Grocery retailers Albertsons, Ralphs, Vons and Pavilions breathed a sigh of relief July 23 after members of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union ratified a new contract. More than 87 percent OK’d the new deal in voting July 22.
“On behalf of Albertsons, we are really happy to have negotiated a contract that takes care of our people, first and foremost, and allows our company to remain competitive in Southern California,” said Albertsons spokeswoman Stephanie Martin.
The four-year contract, retroactive to March 6, covers more than 65,000 employees working at nearly 800 stores throughout Southern California.
Amendments to the new contract include wage increases ranging between $1.65 and $6 during the life of the contract, increased contributions to secure pension benefits, and the elimination of the “two-tier” wage and benefit structure.
The resolution averts a repeat of the costly strike and lockout of 2003-04, said union officials.
, Liz Wiedemann