Workers at Macy’s West Coast flagship store at Union Square in San Francisco have ratified a new contract, averting a threatened open-ended strike. The agreement will run through May 31, 2025.

The deal comes after nearly eight months of negotiations and a two-day strike just prior to Christmas Day. Highlights of the settlement include wage increases totaling $1.50 an hour, a ratification bonus of up to $1200, severance pay of up to 52 weeks for employees who leave the company, new health and safety language and the maintenance of existing seniority rights, one of the most contentious issues at the bargaining table.

“Our members made it clear to the company that they were united in their determination to take whatever action was necessary, including a long strike, to win the contract that they deserved from a very profitable company,” said UFCW Local 5 President John Nunes. “The two-day strike demonstrated that we were serious and that consumers were behind us. Now our members look forward to putting this chapter behind them and continuing to offer the high-quality San Francisco shopping experience that Macy’s customers have come to expect.”