Safeway, unions reach tentative deal for 16,000 Bay Area workers, averting strike

UFCW Local 5 and UFCW Local 648 announced a tentative agreement with Safeway, averting a strike that would have involved 16,000 employees in the Bay Area. The deal follows five months of negotiations and reflects growing momentum among union members. Key provisions include wage increases, enhanced retirement benefits, and fairer scheduling practices. Additionally, the agreement boosts healthcare contributions and strengthens job protection language. Union leaders hailed the deal as a significant achievement that recognizes the value of their members.

Ratification votes are set to be scheduled in the coming days, with leaders expressing confidence in its approval. This agreement is particularly notable as it prevents the first regional labor stoppage against Safeway in nearly three decades. The successful negotiations illustrate the power of collective bargaining in securing better conditions for workers.