ROSEVILLE, CALIF. (March 6, 2014) — Jacques Loveall, president of UFCW 8-Golden State, representing 45,000 active and retired supermarket workers, commented on today’s announcement of a deal for the purchase of Safeway Inc. by Cerberus Capital Management, LP.
“Safeway’s announcement today about the sale to Cerberus/Albertsons was an expected development, but it’s not the end of the story,” President Loveall said in a letter sent this afternoon to Union members working at Safeway.
“Over the next several months, government regulators will examine the purchase and decide whether to approve it.
“I have already communicated with John Snow, the Chairman of Cerberus, to begin discussions regarding the details and ramifications of the sale,” he added, noting the ongoing security of retiree pensions was among his highest concerns.
“Fortunately, all Albertsons stores in California are Union and our Union has had a relationship with Albertsons and Cerberus for many years,” Loveall continued.
“We will use this relationship to ensure our members’ contract and rights are protected through this merger and beyond. This is our highest priority.”
Loveall said the Union “will be watching the progress of this proposed merger and will keep our members informed of developments as they happen.”
UFCW 8-Golden State represents some 35,000 members who work in grocery and drug stores, food-processing plants and offices from the Oregon border in the north to Kern County in the south.
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Jacques Loveall, President
UFCW 8-Golden State
jsloveall@ufcw8.org
