocols when they face health and safety threats in the store.

Our members who have worked for Macy’s for decades were not getting the respect, pay, and support that they deserve. Now they’ve got the corporation’s attention. We hope new CEO Tony Spring and the Macy’s board see the value of investing in liveable wages and benefits for Macy’s workers as key to the company’s future.”

The new contract will provide UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers with:

  • The largest ratification bonus in the country, 20% higher than when Macy’s was pre-strike.

  • Increased safety protections, including the right for workers to bring up safety issues without fear of retaliation, one of the key unfair labor practices that caused workers to strike.

  • A new and improved wage scale for new hires.

  • Protection of a prized worker benefit, Martin Luther King Jr Day flex paid time off for current employees, that Macy’s had threatened to take away.

  • Increases in minimum wage escalators to .35 for workers after one year and .50 for workers after two years.

To connect with Macy’s workers and UFCW 3000 leaders, contact Kristin Hyde 206-491-0773

# # # 

UFCW 3000 Macy’s Workers Win Historic Contract after 9-Day Strike And Consumer Boycott Campaign

Contract “Sets New Gold Standard” for
Retail Workers across The Country

Lynnwood, WA – Macy’s employees and members of UFCW 3000 announced today they’ve reached a tentative agreement with Macy’s corporation on a new contract, ending a strike and consumer boycott campaign, and winning the largest ratification bonus in the nation for Macy’s workers.

“Macy’s sales associates, beauty consultants, and other employees who belong to UFCW 3000 stood together and won. We have set a new gold standard for retail workers across the country, both in the fight and in the outcome.” —Faye Guenther, President of UFCW 3000, the largest UFCW local in the nation with 50,000 members

Workers will vote on whether to accept the tentative agreement on Monday, Jan. 29.

Macy’s workers at three of the busiest stores in the Pacific Northwest—Alderwood Mall, Southcenter Mall and Bellis Fair Mall—went on strike over Unfair Labor Practices, wages and safety issues over Black Friday weekend in November. Workers voted to authorize an open-ended strike after bargaining in early January failed to address their concerns. That strike was kicked off by Macy’s workers at the Alderwood store in Lynnwood and lasted nine days, Jan. 15-23. More than 20,000 shoppers pledged not to shop at Macy’s while workers were on strike.

“We’re on our feet for 8, 10, sometimes 12 hours a day making the store and our products shine and helping our customers. Pay is low, and understaffing has left us at higher risk when confronted with health and safety threats. Our union member workers told Macy’s, enough is enough. We were prepared to strike and support a consumer boycott as long as it took to get Macy’s to address our serious concerns. This tentative agreement shows Macy’s management is ready to recognize that we are essential to making Macy’s a profitable business.”

— Azia Domingo, a worker at Macy’s Southcenter Mall store for 21 years

Joe Mizrahi, Secretary Treasurer at UFCW 3000, commented on the Tentative Agreement:

“When we fight, we win. This was the biggest retail worker strike we have ever experienced. Hundreds of Macy’s workers in Washington, with the power of their union, just got a TA for the best in the nation contract. If members approve the offer, workers will have increased wage protections and safety protocols when they face health and safety threats in the store.

Our members who have worked for Macy’s for decades were not getting the respect, pay, and support that they deserve. Now they’ve got the corporation’s attention. We hope new CEO Tony Spring and the Macy’s board see the value of investing in liveable wages and benefits for Macy’s workers as key to the company’s future.”

The tentative agreement, which still needs to voted on by members, includes:

  • The largest ratification bonus in the country, 20% higher than when Macy’s was pre-strike.

  • Increased safety protections, including the right for workers to bring up safety issues without fear of retaliation, one of the key unfair labor practices that caused workers to strike.

  • A new and improved wage scale for new hires.

  • Protection of a prized worker benefit, Martin Luther King Jr Day flex paid time off for current employees, that Macy’s had threatened to take away.

  • Increases in minimum wage escalators to .35 for workers after one year and .50 for workers after two years.

