Negotiations between Raleys, Safeway and Save Mart and 52,000 union workers extended beyond Nov. 18 deadline to Dec. 14 to avoid shutdown during Thanksgiving, say United Food and Commercial Workers unions in Northern California
Cindy Allen
SAN JOSE, California
,
November 21, 2011
(UFCW Local 5)
–
Grocery negotiations covering 52,000 grocery clerks and butchers in Northern California have been extended beyond the November 18 deadline to December 15 avoiding a showdown the week of Thanksgiving.
Representatives of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Locals 5, 8 and 648 have been in talks with Raleys, Safeway and Save Mart for over two months. “The issues facing the unionized grocery industry in Northern California are varied and serious,” said Ron Lind President of UFCW Local 5. He continued, “Issues like out of control medical costs and the encroachment of low-wage, low-benefit non-union operators into the region must be addressed. It would be a disservice to the members and the public to take action without first looking at every conceivable angle to reach a deal that meets the needs of our members, ensures the viability of our employers and does not unnecessarily inconvenience the shopping public.”
Grocery workers have felt the brunt of the recession and are working hard to maintain their wages and benefits through the collective bargaining process. Members of Local 5 (Western Northern California including the Bay Area), Local 8 (Central and Eastern Northern California) and Local 648 (San Francisco Clerks) are united at the bargaining table.
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