On July 10, members of UFCW Local 1564 who work at Albertsons and Smith’s Food and Drug stores in New Mexico ratified new contracts with both employers. UFCW Local 1564 represents about 2,500 members at Smith’s Food and Drug (Kroger) stores and 1,200 members at Albertsons stores across New Mexico.
The four-year contracts include wage increases for workers across all classifications every year over the lifetime of the agreements. In addition to guaranteed annual wage increases, both contracts now have improved vacation and paid time off policies that pay out any unused vacation time to workers at the end of the year. The contracts also include improvements to retirement benefits that will allow for increased funding if needed. Workers at Albertsons will also have a new process for working additional hours if they’re available and choose to do so.
“I’m proud of all UFCW 1564 members for ratifying these strong new contracts,” said UFCW Local 1564 President Greg Frazier. “They held tough and stayed united throughout our negotiations with Albertsons and Smith’s. By using their voices and power, they won the wage increases and benefits that they deserve. Our hard-working members are essential to their communities. These contracts reflect the incredible value and importance they have to these companies and families across New Mexico.”
“People are worried about the high cost of living,” said Anthony Carl Trujillo, who is a meat cutter at the Smith’s Food and Drug store in Santa Fe and a bargaining committee member. “I hear that from both our members and from our customers. I’m excited we were able to secure more money for our members in this contract, so they can have more security and peace of mind. We were prepared to strike and make our voices heard, but we’re glad Smith’s met us at the table, and we were able to agree on this new contract.”
“I’m proud that we were able to secure pay increases every year for all of our members, including courtesy clerks at Albertsons,” said Gloria Romero, who is a cashier at the Albertsons-owned Market Street store in Santa Fe and a bargaining committee member. “For me, with added flexibility on paid time off, I can decide when to use my vacation and not worry about losing it at the end of the year. Our members stayed strong behind the union and showed the company how strong we are together. All of us should be recognized for our work, and now we are.”