Local 117 Secretary-Treasurer John Scearcy met with members yesterday morning to talk about the rollout of a new safety screening process at Safeway.

With the COVID-19 crisis, Teamsters in the grocery industry are putting in long hours with few days off to keep our store shelves stocked with food and supplies. 

Like so many others at Local 117, members at the Fred Meyer distribution center in Puyallup and the Safeway warehouse in Auburn understand the magnitude of the crisis and are doing everything they can to help. 

"We have to feed America," said Chris Williams, a Shop Steward and 21-year member at Safeway. "Without food coming and going out of here, a lot of people would be at lost ends. People are trying to stock up, whether it's at a food bank or a local grocery store. If we didn't have our guys to supply them, people wouldn't have the disinfectants, toiletries, and food they need."

Shop Steward Chris Williams is part of the essential workforce that is keeping our grocery shelves stocked.

After some prodding, both Safeway and Kroger have stepped up and are paying members like Chris an additional $2/hr in appreciation pay. We've also recommended that the companies implement a new screening process as a way to keep workers safe.

“Union Representatives Lance Asher and Anthony McKinney, working with our outstanding Shop Stewards in this industry, have risen to the occasion,” said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters 117. “By working together, we have made meaningful recommendations and proposals with a collective focus on the safety and security of our members.”

Both Scearcy and Asher were on hand early yesterday morning to monitor the rollout of screening for our members at Safeway on their way in to work. 

Lining up at a popup tent, members were asked a series of questions about their health before entering the facility. Anyone suspected of possible COVID-19 exposure or infection is sent home and put on paid administrative leave.

"I'm glad to see the company putting in place safety measures for our members," Scearcy said. "This is an important way to help prevent infection in a workforce that is essential to keeping food on our grocery store shelves. We're hopeful employers in other essential industries will follow suit."

"We're hopeful employers in other essential industries will follow suit."

Yesterday the screening line at Safeway moved quickly, and members responded favorably to the new program.

"I wish they had started this a little earlier," Williams said. "But now that they're doing it, I feel relieved and appreciative."  

Jarrell Lewis, a 20-year Teamster at Safeway, agreed. "I woke up early and was looking forward to it," he said. "People have families at home, and we've got to make sure they are taken care of. Nowadays, everybody's got to have something in the kitchen. I take pride in what we do."

Teamster paratransit drivers at MV provide critical transportation services to our community.

So many Teamsters have risen to the occasion to serve our community during the COVID-19 crisis.

Our members in grocery, corrections, cold storage, law enforcement, solid waste, bakery, dairy, and many other industries are keeping the supply chain moving and making sure vital emergency services stay online.

From early on, Local 117 paratransit drivers who work for MV Transportation have been on the front lines in the fight against the virus through their work shuttling elderly and disabled passengers around our region.

Starting Thursday, 26 drivers began taking on an additional risk. They have volunteered to transport COVID-19-positive patients and those suspected of carrying the disease to and from area medical facilities.

Drivers are not required to interact with the COVID patients. That work is performed by caregivers and medical providers. Still, the danger of infection is real.

“We’re just trying to help people out,” said Helen Vivao, one of the drivers who volunteered for the work. "It's scary at first but after seeing these clients, it's a tear jerker. You don't know if it will be the last time you see them. But we're feeling like it's important that we're doing our part."

Helen and her co-workers are supplementing the first responder network and EMTs who are overrun with emergency transport during this national crisis.

"We’re just trying to help people out."

Up to thirty vehicles will be used for the program. The buses will be retrofitted with safety installations and must pass inspection by public health officials at King County. They will operate exclusively and separately out of MV’s old base in Kent, be sanitized after every run, and they will not be used to transport other MV passengers.

“The work of all of our members at MV is vital to serving our community and protecting the public health. The drivers volunteering for this role are going above and beyond,” said John Scearcy, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 117. “We will be closely monitoring safety conditions on these vehicles. It is incumbent on the County and the company to prioritize driver safety and to take every precaution to limit the spread of the disease.”

