ROSEVILLE, CALIF. (Oct. 26, 2007) — UFCW Union leaders and representatives from Save Mart, Raley’s and Bel Air Markets announced today that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new four-year contract affecting approximately 25,000 workers in nearly 300 locations throughout Northern California.

The current agreement with UFCW Locals 5, 8, 101 and 648 was to have expired on Dec. 1, 2007.  No specifics on the new pact were released pending distribution of the agreement to Union members. In a statement, the UFCW presidents did reveal: “Our goals were to achieve:•    Substantial wage increases

•    No employee-paid premiums for medical benefits

•    Improvements to the medical benefits

•    Protection of pension benefits

•    No concessions

"We have accomplished our bargaining goals and more. This agreement is an excellent example of progressive labor-management relations,” the presidents said.

“Negotiating this contract was particularly complicated in light of the challenges facing our industry and our country, specifically in the area of health care. Protecting and improving upon the hard-earned wages and benefits our members enjoy is always our top priority.”

The statement came from Union Presidents Ron Lind (UFCW Local 5), Jacques Loveall (UFCW 8-Golden State), Mike Borstel (UFCW Local 101) and Mike Sharpe (UFCW Local 648) Union leaders said they are recommending the membership ratify the new agreement.  Negotiations with Safeway and the four UFCW Northern California Unions are ongoing. Union members will receive details of the new agreement, as well as ratification ballots, by mail next week. Ballots will be counted by mid-November.