Q: What does it mean when we say that our Union is “in negotiations” with an employer?

A: When it is time to negotiate a new contract, your Union meets with the employer to determine every possible aspect of the members’ wages, benefits and workplace rules. Each facet is subjected to scrutiny by union officials, as well as actuaries and attorneys from both sides, before it can be agreed upon and written into the contract.

The typical contract with a supermarket employer fills 100 densely-written pages. That is one reason why negotiations take so long!

In these times when wages and benefits are under constant attack, we must be as creative as possible to protect our members’ hard-earned wages, benefits and job-protection language. The exchange of ideas adds still more time to the bargaining process.

Jacques Loveall
President
International Vice President

Q: How are the current contract negotiations going with the major supermarket employers, Save Mart, Raley’s and Safeway?

A: They’re going slowly, but there are signs of progress. The employers are reluctant to commit to the high standards we demand for wages, benefits and work rules. Many details need to be worked out before we reach an agreement that we feel comfortable submitting to the members for their approval.

Q: How does the environment in the stores affect the environment at the bargaining table?

A: The employers constantly monitor the support that our members show for their Union.

We call this support “solidarity.” When solidarity is strong, an employer is less likely to stall the negotiations and more likely to give the members what they want in their next contract.

Q: In what other ways does solidarity work?

A: UFCW 8 has always built strong coalitions with other Labor Unions, as well as community groups, clergy and political leaders. This time, we are coordinating our bargaining strategies more than ever with the other UFCW locals in Northern California. Our unified strategy will increase our clout in negotiations and help us win better contracts for our members.