As the COVID-19 impacts workers across our state, we are compiling emergency resources to help you and your family in this time of crisis. The resources listed below come from a variety of sources, including King County and the Washington State Labor Council. More resources are also available on our International Union's website. If you are aware of resources not listed here, please send us an email or write it in the comments below. Please stay healthy and safe!

• Public Health Information
• Social Distancing
• Unemployment Benefits and Workers Comp
• Financial Resources for Consumers
• Trouble Paying Rent or Mortgage
• Student Loan Deferments
• Paying Utilities
• Food Assistance
• Insurance Issues
• Childcare for essential workers
• Union Families In Need
• Mental health assistance
• Resources for first responders/public safety/corrections
• Resources for immigrant workers - en español
• Who's Hiring? Find a Teamster Job 

PUBLIC HEALTH INFORMATION

The Washington State Department of Health has everything you need to know about the respiratory illness COVID-19, how it’s spread, how to protect yourself, and what to do if you think you might have contracted it. The Dept. of Health’s Coronavirus Hotline is 1-800-525-0127, press #. Learn more here.

SOCIAL DISTANCING

UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS AND WORKERS' COMP

Anyone who has lost their job due to coronavirus or has had to take time off to self-quarantine or care for a sick relative (and does not get paid sick time from work) should apply for UNEMPLOYMENT insurance. Info on that here.

If you apply for unemployment benefits and your claim is rejected, please contact the Unemployment Law Project at 206-441-9178 x0 for assistance.

Anyone whose job has brought them into direct contact with someone with coronavirus (for instance, a first responder or a health care worker) and has become ill or are required to quarantine can file for WORKERS’ COMP. File for that here.

If you have questions or need assistance filing for unemployment insurance, please call 800-318-6022 or schedule a time to speak with a claims agent who can help you.

If you or a friend or family member are out of work, Washington State's Employment Security Department provides support services as well.

FINANCIAL RESOURCES FOR CONSUMERS

The Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has developed a list of financial resources for Washington consumers impacted by the Coronavirus. 

TROUBLE PAYING RENT OR MORTGAGE

If you don’t have enough money to pay, contact your lender or landlord immediately. Help includes:

• Washington Homeownership Hotline (877-894-HOME)
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau suggestions
• Rental assistance & counseling (800-569-4287)
• List of Housing Counseling Agencies
• For Seattle renters, the Mayor has issued a 30-day moratorium on evictions – through mid-April

STUDENT LOAN DEFERMENTS

If you need help with your student loans, you may be able to temporarily suspend your payments by applying for a deferment or forbearance from the US Department of Education.

PAYING UTILITIES

If you need help paying your utility bills, contact your service provider immediately.

• Puget Sound Energy will not disconnect customers, will waive late fees, and offers payments plans.
• For Seattle residents, Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities will not shut off service during the emergency. They also offer deferred payment plans and discount programs.
• The Utilities and Transportation Commission offers energy assistance programs.
• The federal government also has assistance programs to help with telephone and heating bills.
• Comcast is offering free WiFi hot spots, unlimited data, and no disconnects or late fees.

FOOD ASSISTANCE

If you’re looking for help feeding yourself or your family, visit the Food Lifeline website to find a partner food bank, food pantry, or hot meal program in your neighborhood. This food is free and available to you, even if you don’t qualify for SNAP or EBT.

INSURANCE ISSUES

The Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner has resources and information available for consumers who have insurance related questions.

• Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner - COVID-19 Resources Information from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner.
• Uninsured? — Take advantage of the Washington Health Care Authority’s special open enrollment period on the Health Benefit Exchange, running through April 8. Sign up at Washington HealthplanFinder. Meanwhile, Apple Health (Medicaid) enrollment is year-round.

CHILDCARE FOR ESSENTIAL WORKERS

The COVID 19 pandemic is highlighting just how essential child care is as we respond to this unprecedented public health crisis. For childcare response and referral, call 1-800-446-1114. Be sure to ask for a Union provider.

• Childcare Aware Resource Flyer
• Información en español
• Somali
• Vietnamese

UNION FAMILIES IN NEED

We are urging all organizations and individuals interested in helping union families suffering economic hardship amid the COVID-19 outbreak in Washington state to make contributions to the Foundation for Working Families, a nonprofit formed by the WSLC and its affiliated unions to assist union families in times of hardship or disaster. Click here to make a contribution online or mail a check to the Foundation for Working Families, 321 16th Ave S., Seattle, WA, 98144. The FFWF is a 501(c)(3) organization — federal tax ID 91-1702271 — and all donations are tax-deductible charitable contributions.

