UFCW News:
ALBUQUERQUE — The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1564 announced that members at Albertsons and Smith’s Food and Drug Stores voted by overwhelming majorities to ratify new contracts with both employers.
UFCW Local 1564 President Greg Frazier released the following statement:
“I’m proud of all UFCW 1564 members for ratifying this strong new contract. They held tough and stayed united throughout our negotiations with Albertsons and Smith’s. By using their voices and power, they won the wage increases and benefits that they deserve.
“Our hard-working members are essential to their communities. This contract reflects the incredible value and importance they have to these companies and families across New Mexico.”
Anthony Carl Trujillo, a meat cutter at Smith’s in Santa Fe and a bargaining committee member of Local 1564, said the following:
“People are worried about the high cost of living, I hear that from both our members and from our customers. I’m excited we were able to secure more money for our members in this contract, so they can have more security and peace of mind. We were prepared to strike and make our voices heard, but we’re glad Smith’s met us at the table, and we were able to agree on this new contract.”
Gloria Romero, a cashier at Albertsons-owned Market Street in Santa Fe and a bargaining committee member of Local 1564, said the following:
“I’m proud that we were able to secure pay increases every year for all of our members, including courtesy clerks at Albertsons. For me, with added flexibility on paid time off, I can decide when to use my vacation and not worry about losing it at the end of the year. Our members stayed strong behind the union and showed the company how strong we are together. All of us should be recognized for our work, and now we are.”
Workers across all classifications will receive wage increases every year over the lifetime of the contracts. In addition to guaranteed annual wage increases, both contracts now have improved vacation and paid time off policies that pay out any unused vacation time to workers at the end of the year. There were also improvements to retirement benefits that will allow for increased funding if needed. Workers at Albertsons will also have a new process for working additional hours if they’re available and choose to do so.
The new contracts will run for four years. Ratification votes concluded, Thursday, July 10. UFCW Local 1564 represents about 2,500 members at Smith’s Food and Drug Stores and 1,200 members at Albertsons stores across New Mexico.