#United States #Teamsters #Albertsons #contract #Orange,California

Albertsons Workers Achieve Groundbreaking Contract

In a powerful display of solidarity, more than 1,600 workers at Albertsons have ratified a substantial new five-year collective bargaining agreement, marking a critical milestone for employees within the grocery distribution sector in California.

A Hard-Fought Victory

After extensive negotiations that lasted several months, members of Teamsters Local 952 have secured an unprecedented deal that boasts significant improvements in wages, benefits, and job protections. Eric Jimenez, the Secretary-Treasurer of Local 952, emphasized the determination of the workers, stating, "We made it clear to Albertsons management that our members would not settle for anything less than a top-tier agreement. This contract reflects the strength and unity of our members."

Financial Gains

The new agreement guarantees an immediate wage increase of $4 per hour, with a cumulative rise of $10 over the duration of the contract. The agreement also secures a $2 increase in pension contributions, providing workers with enhanced financial stability. Additionally, updates to contract language improve overall working conditions for the negotiation unit, offering further assurance of job security.

Ray Oronoz, a driver with over 50 years of service at Albertsons and a steward for Local 952, commented on the agreement’s impact, stating, "We won an outstanding agreement at Albertsons because we showed the company that we were united and would never settle for less. The wage and pension improvements we achieved will have a lasting impact on our livelihoods and the future of workers in our industry."

A Blueprint for Future Contracts

The success of Local 952's negotiations sets a new benchmark not only for Albertsons but also for the grocery industry nationwide. Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, expressed confidence that the gains attained by Local 952 will resonate throughout the sector. "This agreement sets a new standard not only at Albertsons but across the grocery industry. The gains won by Local 952 will have a real-life impact for more than 1,600 workers and their families, and this contract will serve as a roadmap for Teamsters bargaining power across the grocery sector."

Background of the Teamsters

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters has grown to represent approximately 1.3 million hardworking individuals across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. The organization continues to advocate for workers' rights, pushing for fair wages and working conditions across various industries.

The Contract's Broader Implications

The recent contract ratification at Albertsons follows a series of other successful agreements by Teamsters members. Just recently, workers in Dallas represented by Local 745 confirmed a new deal emphasizing similar wage increases and job protections. These successes signal a growing momentum for organized labor within the sector, reflecting a shift towards prioritizing worker well-being and equity.

With the ratification of this substantial agreement, Albertsons workers can look forward to a more secure future. The contract not only provides immediate benefits but also strengthens the collective bargaining power of the Teamsters, setting a precedent for what can be achieved when workers stand united for their rights.

For more information about the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and their ongoing efforts to support workers, you can visit their official website at Teamster.org.