Unionized drivers, dairy, manufacturing and warehouse workers for Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons have ratified a new five-year contact with the grocery companies, the Teamsters Union announced Wednesday.
“Our members voted to ratify this new agreement because it improves wages, health care benefits and retirement security,” said Rick Middleton, Teamsters international vice president and chief negotiator. “We bargained for several months with the companies to reach terms that included improvements that our members would want. All the planning and time involved with bargaining was well worth it.”
Teamsters officials said earlier this month the deal covers more than 8,000 members across Southern California.
The union and companies reached the tentative agreement following three months of negotiations, avoiding a possible strike, according to the union. Union members overwhelmingly authorized a strike after the contract expired Sept. 19, according to the Teamsters.
Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million workers throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico.
— Wire reports