BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KBAK/KBFX) — A tentative agreement has been reached between Albertsons Companies and workers at Albertsons, Safeway and Vons stores in Northern and Central California, avoiding a strike. The deal delivers economic security, health care and pension improvements for 25,000 workers, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) 8-Golden State, UFCW Local 5, and UFCW Local 648, who announced the deal.
“This agreement is the result of our members standing strong together,” said UFCW 8-Golden State President Jacques Loveall. “Because of their unity and determination, this new agreement will bring them the respect and dignity they deserve. These workers are more than the backbone of these companies—they are part of the fabric of our communities, and their efforts drive our shared success.”
The tentative agreement includes:
- Meaningful wage increases
- A fortified and secure retirement plan
- Properly funded health care benefits
- Strong job protection language for a safer and more respectful work environment
The breakthrough followed 5 months of intensive negotiations, round-the-clock bargaining sessions in the final days and the threat of a walkout involving more than 25,000 grocery workers from the Grapevine to the Oregon border…