Families can apply for FFWF assistance by downloading its Hardship Assistance Form. Assistance is not restricted to union members, but they are given priority. For more information about the FFWF, email Karen White or call her at 360-570-5169.

MENTAL HEALTH ASSISTANCE

For mental health assistance including the suicide prevention and domestic violence hotlines, click here.

RESOURCES FOR FIRST RESPONDERS/PUBLIC SAFETY/CORRECTIONS

Our International Union has put together resources for first responders and Teamsters working in public safety professions.

• Resources for Teamsters working in law enforcement
• Resources for Teamsters working in corrections

RESOURCES FOR IMMIGRANT WORKERS

The City of Seattle has put together a useful FAQ for immigrant workers who have questions about the COVID-19 crisis. You can access that page here. Para información en español oprima aquí. 

WHO'S HIRING? FIND A TEAMSTER JOB

Teamster nurses at WCC - Melissa Johnson (l) and Patty Patterson (r) - are working overtime to keep COVID-19 out of the state prison system.

With the COVID-19 crisis, Teamsters inside our state prison system are making extraordinary efforts to keep our communities healthy and safe.

Upon entering the facilities, everyone – all DOC personnel and inmates – have to be screened for the disease. This puts an additional burden on staff who are already stretched thin.

“We’ve had to quarantine entire buses of inmates entering our prison,” says Patty Patterson, an RN3 at the Washington Correction Center (WCC) in Shelton.

“Our graveyard staff is decimated,” adds fellow nurse, Melissa Johnson. “Of 29 full-time nurses at our facility, 9 are out due to possible COVID exposure. That’s a huge hit.”

The shortage in nursing staff has come with an increased workload. Screening has to be administered to all inmates seeking medical assistance. At WCC, that’s between 50-100 inmates a day. Anyone exhibiting symptoms needs to be put in isolation.

Despite the challenges, medical staff are rising to the occasion. They're covering for each other, putting in lots of overtime and pulling double shifts. 

“We want people to know we’re taking care of their family members,” Patterson said. “As stretched thin as we are, I couldn’t be prouder of our team.”

"I couldn’t be prouder of our team."

The coronavirus pandemic has made things tough on custody staff as well. Brandon Jennings, a Shop Steward at WCC, says he and his fellow officers are doing everything they can to enforce social distancing among the inmates, but it’s a daunting task.

Part of the problem is the constant influx of inmates coming in from the counties to the state system. This has led to crowded cells, with some inmates having to sleep on the floor. “We’re up to 356 inmates in our unit,” Jennings says. “That’s up from 240 at normal capacity.”

Corrections staff are used to dealing with health and security challenges. But keeping such a contagious virus out of the system has added a sense of urgency and a new layer of complexity.

"Our members are stepping up and doing an amazing job," said Michelle Woodrow, President of Teamsters 117. "They're dealing with outside stressors impacting their families - like not having access to daycare or their spouses getting laid off. At the same time, they're showing up to work, supporting each other, and approaching this crisis with the seriousness and professionalism needed to prevent the spread of this disease."

In short order, Teamsters at the DOC have implemented CDC guidelines and are administering a rigorous screening process to slow the spread of COVID-19 in an environment that has the potential to be a breeding ground for the virus.

"We're not taking anything for granted," Jennings says. "We're doing our best to keep the community safe."

Teamsters like Jeff Schellhase and Keith Wagner (photo) at the King County Public Health warehouse in Seattle are handling huge volumes of PPE inventory.

Jeff Schellhase has never been busier. He's been busting his tail, 11-12 hours a day, on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis.

At the King County Public Health warehouse where they work, Jeff and his Teamster co-workers house and haul medical supplies to pharmacies, healthcare and long-term care facilities. Since the coronavirus outbreak took hold in our region, the volume has been immense. 

"Our work now is more important than ever."

