Update: July 19, 2016: Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons Pharmacist Members

Update: July 19, 2016

Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons Pharmacist Members:

Four and one half months after contract expiration, we are disappointed to report that management from Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons has made little effort towards achieving a contract offer that includes competitive wages for all pharmacists, affordable medical benefits, retirement security and adequate staffing levels in the pharmacies.

Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons have been dragging out negotiations since March and it is clear that they prefer to delay a settlement to avoid paying you the increases you deserve. We met on July 13, 14 and 15 with very little movement by the companies on any of the most important economic issues. We have additional meetings scheduled for July 20, 21, August 1 and 2.

We are simultaneously negotiating our Grocery Contract and are facing the same delays and intransigence at the bargaining table. This attitude has forced us to take actions in front of the stores in an effort to avoid a strike. These actions include putting pressure on management through actions in front of their stores, community and labor delegations and intermittent boycotts.

In order to update you and answer all questions, we have scheduled a Pharmacist conference call meeting for Sunday July 31 at 7:00 p.m. The call in number is

1-888-398-2342, access code 2658436.

Our goal is to always negotiate a contract without the need for economic action. As of this time however, we have not seen any indication from your companies that they intend to make a fair offer. We recognize that no one ever wants to go on strike but the message we need management to hear is “We don’t want to strike but we will if we have to”.

If you have any question and to find out how you can help, please contact your Union Representative or Steward and participate on the July 31 call.

Fraternally,

UFCW UNION LOCAL 324

Greg M. Conger – President