Ariz. Grocers Reach Agreement with Union

Union workers at Fry’s Food Stores, Safeway and Smith’s in Arizona have agreed with their employers on a new four-year contract.

The contract for the employees, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99, includes wage increases and health and welfare contributions that should strengthen the local’s health fund. It also improves workplace protections and reduces the gap between veterans and new hires, creating a more level playing field, the local said in a Nov. 4 announcement.

Members cast their votes over a three-day period at nearly 31 union meetings conducted across the state.

For Fry’s alone, the agreement covers more than 20,000 associates working at 122 stores, according to the Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., the banner's parent company.

"This new contract provides wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates' pension fund to support their retirement," said Steve McKinney, president of Fry's Food Stores. "This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union representatives. I appreciate our associates for supporting the agreement and for the excellent service they provide our customers every day."