A Strike Authorization vote was taken with Albertsons and Rosauers members on Monday, June 16 at three separate meetings at the Carpenters’ Hall and was overwhelmingly approved. The Spokane Grocery and Meat contracts for Albertsons, Fred Meyer, Rosauers and Safeway expired on January 5, 2008 along with the Fred Meyer CCK contract. Despite numerous negotiation sessions since that time, very little progress was made in the overall effort to attain a contract that would be acceptable to the majority of the Local 1439 membership. For instance, no wage offer was even made. 

Some of the other many outstanding issues include Health and Welfare Benefits, real money raises, not bonuses, and some much needed language changes. Union Representatives, Shop Stewards and Officers will be spending time in the stores requesting that members sign Store Action Sheets, explaining the proposals in more detail, and answering questions.

Even though July 1 was originally set as the goal date to achieve a tentative agreement,  after the last negotiation session the mediator requested that the union hold off taking action until July 17. At that time the mediator will present a package offer from the employer which will include an economic proposal.