Grocery workers at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons ratify new contracts

Vons groceries store Photo credit Alexander Nguyen 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 and voted to overwhelmingly ratify the agreements after months of negotiations and member-driven actions on behalf of more than grocery workers across Southern California This ratification vote is a preeminence for the hardworking grocery members who never gave up stated Todd Walters president of Local 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 agents 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 also agreed to language that ensures union involvement in setting reasonable staffing levels focused on efficiency safety and function Provisions of the contracts go into effect straightaway for Southern California grocery store workers including more than members of UFCW Local As a member of the bargaining committee and a Ralphs worker for years I ve never seen a group more determined to win real change revealed 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 Over bargaining sessions took place prior to the parties agreeing to terms last week The unions had approved a strike if contract talks failed