Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions Workers Ratify New Contract to Avoid Strike

New 3-year contract includes wages increase, more part-time hours and more

By Dolores Quintana

Grocery store workers at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions have voted to approve the new contract that was negotiated by the union bargaining teams. Seven local United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) union locals, 8GS, 135, 324, 770, 1167, 1428, and 1442, which represent over 47,000 grocery workers threatened to strike unless Kroger and Albertson’s agreed to give workers more part-time hours, better pay increases, and a say in safety protocols at the stores. The area that these local unions represent stretches from Paso Robles to the border of the United States and Mexico.  

In this new 3-year contract, the grocery workers will receive wage increases of over $4.25 an hour, and some workers in specific categories will get even more. These raises will also apply to about 7,000 Food For Less workers in 2022 and 2023 per the contracts that were negotiated last year with the parent company Kroger. 

The contract will also increase the minimum weekly work hours for part-time employees from 24 to 28 hours per week and will reduce the minimum amount of time that a worker must work before they can move up on the wage scale which also decreases the amount of time that it takes workers to be eligible for benefits. This will result in a marked increase in workers’ take-home pay. Some employees may take home as much as an additional $3,000 a year. 

Dental and vision benefits have been improved and protections for workers’ pension benefits were included in the agreement as well. 

There is a provision in the contract to form health and safety commissions at each store which will enable workers to have a voice in making decisions for the stores that affect safety and health issues for both the workers and customers. 

Kim Sisson, a front end supervisor for Vons in La Crescenta who was also on the UFCW bargaining team said, This new contract feels like we are finally taking a step in the right direction towards making grocery jobs a viable career option. This contract not only gives everyone more money but also begins to address wage inequalities in the stores and provides us a way to have a say and address new safety concerns as they arise at work, which has become so important over the last few years.”

Erika Bentzen, a food clerk at a Thousand Oaks Ralphs and another member of the bargaining unit added, “We made history! This was the first time members were part of the negotiations and I believe it made a difference having us there. This is the best contract in the country and I am excited about the great progress we’ve made including our medical coverage.”

in News
Related Posts

(Video) A Plus Tree: A Steward of Urban Forest Management Across Los Angeles

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

For More Information, Go to Aplustree.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/3PhU1J5wOj pic.twitter.com/1AWITi5NFw — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) June 19, 2025

(Video) See Inside Voodoo Doughnuts’ New Venice Beach Shop

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle The Creative Portland Franchise Has Opened Up at Windward Circle....

Palisades Teacher Wins National Award, $5K for Supporting Students After Wildfire

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

A student athlete nominated him for the award, praising his ability to connect classroom lessons to real-world challenges Dave Suarez,...

Real Estate Agent Charged with Price Gouging After Palisades Fire

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

The charges stem from violations of California’s price gouging law, which caps price increases at 10% during a declared state...

What to Expect at This Weekend’s ‘Venice Summer Fest’ in Mar Vista

June 18, 2025

June 18, 2025

Attendees Can Expect More Than Two Dozen Bands, a Classic Car Show, Food Trucks, Vendors and More The Venice Summer...

Palisades, Pasadena Teens Raise Over $55K for Fire Relief with National Initiative

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The initiative, now supported by a team of five and over 1,100 volunteer hours, has partnered with 18 nonprofits to...

July 4th Celebration to Take Place in Palisades for 78th Annual Event

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

The event aims to unite residents in a show of resilience and community spirit The Pacific Palisades community, undeterred by...

Second Doctor to Plead Guilty in Matthew Perry Ketamine Case, Faces Up to 40 Years

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Doctor Admits to Illegally Supplying Ketamine to the Actor and His Assistant One of the physicians charged in connection with...

Multiple Injuries Reported in Windward Ave Collision: REPORT

June 17, 2025

June 17, 2025

Emergency crews closed the affected intersection to secure the area and began cleanup efforts A vehicle collision involving at least...

This Palisades Territory is Now Vacant. Now It Needs a Representative on Palisades Council

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Applications require a statement detailing years lived in Palisades, positions on community issues and optional biographical details The Pacific Palisades...

Florida Congressman to Visit American Legion Palisades for Relief Fundraiser

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

The event aims to support the post’s relief efforts, with 100% of proceeds benefiting the cause Congressman Brian Mast, a...

Metro Releases Draft Report for Sepulveda Transit Corridor Plan

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

Five proposed transit alternatives could connect the San Fernando Valley and the Westside, with service forecasted to begin between 2033...

(Video) Home Front Build Maintains Original Architectural Vision For Modern Homes

June 16, 2025

June 16, 2025

For More Information, Go to homefrontbuild.com For More Information, Go to https://t.co/kip9luQwxX pic.twitter.com/sTuVgfiGkj — Palisades News (@PalisadesNewsLA) June 16, 2025

(Video Recap) “No Kings” Protest Comes to Downtown Santa Monica

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

Palisades Park was one of a dozen LA locations where protestors took to the streets on Saturday to challenge ICE...

Army Corps Reaches Milestone in Completing in Palisades Debris Removal

June 15, 2025

June 15, 2025

As of June 15, the effort has cleared debris from an estimated 13,579 eligible parcels The U.S. Army Corps of...