ALBERTSONS/SAFEWAY CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

Your Bargaining Committee negotiated with Safeway on July 23rh and 24th.  Originally, we had a third day scheduled but we cancelled the last day due to the parties’ lack of progress.  All indicators point to a fight with Safeway to protect the benefits you already enjoy and make improvements you so richly deserve.  We are fighting to keep your healthcare affordable, make improvements to scheduling and hours, and improve sick leave, among other items.  Some of the company’s concessionary proposals are:

•  Allowing Junior Apprentices to take checker hours.
  
•  Reducing vacation accruals and dropping 5 weeks vacation for new hires.
  
•  Extending paid holiday eligibility requirements for new hires.
  
•  Changing meat cutter seniority and vacation scheduling.
  

As part of our effort to defend your contract and show the company that you are willing to stand up for your benefits, we are collecting Pledge Cards to give to Safeway the next time we meet.  Your Union Representative and/or Shop Stewards will be circulating the Pledge Cards as well as Solidarity Buttons in your store.  Please do your part, sign a card, wear a button.  Let your Store Directors know you stand strong with your Union.  Solidarity Works!!