Following almost a year of negotiations with UFCW Locals 5, 8, and 648, Save Mart Supermarkets announces has reached an agreement.
“We believe this agreement will allow us to be more competitive in the retail food market while providing enhanced job security and additional hours to our valued team of associates,” said Steve Junqueiro, president and COO of Save Mart. “We also believe with this agreement we can intensify our focus on the needs of our customers. Our goal is to provide a ‘best in class’ shopping experience while remaining vigilant in working toward managing costs and growing sales. We commend and appreciate our associates for delivering quality service throughout the negotiation process.”
The union presidents said in a joint statement that they “were able to reach an agreement that protects their security and dignity while addressing the competitive challenges of the employer.”
The presidents noted that the Unions succeeded in meeting their primary objectives, including maintaining affordable health care for members and retirees as well as securing more hours and full-time positions for members.
“This tentative agreement with Save Mart addresses the employer’s legitimate needs for temporary financial relief while preserving the core achievements of decades of Union Solidarity,” they added. “This agreement maintains the highest wages, the finest benefits and the most generous pension plans in the grocery industry.”
A key element in the settlement is a “Stabilization Agreement,” giving the employer temporary labor cost reductions to assist Save Mart in its current economic challenges.
Both sides have agreed not to release the details of the tentative agreement until Union members have had the opportunity to review and ratify it. Members will receive mail ballots and materials explaining the details of the tentative agreement in the next few weeks.
Modesto, Calif.-based Save Mart operates 229 stores in Northern California and Northern Nevada under the Save Mart, S-Mart Foods, Lucky, Maxx Value Foods, and FoodMaxx banners.
