Following a nearly unanimous strike authorization vote, more than 10,000 UFCW members at Lucky, Save Mart and Food Maxx stores throughout California, including 3500 represented by Local 5, ratified new contracts in December.
After months of negotiations, rallies, and other actions, the UFCW bargaining committee filed Unfair Labor Practice charges against the company and set a strike deadline before returning to the bargaining table with the assistance of a federal mediator. On the cusp of a walkout, a tentative deal was reached after two days of intense discussions.
In addition to resisting dozens of employer-proposed contract takeaways, the new agreements provide for:
- Wage increases of $4.00 over the life of the contract for experienced employees along with significant increases for others
- Additional retirement plan funding including the implementation of a new supplemental plan
- Self-checkout staffing guarantees
- Safe workplace standards
- Additional bereavement leave
- Improved scheduling rights
“The contract improvements and our success at beating back the company’s concession demands could not have been attained without the steadfast determination of our members to stand together for a settlement that recognizes their hard work and dedication to the communities they serve,” said Local 5 President John Frahm.
The new contracts run through May 1, 2028.
Local 5 now turns to Safeway with negotiations set to start in the Spring.