Food4Less Workers Ratify New Labor Pact with Raises, Boost in Hours for Part-timers

Food 4 Less grocery workers voted to accept a new three-year labor contract with the grocer, the union announced Thursday.

“Today, by ratifying this contract, Food 4 Less/Foods Co. workers have secured meaningful raises, increased hours for part-time workers and a more direct path to top-rate pay over the next three years,” according to a joint statement from the various locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

“After countless hours at the bargaining table and in the streets between their shifts, the hard-working members of UFCW stood together for their families and each other and secured a strong contract,” the statement said.

Workers had previously authorized a work stoppage if labor talks failed. But last week, representatives of UFCW Locals 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442 announced that they had reached a tentative deal.

Union officials told Los Angeles’ ABC7 that the pact includes “substantial wage increases for all workers, more guaranteed hours and other contract improvements.” The station also shared the Thursday statement on its social media.

Union officials told ABC7 the agreement includes additional premiums for select positions, ratification bonuses and an increased starting wage.

Food 4 Less, with 11 locations in San Diego County and one in Tijuana, is a subsidiary of the Kroger Co., which also owns Ralphs. The union represents roughly 6,000 workers.

– City News Service