After months of negotiations with Save Mart/Lucky for a new contract, Local 5 negotiators agreed to cancel the most recent bargaining session while pushing the company to develop a comprehensive offer that it can recommend to members.

Early on in the talks, the company agreed with the Union’s assertion that concessions made in previous contracts were a critical component in allowing it to achieve financial viability, remodel stores and once again, become profitable.

The Union bargaining committee continuesto press Save Mart/Lucky torestore concessions involving vacation pay, holiday premiums and wage rates.Union negotiators believe it is time to move to an overall settlement that recognizes the financial sacrifices that members made which enabledthe company to return to a strong competitive position in the Northern California grocery industry.

Further updates will be provided as they become available.