Raleys, Unions Agree to Contract Extension and Mediation

Raley's and the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union have agreed to a contract extension and mediation covering all Raley's, Bel Air and Nob Hill Foods employees who work at union stores.

"Our goal is to come to a peaceful resolution,” said Raley's President and CEO Mike Teel, UFCW 8 President Jacques Loveall, and UFCW Local 5 President Ron Lind said in a joint statement. “Neither side wants a labor dispute and we are hopeful the federal mediator will help us reach an agreement. We thank the federal mediation service for agreeing to assist us as we try to work through our differences and address the needs of Raley's and its employees.”

According to published reports, Raley's said it agreed to an extension and mediation deal with the UFCW 8 and UFCW Local 5. The agreement will be retroactive to April 30 and will remain in effect until June 6.

The current contract expired on Oct. 8, 2011, and five extensions have already been filed.

A federal mediator has been appointed and representatives for both parties will meet May 14, 15 and 18.
If an agreement is not reached by June 6, both parties have agreed to extend the contract on a day-to-day basis.