"We're breaking down tons of PPE that has been shipped here and transporting it out as fast as we can," he says. "This includes masks, gloves, gowns - all of the protective gear needed to keep our caregivers safe."

Part of Jeff's job entails picking up COVID-19 lab work and running it over to the state lab for testing. As testing picks up, he'll be called on to do more.

All across the country, Teamsters like Jeff are stepping up to respond to this crisis. As essential personnel, they can't work from home, which puts them at a greater risk of infection. 

"Our work now is more important than ever," Jeff says. "People are running out of PPE. They don't have gloves, they don't have masks, and they're having to wrap themselves up in garbage bags. We need to all work together to get them the supplies they need."

As you know, the Governor has issued a "Stay Home - Stay Healthy" order for Washingtonians due to the COVID-19 public health crisis. 

This does not apply to Teamsters at the DOC. All DOC staff have been deemed essential personnel by the State. As such, you are vitally important to the health and safety of our communities.

If you are in a classification that qualifies for Telework, please know that we are demanding that the Department expedite this process so you have the ability to work remotely as soon as possible.

For those of you who have been denied entry into a facility as a result of the active screening process, we are monitoring the secondary screening process to ensure that it is conducted in an appropriate way. The secondary screening is important. We need members to participate in the process so they can get back to work as soon as possible to provide relief for their co-workers. 

To help you stay informed, here are a few important resources:

• COVID-19 Emergency Resource Guide
• Your rights under the WA State Paid Family and Medical Leave
• Our 2019-2021 collective bargaining agreement

During this crisis, all of our Union Representatives are available by phone and email. If you have an issue or concern in the workplace, please reach out to them directly.

Justin R. Shaffer, a Trooper with the Washington State Patrol, was killed in the line of duty on Tuesday.

With the coronavirus outbreak, these are incredibly stressful and challenging times for all of us. 

Many Teamsters have lost their jobs or seen their hours cut because their industries have been decimated by the virus.

Others, including those of you working in public safety professions, have been called on, as you so often are at a time of crisis, to report to duty despite the constant threat of infection. Indeed, many of you are putting in long hours to cover for your sisters or brothers who are out sick.

The stress on you and your family during a national emergency is tremendous. 

When tragedy strikes at a time like this, that stress is compounded. 

Recently, we witnessed the tragic, premature death of Justin R. Shaffer, a Trooper with the Washington State Patrol. Trooper Shaffer was killed in the line of duty while placing spike strips on I-5 in Chehalis on Tuesday.

Because law enforcement and corrections is such a close-knit community, this tragedy touches all of us.

Through his work, Trooper Shaffer dedicated his life to public service and made the ultimate sacrifice as he worked to keep our communities safe. We mourn his passing, commemorate his life, and cherish his memory. He will not be forgotten. 

Because of drivers taking action and aggressive advocacy from your Union, we are one step closer to securing urgently needed emergency relief for Uber, Lyft, and Taxi drivers. 

Yesterday afternoon, Governor Inslee announced:

1. A statewide 30-day moratorium on residential evictions; and
2. An effort to call on the White House and Congress to declare a disaster in Washington, authorizing Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Uber, Lyft, and Taxi drivers and others who may not normally be eligible for unemployment benefits.

We are one step closer to securing emergency relief. But, it’s not guaranteed. We have to fight so drivers don’t fall through the cracks.

Right now, I’m asking you to do three things:

1. Call Congress at (202) 224-3121. Tell them “Provide Disaster Unemployment Assistance for Uber, Lyft, and Taxi drivers NOW!”
2. Uber & Lyft Drifers: Apply for unemployment. Apply here (computer or laptop). Don’t give up if you receive an initial automated-rejection. Start filing weekly claims (even if you’ve been initially rejected), and be prepared to provide documentation of your hours of work and pay. You want your account to already be set up so there aren’t delays if funds become available. Click here to receive application instructions and information on free legal support. 
3. Get additional resources. Your Union has compiled this COVID-19 Emergency Resource Guide, including information on where to go for food assistance, what to do if you can’t pay your rent or mortgage, Teamsters job openings, and other resources.

We know this is a very stressful time for drivers. We will continue to fight for the support drivers need, and update you with the latest resources available.