To connect with Macy’s workers and UFCW 3000 leaders, contact Kristin Hyde 206-491-0773

# # # 

Macy’s Workers Union Says

Macy’s Layoffs, Store Closings Are Attempts to Boost Share Prices for A Potential Buyout

Macy’s Workers Calling For Macy’s Boycott In Most Of Washington State

Seattle, WA – UFCW 3000, the largest union local representing grocery, retail and commercial workers in the country, today responded to news that Macy’s is closing five stores and laying off hundreds of middle management staff.

UFCW 3000 represents 400 Macy’s sales associates, beauty consultants, and other employees who are engaged in a strike over Unfair Labor Practices in Washington state. Macy’s union workers are calling for a boycott of most Macy’s stores in Washington.

Macy’s corporation—reporting more than $1 billion in profits in each of the last two years—is trying to further boost profit margins during the possible buyout by cutting employee pay and benefits, and refusing to improve health and safety measures at stores. The majority of Macy’s employees are women and people of color.

Statement by Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 Secretary Treasurer

This is another bad business decision from Macy’s. They have been understaffing their stores, causing unsafe working conditions and poor customer service for years. Macy’s should be investing in their stores and staff—making them a place people want to shop, rather than buy online.

The best way to bring customers into stores is to retain the workers who understand fashion, health & beauty and so much more. We are on an unfair labor practices strike in Washington to demand that Macy’s improve the safety conditions of our members’ workplaces so customers feel safe there too.

Macy’s should take their profits and invest them back in the stores. Macy’s has talented employees, but Macy’s would rather short staff the stores while spending hundreds of millions on stock buybacks —all for a short-term boost to the share price, but at the expense of long-term company value.

We see this time and time again with corporate bosses getting big payouts and workers getting short changed. All those workers in the stores getting shut down need a union more than ever—a union contract protects workers when companies make bad decisions.

We’re asking shoppers everywhere to boycott Macy’s, and shop elsewhere until Macy’s corporation steps up with meaningful changes workers and customers deserve.

We are asking Macy’s workers across the country to join a local UFCW union and demand liveable wages, affordable benefits, and safer stores. Tell Macy’s corporation it’s time to stop understaffing, and to stop retaliating against workers who are essential to making Macy’s a profitable business.

Visit www.MacysBoycott.org for more information. To connect with Macy’s workers and UFCW 3000 leaders, contact Kristin Hyde 206-491-0773

# # # 

MACY’S WORKERS ANNOUNCE BOYCOTT!

UFCW 3000 Macy’s Workers On “Open Ended”
Unfair Labor Practices Strike

Lynnwood, WA – Macy’s workers are calling for shoppers to boycott Macy’s stores in most of Washington state until the billion dollar corporation addresses serious health and safety issues, and pays fair wages to sales associates and other employees.

More than 20,000 shoppers have already pledged to not to cross picket lines in support of Macy's workers fight for safer stores and better wages. 

“Nearly 200 of us at the Alderwood Macy’s store went on an Unfair Labor Practices strike this week because of Macy’s refusal to address our serious health and safety concerns, their retaliation against workers, and their attempt to further weaken our wages and benefits. Now we’re asking our customers to boycott Macy’s until this huge corporation steps up to do the right thing for us workers,” said Nicole Hardin, who has worked at the Alderwood Mall Macy’s for 17 years in the cosmetics department.

Washington consumers include 615,000 union members in the state’s 3 million households.

Katie Garrow, Executive Secretary Treasurer of the MLK Labor Council, says, “King County's labor movement includes hundreds of thousands of union members who know what it takes to fight greedy corporations for better wages and safer working conditions. Our unions are in solidarity and will tell our members to shop elsewhere until Macy’s does the right thing.”

Macy’s stores under UFCW 3000’s boycott include:

  • Macy's Bellevue Square

  • Macy's Bellis Fair Parkway

  • Macy's Wenatchee Valley Mall

  • Macy's Columbia Center

  • Macy’s Silver Lake Mall (Coeur d’Alene)

  • Macy's Alderwood Mall

  • Macy's Kitsap Mall

  • Macy's Spokane Valley Mall

  • Macy's Southcenter Mall

  • Macy's Valley Mall

UFCW 3000 is not calling for a boycott of Macy’s stores in Pierce and Thurston counties, which are represented by a different union.


