Negotiations are set to begin between UFCW 8-Golden State, UFCW Local 648 and Safeway/Vons (Northern CA).
We will keep you informed as progress is made toward reaching an agreement addressing the needs of the members. A number of negotiation meetings have been scheduled in February.
It’s a crucial time to continue sending the message of strength in unity. By doing your part, letting your co-workers and managers know you stand with your Union, you send a strong message that we are united in our common goals.
Be sure to wear your “Solidarity Works” button and contact your District Union Representative if you have questions.
Additionally, the Federal Trade Commission announced it has cleared Cerebus’ purchase of Safeway Inc. and the resulting merger of Albertson’s and Safeway.
The Federal Trade Commission determined, as part of the deal, a number of stores needed to be sold in Southern California. Throughout the merger of Albertsons and Safeway, your Union has worked with the Attorney General of the State of California along with companies to secure the divested stores in Southern California were sold to an employer willing to keep the stores unionized and honor the collective bargaining. We are pleased a Union grocery operator out of Oregon/Washington named Haggen has agreed to purchase the stores.
UFCW leadership has met with Haggen and we are satisfied with the discussions and optimistic regarding their future in Southern California. Haggen has agreed to accept our current Union contract in total and recognize members seniority and hire date without any new probationary period. This means wage rates, full or part-time status, vacation accruals, holiday pay and holiday entitlement will not change.
Prior to changing the store to the Haggen banner, members will be notified of the option to either stay in their store and work for Haggen, or exercise seniority with their previous employer (Albertsons or Vons) to bump if they have sufficient seniority.
Thank you for your continued support, together we will prove …
Solidarity Works!
