By Gina Yarbrough
SAN DIEGO–A tentative agreement was reached Monday between San Diego county grocery workers and Southern California’s big three grocers-Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons/Pavilions.
United Food and Commercial Workers local 135 President Mickey Kasparian confirmed Monday that union workers have reached a tentative deal to avoid a strike. Kasparian said workers health care and pensions will be protected.
More than 10,000 employees of Albertsons, Vons/Pavilions, and Ralphs have worked without a contract for six months.
Ralphs Grocery Company, a division of The Kroger Company, released a statement Monday on the tentative agreement.
“We are pleased to reach an agreement that will continue to provide our associates the best total compensation package in our industry in Southern California,” said Donna Giordano, president of Ralphs. “The patience displayed by our associates during this process has been nothing short of remarkable. I want to thank them for the service they provide every day to our customers and our company.”
Union workers and grocers continued their negotiations throughout the strike deadline Sunday night.
Union workers will vote on the tentative agreement later this week.