On Monday, 180 Macy’s workers launched an unfair labor practice strike at Macy’s Alderwood Mall store, surprising Macy’s managers and effectively shutting down the store. Future strikes by another 220 members could start at any time at the Bellis Fair and Southcenter Macy’s locations.

We will do as much as it takes, for as long as it takes, to win better working conditions for Macy’s hard-working sales associates, beauty consultants, and other employees. Our plans include launching boycott ads targeting Macy’s shoppers later this month,” said Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 Secretary Treasurer.

Information about UFCW 3000 workers’ campaign at Macy’s Workers United.

For questions or to speak with UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers, please contact Kristin Hyde, 206-491-0773, kristin@percussionstrategic.com

# # # 

Macy’s Workers Launch Strike For “As Long As It Takes” On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

January 15, 2024: Alderwood store Macy’s sales associate and UFCW 3000 member Cynthia Largy says:  “We will strike for as long as it takes. We won’t put up with being underpaid and understaffed while Macy’s refuses to deal with health and safety risks.”

WHAT: Unfair Labor Practices Strike (ULP) at Macy’s, Alderwood Mall 18700 Alderwood Mall Pkwy, Lynnwood, WA 

WHEN: Despite frigid temperatures, workers’ picket lines at the Alderwood Mall location began early Monday morning. Striking workers will stay off the job indefinitely, picketing every day during normal Macy’s business hours.

WHY: Workers at Macy’s in Washington state report the retail giant is refusing to bargain in good faith over proposals to keep workers and customers safe, which is why they have authorized a ULP strike with no end date.

About 400 Macy’s employees in Washington belong to UFCW 3000. This flash strike location is the Alderwood Mall Macy’s in Lynnwood, one of Macy’s busiest locations in the state. Workers at two other Macy’s - Bellis Fair Mall and Southcenter Mall - could also go on a ULP strike at any time.

Macy’s entered the latest round of negotiations attempting to take away many secured benefits such as the MLK Jr Day holiday as a flex day off, the attendance point system, a guarantee above minimum wage, and a wage scale to address wage compression. Macy’s seeks to gut its workers' wages, benefits, and safety to save a few dollars.

The majority of Macy’s workers are women and people of color. MLK Jr Day is a federal holiday and a prized part of our contract, where workers can use the time off on another day to spend volunteering in their communities and time with family. Macy’s corporation is proposing to eliminate this benefit, a clear demonstration that they don’t walk their talk when it comes to valuing their employees.

Macy’s is rumored to be in a $5.8 billion buyout by private equity investors. In the last two years, Macy’s - which includes the Bloomingdales and Bloomies brands- reported $1+ billion annual profit margins. 

“Macy’s workers are essential to its value as a profitable retailer, yet workers are being put in vulnerable positions - stretched thin from understaffing, and retaliated against by corporate management. One of the ways to make stores safer is by having enough staff on the sales floor. By paying a fair wage, Macy’s can recruit and retain more workers. Workers are prepared to strike as long as it takes until Macy’s addresses understaffing, serious labor violations, and pattern of retaliation against employees,” said Joe Mizrahi, UFCW 3000 Secretary Treasurer.

KEY DATES:

  • October 6: Macy’s workers voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike in the next few months if Macy’s does not offer substantial improvements during contract negotiations.

  • November 6 - 7 & 15: Macy’s workers, and their union UFCW 3000, returned to the bargaining table with Macy’s to try to reach an agreement but were unable to reach agreement.

  • November 17: Macy’s workers announce 7-day countdown to picket lines and host a briefing for the media.

  • November 24: 400 Macy’s workers begin striking on Black Friday, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at Macy’s stores at Alderwood Mall, Bellis Fair Mall, and Southcenter Mall.

  • November 27: Macy’s workers went back to work pending the outcome of new bargaining negotiations.

  • December 18: Bargaining negotiations restarted.