The United Way of King County has provided a list of resources that you can access if you become unemployed as a result of the COVID-19 crisis. Here's what they are saying:

Unemployed Due to Coronavirus Pandemic? Here’s Where to Get Help

Washington state has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses. Washington state has adopted a series of emergency rules to relieve the burden of temporary layoffs, isolation and quarantine for workers and businesses. The Employment Security Department has developed this handy chart to show which benefits you may be eligible for. We also expect federal and state policies that will provide additional relief. We will share those resources as they become available.

Check out the full article and the 7 steps you can take to seek out benefits.

WHO'S HIRING - FIND A TEAMSTER JOB!

If you have been laid off or are facing layoff as a result of the coronavirus crisis and are looking for a job, there are several Teamster employers who are currently hiring: 

• Darigold: Transportation and production openings, Class A required for transportation, apply here
• Auburn Dairy: Walk in to grab application, 702 W. Main St, Auburn, WA, 98001
• Republic Kent and Bellevue: Class B required, apply here
• Safeway: Hiring 50+ order selectors, 10+ drivers, send resume here
• King County: Hiring multiple positions (sort listings by date posted to get the most recent openings), apply here
• Dept of Corrections: Hiring multiple positions, apply here
• Law enforcement positions can be found here
• Swire Coca Cola: Hiring merchandiser, applicants will need to submit an online application on the Swire Coca Cola website and select the Bellevue location here 
• Pepsi: Hiring merchandiser, apply here
• Lineage Seafreeze: Hiring utility position, apply here
• QCD: Hiring 3 drivers and 6 helpers, apply here
• USB Franz: Hiring 6 checkers and 1 truck driver, apply here 
• UNFI: Hiring 4 drivers, apply here
• Schnitzer Steel: Hiring warehouse production, apply here
• Seattle Iron: Apply in person: 601 S Myrtle St, Seattle, WA 98108
• Steeler: Hiring a machinist and mechanic, send resume to Lindsay Decker
• Fred Meyer Distribution Warehouse: Hiring order fillers, apply here
• Dawn Foods: Hiring multiple line / operator positions, all shifts, apply here (choose the Seattle Manufacturing Plant (MPSE) Location to see the positions open)
• Brand / Aluma Systems: 3-5 openings, contact Anthony McKinney for application
• Viking Sprinkler: 1 opening (prefer a welding background), apply at: 3434 1st Ave S, Seattle, WA 98134
• AmerisourceBergen: Currently has openings on days and nights, to apply for these positions go to Indeed.com or AmerisourceBergen website 
• City of Black Diamond: Hiring a Judicial Specialist, apply here
• City of Kent:
  • Two Street Asphalt Assistants
  • One Vegetation Maintenance Assistant
  • One Parks Operations Temporary Assistant 
  • One Parks Operations Laborer
• City of Tacoma General Unit:
  • Alder Lake Park Seasonal
  • Cowlitz Seasonal Laborer 
  • Cushman Hydro Seasonal Laborer 
  • Public Works Seasonal Laborer
  • Wynoochee Seasonal Laborer 
• Macys Stores: 
  • Southcenter Merchandising Flex Mornings
  • Southcenter Merchandising Flex Evening 
  • Federal Way Receiving Lead 
• Macys Logistics:
  • Flexible Warehouse 
  • Regular Warehouse
• Pierce County:
  • Parks Extra Hire
  • Parks Extra Hire 
  • Parks Specialist 

UNEMPLOYMENT GUIDE FOR UBER AND LYFT DRIVERS - COMPLETE FORM BELOW

The Drivers Union is fighting for Emergency Financial Assistance for Uber and Lyft drivers who are struggling due to the coronavirus crisis.

• SIGN OUR OPEN LETTER to Uber/Lyft CEOs and government leaders requesting Emergency Financial Assistance.

If you have lost income due to the COVID-19 crisis, you may be eligible for state unemployment benefits (even if you are still driving).

We encourage drivers to apply. If your unemployment application is rejected or you need assistance applying, call the Unemployment Law Project’s free telephone hotline at (206) 441-9178 x0.

Fill out the form below to receive information about resources available for drivers and instructions on how to apply for unemployment benefits.