Workers from six union locals on Friday voted to accept new three-year pacts with Ralphs, a subsidiary of Kroger, and Albertsons.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 voted to “overwhelmingly ratify” the agreements after months of negotiations and member-driven actions on behalf of more than 45,000 grocery workers across Southern California.
“This ratification vote is a victory for the hardworking grocery members who never gave up,” said Todd Walters, president of
Local 135
in San Diego County, in a news release. “Our members stood up to illegal company behavior, slow bargaining tactics, and disrespect – and they won.”
Key provisions of the ratified agreements include what union officials called “substantial wage increases,” a new supplemental pension plan and increased healthcare contributions and faster eligibility for new hires.
The companies, according to UFCW Local 135, also agreed to language “that ensures union involvement in setting reasonable staffing levels focused on efficiency, safety, and service.”
Provisions of the contracts go into effect immediately for Southern California grocery store workers, including more than 7,400 members of UFCW Local 135.
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“As a member of the bargaining committee and a Ralphs worker for 36 years, I’ve never seen a group more determined to win real change,” said Camillia Fulton, a member from San Marcos. “We fought for respect, and we got a contract that begins to deliver it. I’m proud of what we accomplished together.”
Contract negotiations for workers at Stater Bros. and Gelson’s Markets are ongoing.
Separate contracts with Ralphs and Albertsons, which includes Vons and Pavilions, expired on March 2. Over 20 bargaining sessions took place prior to
the parties agreeing to terms
last week. The unions had
approved a strike
if contract talks failed.