  • December 20: Union workers reject Macy’s contract offer because it failed to address their concerns, and voted by 98% to authorize another strike if necessary.

  • January 4 and 9: Bargaining negotiations restarted and ended with Macy's proposing even weaker contract provisions than previous offers.

  • January 15: UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers announce start of strike on Martin Luther King Jr Day at Alderwood Mall Macy’s store.

For questions or to speak with UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers, please contact Kristin Hyde, 206-491-0773, kristin@percussionstrategic.com

# # # 

Macy’s Employees Authorize Another Strike As Bargaining Continues to Address Safety, Wages, and Unfair Labor Practices

December 21, 2023: Washington state Macy’s workers represented by UFCW 3000, the largest UFCW local in the country, voted last night overwhelmingly to reject the contract offer and authorize another Unfair Labor Practices strike, after the latest round of contract bargaining negotiations.

Macy’s employees could start striking again anytime now that workers have authorized a strike again at the Alderwood, SouthCenter, and Bellis Fair malls.

The strike threat comes as Macy’s investors launch a mega-billion dollar buyout.

Said Jeanne Peterson who has worked at Macy’s for 31 years shared what workers are fighting for:

“Macy’s is a valuable company making billions of dollars in profits and returns for shareholders. They can afford to pay us fairly, treat us with respect, and keep workers and customers safe. We are sick of business as usual.”

More than 400 workers at Macy’s busiest stores in Washington state went on an Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) strike over the Black Friday weekend. Workers are demanding an end to unfair labor practices including retaliation against workers, as well as safer stores and livable wages. The strike was the result of Macy’s failure to address unionized workers’ concerns and officially-filed ULPs. UFCW 3000 alleges that over the course of 9 months of contract negotiations, Macy's engaged in practices that have interfered with the bargaining process, such as:

  • retaliation against a bargaining committee member who called 911 on a shoplifter;

  • refusing to agree to sensible safety language; and

  • offering most workers a meager 50 cents annual wage increase all while proposing to eliminate their wage scales.

Workers returned to the bargaining table Monday Dec. 18th, but Macy’s refused to significantly improve its offer. Macy’s corporation, which includes the Bloomingdales and Bloomies brands, has reported more than $1 billion annual profits, “smashing” expectations.

“The evidence is clear that Macy’s can afford to take care of the workers who are making the company a profitable business. One of the ways to make our stores safer is by having enough staff on the sales floor. By making sure workers feel supported, not threatened by management, and by paying a fair wage, Macy’s can recruit and retain more workers,” said Kathy Henderson who has worked for the company for 18 years.

KEY DATES:

  • October 6: Macy’s workers voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike in the next few months if Macy’s does not offer substantial improvements during contract negotiations.

  • November 6 - 7 & 15: Macy’s workers, and their union UFCW 3000, returned to the bargaining table with Macy’s to try to reach an agreement but were unable to reach agreement.

  • November 17: Macy’s workers announce 7-day countdown to picket lines and host a briefing for the media.

  • November 24: 400 Macy’s workers begin striking on Black Friday, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at Macy’s stores at Alderwood Mall, Bellis Fair Mall, and Southcenter Mall.

  • November 27: Macy’s workers went back to work pending the outcome of new bargaining negotiations.

  • December 18: Bargaining negotiations restarted.

For questions or to speak with UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers, please contact Kristin Hyde, 206-491-0773, kristin@percussionstrategic.com

# # # 

Macy’s Workers Unfair Labor Practice Strike and Bargaining in WA

BARGAINING BETWEEN UFCW 3000 AND MACY’S IS SET FOR DECEMBER 18, ON THE EVE OF ANOTHER HOLIDAY SHOPPING SPIKE

November 30, 2023: More than 400 workers at Macy’s busiest stores in Washington state went on an Unfair Labor Practices (ULPs) strike over the Black Friday shopping weekend. Workers are demanding safety improvements and fair pay.  

“When I call security, no one picks up the phone,” says Yasmina Grainat, who picketed at Macy’s Alderwood store where she has worked for 23 years. “The stress is too much at a job that pays less than a liveable wage.”

