Safeway workers across the state have overwhelmingly rejected the grocery chain’s counter-offer and re-authorized a strike first approved on May 8.
According to a statement late Wednesday from United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local No. 7, employees voted unanimously in most locations to reject Safeway’s latest bid, because it did not provide “livable wages and a secure retirement,” according to the statement.
No date has been set for a strike.
“We don’t know about that yet,” said Laura Chapin, the spokeswoman for the union. “Our hope at this point is that the company gets back to the negotiating table.”
The union asked Safeway Wednesday evening to set dates for renegotiation sessions. The company and employees are negotiating a five-year pact.
“The companies should take us seriously, bargain in good faith, and provide a last, best, and final offer that reflects our contributions to their profits,” Safeway employee Arlys Carlson said in a statement from the union.
Most votes were either 99 percent or 100 percent to reject the offer. The closest margin was at the Conifer meat department, where 96 percent rejected the offer, according to the union.
Safeway previously was seeking potential temporary workers, in case of a strike or lockout.
