SoCal Grocery Store Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify New Historic Contract

LOS ANGELES — Grocery store employees represented by seven UFCW Locals in Southern and Central California overwhelmingly voted to ratify a new three-year contract with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions. 

Wage increases include $4.25/hr over the 3-year contract for most workers and some classifications will receive higher pay raises. Wage improvements for 2022 and 2023 will also apply to approximately 7,000 Food 4 Less workers per last year’s agreement negotiated with Kroger.

For Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions workers, the contract increases the minimum weekly hours of work for eligible part time employees from 24 to 28 hrs., and reduces the time required to move up the wage scale, which also means that more workers will receive their benefits sooner. This results in significant increases in take-home pay, as much as $3,000/year for some employees.

The new deal also improves dental and vision plans and protects pension benefits.

The contract includes provisions to establish health and safety committees at every grocery store. This will enable workers to have a say on safety and security issues in the stores to protect workers and customers.

This new agreement covers over 47,000 supermarket employees represented by UFCW Locals Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428, and 1442. These Locals are extended from Paso Robles to the U.S.-Mexico border.

Full available details of the contract can be found on the ufcw770 website.