On Oct. 28, over 11,000 members of UFCW Local 555 who work at Fred Meyer and QFC stores in Oregon and southwest Washington ratified a new contract.
The three-year contract, which was ratified by an overwhelming margin of the members, includes significant wage increases. The contract also maintains industry-leading health care coverage, enhances dental benefits, and strengthens retirement security.
“Our new contract gives me peace of mind knowing that my health care is protected and my wages will keep up with the rising cost of living,” said Dale Russell Cronin, who is a Fred Meyer employee and UFCW Local 555 board member. “I’m especially thankful for the improvements in dental benefits and retirement. It feels good to know we are a fighting union and when we work together, we win.”
“This contract is a victory for members of Local 555, who showed strength and solidarity throughout the entire fight,” said UFCW Local 555 President Dan Clay. “It was won by union workers coming together and by a community standing with them. After months of hard work, Fred Meyer and QFC workers have secured an agreement that ensures higher wages, stronger health care, and a stable retirement. The agreement also improves our process to address contract violations. This contract is going to change thousands of lives and it could only have been accomplished with the work and dedication of everyone involved and the support of our communities.”