In May, 90 employees at Albertsons stores in Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, N.M., voted to join UFCW Local 1564. They’re looking for better wages, benefits, and workplace protections that come with a union contract.
Workers at the Albuquerque Eubank Blvd. N.E. location are employed as meat cutters, meat wrappers, butcher block clerks, and deli clerks. At the Rio Rancho Ridgecrest Dr. location, the workers are in the checking, stocking, receiving, produce, bakery, deli, and e-commerce departments, and include head clerks and departmental leads.
Staff at the locations were thrilled with the outcome of the vote and some shared their thoughts with organizers.
Tim said, “I believe that having a union is going to be a great thing for this store. I’m hopeful that it’ll benefit everybody here and we’ll all be prosperous.”
Veronica added, “I’m glad to be here and I’m glad to be a part of the team.”
“I’m so incredibly thankful that our store was able to unite and stand up for what we believe in,” said Serena.
“When workers unite, we have a voice and everyone benefits from it. I’m super excited,” remarked Sarah.
Organizers expect to have the employer at the bargaining table in the coming months to negotiate a contract for workers at the Rio Rancho location. And bargaining could begin as soon as this month for the Albuquerque meat unit employees.
UFCW Local 1564 staff said effective communication through text messaging enabled them to quicky send out warnings about union busters and to educate workers about the tangible benefits of joining a union. Workers at these latest New Mexico locations have seen how a strong contract benefits unionized Albertsons’ employees throughout the state.
“The success we are seeing with Albertsons is a result of successful contract negotiations with Albertsons in 2025, a strong and respected organizer in Sylvianna, and union leadership committed to organizing and bargaining to increase leverage for Albertsons’ members in 2029,” said Greg Frazier, president of UFCW Local 1564.
Market Street workers at the Rio Rancho Unser Blvd. S.E. location joined UFCW Local 1564 earlier this year. Market Street is a subsidiary of Albertsons.