Posts Categorized: Grocery

After months of negotiations, over 6,000 members of UFCW Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 who work for Food 4 Less/Foods Co. in Southern California voted to ratify a strong, new contract on July 3.

Key provisions of the three-year contract include:

• Wage increases for all workers
• More hours guaranteed for all part-time workers
• Reduction in the hours it takes to reach top-rate pay
• Additional premiums for select positions
• Ratification bonuses for all workers
• Increased starting wage rate

The seven UFCW Locals released the following statement:

“​​Today, by ratifying this contract, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers have secured meaningful raises, increased hours for part-time workers, and a more direct path to top-rate pay over the next three years. After countless hours at the bargaining table and in the streets between their shifts, the hard-working members of the UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract. This contract is a concrete and direct result of the tireless work of the member-led bargaining committee. Together, our members are fighting for a more promising future, and this contract will help to achieve that goal.”

Nearly 2,000 UFCW Local 152 members who work at Acme Markets stores in southern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware recently ratified a new contract. These workers are employed in the meat, seafood, deli, and some bakery departments.

The four-year contract preserves the members’ high-quality health care with no out-of-pocket cost-sharing. In addition, all year-round members – including top-of-scale workers – will receive an immediate across-the-board wage increase, annual raises for the life of the agreement, and a “lump sum” bonus. Department Heads will receive additional increases, and night shift workers will now receive a boosted $3.00 per hour differential. The contract also updates the progression scale to more competitive wages.

Workers at Acme Markets traditionally had to use their vacation time in weekly increments. With the implementation of the new contract, members may request all time off in single-day increments, allowing them to distribute their vacation days more conveniently. All employees can now carry over one week of vacation to the following year.

The new contract also allows part-time members to hold the title of Shop Steward, and the negotiating committee secured more paid training and education time for all stewards. Members now have the opportunity to participate in the voluntary supplemental benefits offered by the local’s preferred benefits provider, including life insurance, disability insurance, accident insurance, and more. Additionally, Acme Markets has agreed to maintain members’ monthly contribution rates to the UFCW Local 152 Savings Fund.

Formal language was added to the contract for extenuating circumstances such as pandemics and dangerous emergencies. This language gives UFCW Local 152 an open door to have discussions with Acme Markets in the event of these emergencies to discuss safety issues, hazard pay, and more.