LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Grocery store workers who are members of Food 4 Less have voted to ratify a new three-year labor contract with the grocer, the union announced Wednesday.
“By ratifying this contract today, Food 4 Less/Foods Company workers have secured significant pay raises over the next three years, increased hours for part-time workers, and a more direct path to maximum wage,” said a joint statement from various local chapters of the United Food and Commercial Workers union. “After countless hours spent at the bargaining table and on the streets between shifts, the hardworking members of the United Food and Commercial Workers union came together to secure a strong contract for their families and each other.
“This contract is a tangible and direct result of the tireless work of our member-led negotiating committee. Together, our members are fighting for a brighter future, and this contract will help us achieve that goal.”
Workers had previously authorized a strike if labor talks broke down, but last week representatives of UFCW Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 announced they had reached a tentative agreement that includes “significant wage increases for all workers, extended guaranteed hours and other contract improvements.”
Union officials said Wednesday that the agreement includes wage increases for all workers, guaranteed extra hours for part-time workers, shorter work hours to reach the maximum wage, extra allowances for certain jobs, a ratification bonus and higher starting pay rates.
Food 4 Less operates 15 stores in the Los Angeles area and is a subsidiary of Kroger Co., which also owns Ralphs. The union represents about 6,000 workers.
Kroger spokesman Salvador Ramirez earlier said the company had “presented a historic proposal of more than $70 million that includes wage investments, industry-leading health care and retirement benefits.”
“Our employees are the heart of our company and we will continue to do everything we can to ensure our customers can buy food at affordable prices while balancing investments in wages and overall employee benefits,” he said in a statement last month. “Our stores will remain open to serve our communities.”
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