The strike was the result of Macy’s failure to address unionized workers’ concerns and officially-filed ULPs. Over the course of 9 months of contract negotiations, Macy's engaged in practices that have interfered with the bargaining process, such as:

  • retaliation against a bargaining committee member who called 911 on a shoplifter;

  • refusing to agree to sensible safety language; and

  • offering most workers a meager 50 cents annual wage increase all while proposing to eliminate their wage scales.

After a three-day strike dramatically impacting business operations at three of Macy’s busiest stores in Washington, workers returned to Macy’s intent on negotiating a fair contract.

Bargaining between UFCW 3000 and Macy’s is set for December 18th, on the eve of another holiday shopping spike. What happens after that depends on whether Macy’s corporation comes to the bargaining table prepared to address these serious issues.

“We’d sure like to be in our stores helping our customers with their holiday shopping, but that depends on whether Macy’s is ready to stop their pattern of retaliation against workers who ask for support in facing security threats, and pay workers a liveable wage,” said Azia Domingo who has worked at Macy’s Southcenter Mall store for 21 years.

Macy’s corporation, which includes the Bloomingdales and Bloomies brands, reported more than $1 billion annual profits.

KEY DATES:

  • October 6: Macy’s workers voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike in the next few months if Macy’s does not offer substantial improvements during contract negotiations.

  • November 6 - 7 & 15: Macy’s workers, and their union UFCW 3000, returned to the bargaining table with Macy’s to try to reach an agreement but were unable to reach agreement.

  • November 17: Macy’s workers announce 7-day countdown to picket lines and host a briefing for the media.

  • November 24: 400 Macy’s workers begin striking on Black Friday, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at Macy’s stores at Alderwood Mall, Bellis Fair Mall, and Southcenter Mall.

  • November 27: Macy’s workers went back to work pending the outcome of new bargaining negotiations.

  • December 18: Bargaining negotiations restart.

For questions or to speak with UFCW 3000 Macy’s workers, please contact Kristin Hyde, 206-491-0773, kristin@percussionstrategic.com

# # # 

“What happens in the weeks ahead all depends on whether Macy’s addresses our demands”

MACY’S WORKERS ENDING STRIKE AS PLANNED AT 8PM SUNDAY


UFCW 3000 released the following update on the strike by more than 400 workers at three of Macy’s busiest stores in Washington

Tukwila, Lynnwood, Bellingham: At 8pm tonight, workers will end their strike against Macy’s over Unfair Labor Practices – the first strike by a major retail company’s workers in WA in decades.  

Azia Domingo, who has worked at Macy’s for 21 years said:

 “Today, we workers are celebrating the power of collective action. This was the first major retail worker strike in decades in Washington. Hundreds of workers forced Macy’s to cut hours from their Black Friday holiday shopping weekend and turn away thousands of shoppers. We united across 3 stores to make it loud and clear that we won’t accept unfair labor practices, such as retaliation against union leaders.

Thank you to the 18,000 shoppers pledging to respect our picket lines, and to our beloved customers who sent us messages of support.

What happens in the weeks ahead depends on whether Macy’s stops unfair labor practices and addresses our demands for improved safety and livable wages.” 

# # # 

HUNDREDS OF MACY’S WORKERS STRIKE ON BLACK FRIDAY

Date: November 24, 2023

Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA: More than four hundred Macy’s sales associates at Alderwood, Southcenter and Bellis Fair Macy’s stores went on strike today, Black Friday, one of the busiest shopping days of the year according to retail business experts.

More than 17,000 people have pledged to shop elsewhere while Macy’s workers are striking.

Macy’s workers’ union, UFCW 3000, is holding a rally near the Southcenter Mall Macy’s with elected leaders, community members and hundreds of workers. The rally is followed by a “Macy’s Striking Workers Parade” at the Southcenter mall. The parade features giant inflatables, a performance by “Cher,” music and hundreds of workers and community supporters picketed Macy’s with signs.

Picket lines also started at 3:00AM at the Alderwood Mall Macy’s and Bellis Fair Mall Macy’s stores.

