Safeway Merger Underlines Importance of Union

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)Friday’s announcement of the merger of Albertson’s and Safeway was a reminder of the importance of being a union member. “In our Union contract, we have language that requires any purchaser to agree to take our contract and all its benefits and to hire all of the current employees and recognize their seniority for all purposes,” said Mark Federici, president of UFCW Local 400, which represents area Safeway workers.  Federici noted that while Giant – whose workers are also represented by Local 400 -- has changed hands several times over the last 20 years, “Giant employees have always maintained their contract and no employees lost their jobs because Giant has the very same language that Safeway does.” “Without our Union, employees would be nothing but an afterthought in this deal,” said Federici. “With our Union, our solidarity, and our strong contract language, we are an important player and have the means to preserve our wages and benefits, and our jobs.” photo: Giant and Safeway ratified their 3-year contract agreement by standing vote at the D.C. Armory on Dec 17, 2013. photo by Bill Burke/Page One