Tentative Agreement Reached with Giant, Safeway

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)UFCW Local 400 announced yesterday that it's reached a tentative agreement on a new contract with Giant and Safeway covering 17,000 workers. Members will vote on whether to ratify this agreement on December 17. The previous contract expired on October 31 and has been extended twice. If approved, the new collective bargaining agreement will take effect immediately. “The tremendous solidarity and dedication of our members was absolutely essential in reaching this tentative agreement,” said Local 400 President Mark Federici. “Our employers recognized that their workers were ready to do whatever it takes to achieve a fair contract and that they had the support of the community. This is what made it possible to overcome the enormous hurdles before us at the bargaining table. photo by Chris Garlock