Liisa Luick who has worked at Macy’s Alderwood for more than 15 years explained why workers are on strike:

“We are on an Unfair Labor Practice Strike because Macy’s intimidated and retaliated against me for calling security and 911 about a thief. Macys has not bargained in good faith throughout this process, frustrating our ability to get to a fair contract. Macy’s has also attempted to restrict our ability to talk with our union representatives about workplace issues and bargaining.”

Azia Domingo who has worked at Macy’s Southcenter store for 21 years added:

“We are asking Macy’s to provide a clear and consistent policy for how we are supposed to handle safety threats, and to stop retaliating against workers for calling security when there is a threat. We need increased security to better protect workers and customers in our stores. We also want Macy’s to share some of the $1 billion/year in profits by raising our wages so we can care for our families. Macy’s CEO gets $11 million per year, while some of us rely on food banks and can’t afford to see a doctor.”

To connect with Macy’s workers and UFCW 3000 leaders, contact Kristin Hyde 206-491-0773

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Strike Events & Locations

Southcenter Mall, Tukwila: 9:00AM RALLY at parking lot of Bowlero, 100 Andover Park West Tukwila, WA 98188, featuring elected officials, Macy’s employees, and community supporters.

Alderwood Mall, Lynnwood: Picket lines at South entrance to Macy’s in parking lot at Alderwood Mall

Bellis Fair Mall, Bellingham: Picket lines at South entrance to Macy’s in parking lot at Bellis Fair

# # #

Countdown Starts to Black Friday Strike at Macy's Busiest Stores in WA

WORKERS’ UNION UFCW 3000 SAYS STRIKE WILL EFFECTIVELY SHUT DOWN STORES

Date: November 17, 2023

Southcenter Mall, Tukwila, WA: Hundreds of Macy’s workers today announced a countdown to an Unfair Labor Practices (“ULP”) strike at some of the busiest stores in Washington, including Alderwood Mall (Lynnwood), Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham), Southcenter Mall (Tukwila). 

Striking workers will kick off picket lines on Black Friday, November 24th with a Macy’s Striking Workers Parade at Southcenter mall. 

The workers’ campaign - Macy’s Workers United - is running ads asking shoppers to respect strike lines and shop elsewhere if they see picketers outside Macy’s stores. 

More than 14,700 shoppers have already signed the pledge to respect striking Macy’s workers. 

UFCW 3000 workers at Macy’s say the corporation is not doing enough to address shoplifting, violent shoppers, and other safety threats to workers and customers. Workers also say their pay isn’t keeping up with the cost of living.

When Liisa Luick, a Macy’s Alderwood sales associate in the Macy’s Men’s Department, witnessed someone shoplifting she called Macy’s managers and then mall security. But they refused to help. So she called 911, to protect Macy’s, her customers, and herself. Macy’s immediately disciplined Liisa for calling 911, putting her on unpaid leave for more than 2 weeks. While Macy’s eventually provided back pay, at these low wages, two weeks without pay is a major hardship. UFCW Local 3000 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Macy’s for disciplining Liisa because their actions were in relation to her involvement in union activities. 

Said Liisa Luick: 

“Now we are afraid to call 911 when safety issues come up because we worry we will get in trouble, or even lose our jobs. Workers don’t feel safe in our store, and now they are scared of retaliation so they’ve stopped calling for help when they see a threat. Macy’s needs to step up and make our stores safer for workers and customers. I’m asking our customers to shop elsewhere this holiday while we are on strike.”

Azia Domingo, a Start Team member who has worked for Macy’s for 21 years,  explained why she and co-workers are ready to strike:

"I love my job, and creating amazing displays for our customers. Macy’s is making billions of dollars and paying their CEO $11 million a year, but most of us workers are struggling to make ends meet. Pay isn’t keeping up with inflation. We shouldn’t have to question whether we can afford to have health insurance and go to the doctor. Until Macy’s shows that they respect and value us with better security and better pay, they will lose more workers. I hope our customers will stand with us in this fight and not shop at Macy’s while we are striking.”

