On Oct. 30, about 1,200 members of UFCW Local 8-GS who work at 96 Rite Aid stores in Northern California ratified a new contract that strengthens wages and protects benefits.
The new contract includes critical improvements to wages. The contract also restores members to a union-trusteed health care plan with no premiums for member coverage, and includes job protections that reflect the commitment of union members to their work and communities.
UFCW Local 8-GS is working with the company to calculate retroactive wage payments to be paid by the end of December. The UFCW Trust Fund is also working on additional details concerning enrollment for medical benefits.
“This victory is a powerful testament to our members’ resilience and the unity which has guided us through an incredibly challenging path,” said UFCW 8-GS President Jacques Loveall. “Our members’ journey to secure this agreement took us through multiple rounds at the highest levels of the National Labor Relations Board, where we fought and persevered every step of the way. Despite the company’s recent bankruptcy filing, we remained determined to protect our members’ rights and secure a fair contract. Congratulations to all involved in making this possible. Together, we proved once again that ‘solidarity works!’”