JACQUES’ FAQs

The Basics of Contract Negotiations

                                          (Back)

Q: What does it mean when we say that our Union is “in negotiations” with an

employer?

A: When it is time to negotiate a new contract, your Union meets with the employer to determine every possible aspect of the members’wages, benefits and workplace rules.

    Each facet is subjected to scrutiny by union officials, as well as actuaries and attorneys from both sides, before it can

be agreed upon and written into the contract.

    The typical contract with a

supermarket employer fills 100

densely-written pages. That is one reason why negotiations take so long! In these times when wages and benefits are under constant attack, we

must be as creative as possible to protect our members’ hard-earned wages, benefits and job-protection language. The exchange of ideas adds

still more time to the bargaining process.

Q: How are the current contract negotiations going with the major supermarket employers, Save Mart, Raley’s and Safeway?

A: They’re going slowly, but there are signs of progress. The employers are reluctant to commit to the high standards we demand for wages, benefits and

work rules. Many details need to be worked out before we reach an agreement that we feel comfortable

submitting to the members for their approval.

Q: How does the environment in the stores affect the environment at the bargaining table?

A: The employers constantly monitor the support that our members show for their Union.

    We call this support “solidarity.”

When solidarity is strong, an

employer is less likely to stall the

negotiations and more likely to give

the members what they want in their

next contract.

Q: In what other ways does solidarity work?

A: UFCW 8 has always built

strong coalitions with other Labor Unions, as well as community groups, clergy and political leaders. This time, we are coordinating our bargaining

strategies more than ever with the

other UFCW locals in Northern

California. Our unified strategy will

increase our clout in negotiations

and help us win better contracts for

our members.

N. Calif. UFCW Unions Unite for Supermarket Talks

UFCW 8-Golden State

has joined with its Northern California neighbors, UFCW Locals 5, 101 and 648, to create a powerful alliance in negotiations with the major

supermarket employers.

    Under the UFCW Solidarity

banner, the coalition enables the Unions to coordinate strategies

and share resources as they bargain for new

contracts with Save Mart, Raley’s

and Safeway. A letter signed by the

presidents of all four of the UFCW Unions told members:    “As negotiations continue during the coming weeks, it is critical that we all demonstrate unity and determination in order to achieve a contract we can all be proud of.”

Official publication of UFCW 8-Golden State Jacques Loveall, President