Macy's unfair labor practices that have added additional hurdles to the bargaining process include recent charges filed by UFCW Local 3000 for violating contractual rights to speak to members on the sales floor, surveillance of union members, and the employer engaging in bad faith bargaining  – key drivers of the ULP strike.

Joe Mizrahi, Secretary-Treasurer of UFCW 3000, spoke on behalf of the union members:

 “Macy’s is not the first or last strike in Washington. Providence nurses and hospital staff and now Macy’s employees are demanding CEOs share the wealth made off of their hard work. This unfair labor practice strike is unusual because when was the last time major department stores in Washington were effectively shut down by sales associates? Jeff Gennett, Macy’s CEO, makes $11 million a year. Macy’s makes more than $1 billion in profits per year. They have enough money to open new stores, like Bloomies in University Village. Yet Macy’s refuses to pay people enough to support their families. They are offering what is essentially a pay cut in the face of inflation.”

Community member Clementine Morfoot spoke on behalf of more than 14,700 Washingtonians who have already signed a pledge to shop elsewhere while Macy’s workers are on strike: 

“As a customer, I value the expertise and help Macy’s staff provide me. But knowing that store management isn’t adequately protecting workers and shoppers or paying workers a living wage, I won’t shop at Macy’s until they step up and improve safety and pay for these essential workers. I hope other shoppers will join the 14,000 customers who’ve already signed the pledge to shop elsewhere.”

KEY DATES:

October 6: Macy’s workers voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike in the next few months if Macy’s does not offer substantial improvements during contract negotiations. 

November 6 - 7 & 15: Macy’s workers, and their union UFCW 3000, returned to the bargaining table with Macy’s to try to reach an agreement but were unable to reach agreement.

November 17: Macy’s workers announce 7-day countdown to picket lines and host a briefing for the media.

November 24: 400 Macy’s workers begin striking on Black Friday, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at Macy’s stores at Alderwood Mall, Bellis Fair Mall, and Southcenter Mall. 

UFCW 3000 members at Macy’s are sponsoring MacysUnited.com to educate shoppers about a potential Unfair Labor Practices strike at select Macy’s stores in Washington. 

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BLACK FRIDAY STRIKE LIKELY AT MACY'S 

WORKERS’ UNION SAYS COMPANY REFUSING TO PAY FAIR WAGES DESPITE RECORD PROFITS

Date: November 9, 2023

Up and down the I-5 corridor hundreds of workers are united and ready to launch an Unfair Labor Practices strike at some of the busiest Macy’s stores in Washington including Alderwood Mall (Lynnwood), Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham), Southcenter Mall (Tukwila).

In October, Macy’s workers belonging to UFCW 3000 voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practices (ULP) strike around Black Friday, one of the most profitable shopping days of the year. UFCW 3000 filed ULP charges against Macy’s for surveilling, or at the very least created the impression of surveillance of a union steward, and placing her on an unpaid suspension for calling 911 on a suspected shoplifter.

UFCW 3000 believes Macy’s has illegally frustrated the bargaining process by intimidating a bargaining team member and interfering with the union's contractual right for union staff to speak to members on the sales floor.

Macy’s workers at UFCW 3000 say the corporation is also not doing nearly enough to address shoplifting, violent shoppers, and other safety threats to workers and customers.

Jeanne Peterson who has managed the fragrance counter at Macy’s Southcenter for 20 years said:

“Other stores in the mall have security officers, but we’re left on our own facing shoplifters who sometimes brandish knives or guns. They grab and go with thousands of dollars of product, but we’re scared to call for help because we’ve seen our coworkers retaliated against, suspended or even fired for calling security.”

The UFCW 3000 workers’ campaign - Macy’s Workers United - just launched digital ads targeting Alderwood, Bellis Fair and South Center malls. The ads ask shoppers to respect strike lines and shop elsewhere if they see picketers outside Macy’s. 

More than 8,000 Washington shoppers have already signed the pledge. 

According to national employment data, retail workers are paid far less than the median wage for US workers. With big inflation over the last few years, and the high cost of living in Washington state, Macy’s workers say they are struggling to afford food, rent, gas and other necessities.  

