San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) July 12, 2012
The Unions of the UFCW Solidarity Alliance: UFCW Local 5, UFCW 8-Golden State and UFCW Local 648 — announced they have reached a tentative contract agreement with Lucky-Save Mart Supermarkets.
The settlement caps 10 months of exceptionally complex negotiations and affects Union members at 173 Save Mart and Lucky stores in Northern and Central California, as well as retirees.
“Thanks to the unity of our members, we were able to reach an agreement that protects their job security and dignity at work while addressing the competitive challenges of the employer,” the Union presidents said in a joint statement.
The presidents noted the Unions succeeded in meeting their primary objectives, including maintaining affordable health care for members and retirees as well as securing more hours and full-time positions for members.
“This tentative agreement with Save Mart addresses the employer’s legitimate needs for temporary financial relief while preserving the core achievements of decades of union solidarity,” they said. “This agreement maintains the highest wages, the finest benefits and the best pension plans in the grocery industry.”
A key element in the settlement is a “Stabilization Agreement,” giving the employer temporary labor cost reductions to assist Save Mart in its current economic challenges.
Both sides have agreed not to release the details of the tentative agreement until Union members have had the opportunity to review and ratify it. Members will receive mail ballots and materials explaining the details of the tentative agreement in the next few weeks.
Negotiations are continuing between the UFCW Solidarity Alliance and representatives from Raley’s and Safeway.
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Contacts:
Jacques Loveall
President, UFCW 8-Golden State
jsloveall(at)ufcw8(dot)org
(818) 416-9400, http://www.ufcw8.org
Ron Lind
President, UFCW Local 5
408-772-6609, http://www.ufcw5.org
Michael Sharpe
President, UFCW Local 648
415-861-7840, http://www.ufcw648.org