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Albertsons Companies is the parent company of Safeway and Vons grocery stores. The breakthrough follows five months of intensive negotiations, round-the-clock bargaining sessions, and the threat of a walkout involving more than 25,000 grocery workers from the Grapevine to the Oregon Border. Workers accused the company of stalling negotiations for better pay and benefits.
On Thursday, July 24, UFCW Local 5, Local 8, and Local 648 issued Albertsons Companies a midnight deadline for Friday, July 25, to come up with a new contract. Because of new negotiations, the deadline was extended until midnight on Sunday. Around 3 a.m. Sunday, a deal was announced.
“This agreement is the result of our members standing strong together,” said UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall. “Because of their unity and determination, this new agreement will bring them the respect and dignity they deserve. These workers are more than the backbone of these companies—they are part of the fabric of our communities, and their efforts drive our shared success.”
The new deal reportedly delivers economic security, healthcare, and pension improvements for employees. It includes pay raises, secure retirement plans, properly funded health care benefits, and strong job protection language, according to the union. Had an agreement not been reached, it would have been the first regionwide strike against Albertson’s Companies in 30 years.
“We are pleased to have reached a fair and equitable tentative agreement with the UFCW locals in Northern California,” Safeway said in a statement Sunday. “We appreciate the union’s partnership in reaching a contract that will benefit our associates and allow us to continue to serve our customers.”
The new terms are expected to be finalized after a ratification vote.
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