Azia Domingo who has worked at Macy's for 21 years explained why she and co-workers are also demanding better pay:

"The majority of us are living paycheck to paycheck. I stopped getting health insurance through my job because the premiums and copays were so high. I ask myself, do I really have to go to the doctor or can I tough it out? This is not a question anyone should have to ask.”

According to Macy’s Shareholder Presentation (October 2023), Macy’s Corporation:

  • paid Jeff Gennette, Macy’s CEO,  $11 million in the last fiscal year alone

  • reported profits of $1.43 billion and $1.17 billion in the last two fiscal years - more than even before the pandemic.

Macy’s, which includes Bloomingdale's stores, is also opening new locations, such as Bloomie’s in University Village.

Nicole Hardin who has worked in cosmetics at the Alderwood Macy’s since 2007 said: 

 “If Macy’s can spend millions on their annual Thanksgiving Day Parade, 4th of July fireworks and other marketing events, it can afford to pay workers who make the store run every day a living wage. They are offering us fifty cents an hour more over three years. With inflation, that’s a pay cut!” 

UFCW 3000 members at Macy’s are sponsoring MacysUnited.com to educate shoppers about a potential Unfair Labor Practices strike at select Macy’s stores in Washington.

MACY’S WORKERS MAY STRIKE SOON OVER SAFETY AT BUSIEST STORES IN WA

Date: November 1, 2023

About 400 sales associates, customer service reps, and others are uniting to go on an Unfair Labor Practices strike at some of Macy’s busiest stores in Washington, including Alderwood Mall (Lynnwood), Bellis Fair Mall (Bellingham), Southcenter Mall (Tukwila). 

The workers’ campaign - Macy’s Workers United - is launching digital ads asking shoppers to respect strike lines and shop elsewhere if they see picketers outside Macy’s stores. More than 2,000 shoppers have already signed the pledge.

Macy’s says retail theft is a big issue, but UFCW 3000 members at Macy’s say the corporation is not doing enough to address shoplifting, violent shoppers, and other safety threats to workers and customers. Workers also say their pay isn’t keeping up with the cost of living.

When Liisa Luick, a Macy’s Alderwood sales associate in the Men’s Department, witnessed someone shoplifting she called Macy’s managers and then mall security. But they refused to help. So she called 911, to protect Macy’s, her customers, and herself. Macy’s immediately disciplined Liisa for calling 911, putting her on unpaid leave - for more than 2 weeks. UFCW Local 3000 has filed an unfair labor practice charge against Macy’s for disciplining Liisa because their actions were in relation to her involvement in union activities.

“Now we are afraid to call 911 when safety issues come up because we worry we will get in trouble, or even lose our jobs,” says Liisa.

UFCW 3000 members at Macy’s are going back to the negotiation table with the retailer next week, but practiced informational pickets outside stores a few months ago and are training strike captains now.

Azia Domingo who has worked at Macy's for 21 years explained why she and co-workers are ready to strike: "I Iove my job and helping customers. But it’s tough when Macy’s refuses to pay us enough to afford food, rent, and other necessities for our families. Meanwhile, Macy’s paid their CEO $11 million and the company had profits of $1.43 billion and $1.17 billion in the last two years - more profit than even before the pandemic.” (Source: Macy’s Shareholder Presentation October 2023)

KEY DATES:

October 6: Macy’s workers voted nearly unanimously 96% to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike in the next few months if Macy’s does not offer substantial improvements during contract negotiations. 

November 6 - 7: Macy’s workers, and their union UFCW 3000, return to the bargaining table with Macy’s to try to reach an agreement.  

November 15 - 18: Macy’s workers plan to begin counting down the days to starting picket lines and may host a briefing for the media.

Late November: Macy’s workers may be striking on Black Friday, November 24, one of the busiest and most profitable days of the year at Macy’s stores in Alderwood Mall, Bellis Fair Mall, and Southcenter Mall. 

UFCW 3000 members at Macy’s are sponsoring MacysUnited.com to educate shoppers about a potential Unfair Labor Practices strike at select Macy’s stores in Washington.