Union reaches tentative pact with employers hours before deadline  

Members of UFCW Local 99 in Arizona narrowly averted a strike in the late hours of Nov. 12 when union leaders reached a tentative agreement with three supermarket chains hours before a deadline.

Arizona’s news media closely followed the union’s preparations for a walkout against the Fry’s, Safeway and Smith’s chains. About 24,500 workers are covered by collective bargaining agreements in 241 stores. Contract negotiations began in October 2008 but had been stalled since  September over disagreements concerning wages and health care.

Members of UFCW Local 99 in Arizona assembled picket signs in preparation for a Nov. 13 strike deadline.

Jim McLaughlin, president of Local 99, said details of the settlement would be submitted to union members who would then vote on ratification in early December.

Colorado Members Vote on ‘Last’ Contract Offer   At press time, UFCW members

in Colorado were voting on a “last, best and final” contract proposal from the King Soopers and Safeway grocery chains. 

UFCW Local 7 has rejected earlier offers and announced plans to strike if the new proposal is rejected by the members.

“The workers’ major concern is to get the pension they were promised and to be paid a livable wage,” Local 7 spokeswoman Laura Chapin said. “having made major concessions in the last contract, workers want to  make sure they get a fair deal this time.”

Solidarity 

Works!

Official publication of UFCW 8-Golden State Jacques Loveall, President