STRONG COMMITTEE AND STRONG MEMBERSHIP PAYS OFF!

The 2025 Smith’s, Albertson’s, Safeway and John Brooks contract negotiations have been completed.  The attention and recognition belong with the UFCW Negotiating Committee, and each member who let their presence and strength be known.  Members voted in high numbers to accept and ratify these contracts.   Never in any year before were buttons worn as in this year with membership being vocal with management about their needs and expectations for good wage increases.   The questionnaire survey taken electronically prior to negotiations commencing was clear that members wanted wages, wages, and wage increases sooner rather than later as a priority. 

As we began negotiations, California, Colorado, Washington State, and Nevada were all on contract extensions, and bargaining in these locations was slow and frustrating .   The Employers were working hard to minimize increases to quarters and change.  Kroger wanted to expand a program they have begun in other locations by having a separate company with non-union employees cut and prepare produce alongside of our Union workers. This would reduce scheduled hours and benefit contributions to Union members’ health and pension funds.   

The merger between Albertson’s and Kroger announced in 2022 was officially rejected in early 2025 by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the state courts in Colorado and Washington State just as bargaining in various locations was beginning.  Albertson’s and Kroger were suing each other about whose fault the failed merger belonged to, and a lot of money and effort was spent on this issue by all sides. There were some hurt feelings. 

Your Union was closely monitoring and attending some of the California and Colorado negotiations knowing exactly where and when we had to take the next step so we would not get caught waiting until the others settled or left behind or isolated with both Companies. 

Kroger and Albertson’s were sharing strategies and working together, better than any previous time in the past, and it became evident we would have to get a deal with Smith’s/ Kroger first, which we did.   Smith’s members in all locations understood and were motivated to vote for a ULP (Unfair Labor Practice) Strike vote.   You do not advertise your next steps, but now we can reveal that Santa Fe, Taos, and Farmington were going to be in the first wave as the members and support of the public were important factors.  Albuquerque and surrounding areas would be in the second wave as we would move from various stores to other stores for five days each.  We were going to stagger the ULP picket’s waves so that we could endure delay tactics at the bargaining table.  Los Alamos members were going to be voting on a ULP Strike Vote as the various waves progressed.  

Albertson’s members were also willing and able as they had the possibility for ULP picketing in Santa Fe, Taos, and Roswell with a few other locations also being considered if additional waves were needed.  
Safeway members in Farmington and John Brooks members were patient, and it paid off well for them as they received the same wages as Smith’s and Albertson’s members.   Also, and just as important, is none of the 2025 contracts contained any concessions. Courtesy Clerks are seeing their largest pay increase, and now no one will forfeit any earned vacation time over the next four years.

It worked out well because the workers were happy and the Company image or customer shopping habits were not harmed or damaged by picketing.  This means members’ hours and company sales would not be affected and their health and pension benefits would continue.    Sometimes you can win the battle but lose the war, and in this case all the members in all areas have benefited by standing together and being united! 

Well done sisters and brothers!