Progress in Lucky Negotiations, Safeway Talks Underway

Two productive negotiation sessions earlier this month have resulted in tentative agreements with Lucky Stores over several important issues including full-time work, funeral leave and the ability for employees to step down in classification without an unreasonable and unfair reduction in hourly earnings.

Many other issues were discussed and the Local 5 bargaining committee submitted its wage proposal to the company. The next round of negotiations with Save Mart are set for March 27, 28 and 29.

Safeway talks continue to lag behind although a negotiation session on February 18 resulted in a commitment from the company to agree to multiple meeting dates in March which once scheduled, will be posted on the Local 5 website.

During the February 18 session the union bargaining committee focused on the current obsolete wage progression structure and the need to transition to rates that recognize the significant increase in minimum wage requirements Statewide and in surrounding cities and counties.

In both sets of bargaining and in future negotiations with the rest of the food industry, the focus will continue to be on wage rates and contractual rights as the solid funding of the health benefit fund should minimize disagreement over what has typically been a contentious issue.

Check the Local 5 website often at www.ufcw5.org for future negotiation dates and updates.