PHOENIX -- The signs have been distributed and the clock is ticking toward the deadline. Thousands of grocery store employees across the state are ready to walk off the job.
Contract negotiations between two chains -- Fry's and Safeway -- and United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 99 have been going on for the past year. Now the deadline to reach an agreement is Friday at 6 p.m.
The issue at the center of this is health insurance. Right now, store employees don't pay premiums. Under the company's proposed contract, new employees would pay between $5 and $15 per week, depending on the coverage plan. Current employees would not be affected; their health-care would still be free.
Officials with the union, which represents about 25,000 hourly workers at the two grocery chains, including clerks, stockers, meat cutters, produce workers and baggers, say a strike is imminent.
The stores are gearing up for it by hiring replacement workers. In addition,Safeway says it has entered into an agreement with Fry's Food Stores to coordinate "defensive measures" if unionized workers go on strike against only one of the companies.
While the workers are ready to walk out if it comes to that, not all of them support the strike. Not only are they concerned about the ramifications of being out of a work in this economy, they also don't want to be jobless with the holidays right around the corner. They are calling for a vote of the membership on the proposed contracts.
Others, however, say they have to band together and stand their ground.
"I don't believe there's a good time for a strike for anybody," said Larry Moss, a Fry's employee. "The company loses. The employees lose. But at some point, you have to draw a line in the sand, and this seems to be that point."
The workers who do strike will be paid $100 per week by the union.
bkrmom said on November 12, 2009 at 8:13 AM
I think the union members need to reevaluate their participation in the union. To strike over $5-15 dollars is petty when the rest of the state is paying well over $300 a month for insurance.
bkrmom said on November 12, 2009 at 8:19 AM
I think the union members need to rethink their participation in the union. There are thousand of people looking for a $9-$9.50 paying job and only $5-15 insurance premium. Most people pay over $300 a mo for insurance now. I am not sure I understand what barganing power the union believes they have.
ufcw99sucks said on November 12, 2009 at 8:56 AM
Great so the union just wasted more money on all thoses signs and wooden poles. They couldnt use that money for something better. Wait until people find out some of these great union reps make over $60,000 a year. And this is from 2006 so im sure they paid themselves more. http://www.unionfacts.com/unions/unionOfficers.cfm?id=2911&year=2006
ufcw99sucks said on November 12, 2009 at 8:57 AM
Great so the union just wasted more money on all thoses signs and wooden poles. They couldnt use that money for something better. Wait until people find out some of these great union reps make over $60,000 a year. And this is from 2006 so im sure they paid themselves more. www.unionfacts.com/unions/unionOfficers.cfm?id=2911&year=2006
ufcw99sucks said on November 12, 2009 at 8:58 AM
Great so the union just wasted more money on all thoses signs and wooden poles. They couldnt use that money for something better. Wait until people find out some of these great union reps make over $60,000 a year. And this is from 2006 so im sure they paid themselves more. (www.unionfacts.com/unions/unionOfficers.cfm?id=2911&year=2006)
theprincess said on November 12, 2009 at 8:58 AM
It isn't about the insurance, when it all boils down. The fact that newbies will only make $7.25 per hour and have to pay up to $15 a week for insurance while only working 20 hours, is what it is. Fry's and Safeway have always provided the insurance. The CEO of Safeway made over 10 million dollars last year! And the CEO of Kroger, over 8 million. So you can't tell me they can not afford our insurance premiums. Either that or give us more money. If you work 20 hours a week, at $7.25 per hour, you will gross $145. Take out taxes and you have about $100. Then take another $15 out for insurance for your spouse and children. You will be left with $85. That is $340 per month. How can you even pay rent on that money? Let alone feed your children? If you have a solution, please, share it.....
bkrmom said on November 12, 2009 at 9:55 AM
If it is no about the insurance then whomever wrote and published it should be chastised for misleading information and not writing a complete story.
katiec said on November 12, 2009 at 9:56 AM
Glad I saw the post from "theprincess" to soften my irritation- what she said makes more sense.=) I have NO idea why a strike at this time of year or at this time of financial uncertainty would make sense over $20.00-$60.00 a month health care premiums because trust me- THAT is a deal! For your average established Safeway/Fry's employee who's been around a few years; that is a GREAT deal. (Even BETTER deal- not having a premium at ALL- which it sounds like many employees have!) My husband pays about $60-$70.00 a month for our family of 4- and we KNOW we are BLESSED!!! However; I do understand it's tough for new-hires. I guess what keeps running through my mind is : 1. Be grateful you have a job. 2. Be grateful you have a job with ANY benefits- a lot of people don't. 3. Remember that minimum wage jobs are just that-" MINIMUM". They are tailored to young, inexperienced, or undereducated employees. (2 of which I am- so I am not being mean- just honest) Hope an agreement is coming.
rerun said on November 12, 2009 at 10:59 AM
This is exciting. If the strike happens that will be 25,000 jobs created...and then once it gets resolved...25,000 jobs saved. That will mean my man OBAMA will have created or saved another 50,000 jobs. YES WE CAN!
udontknowme said on November 12, 2009 at 1:50 PM
$5 to $15 / week? WOW. Where can I sign up? "The fact that newbies will only make $7.25 per hour and have to pay up to $15 a week for insurance while only working 20 hours, is what it is." Well, Princess, 20 hours would make them PART-TIME, and 99% of employers out there do not offer any benefits for part timers. "You will be left with $85. That is $340 per month. How can you even pay rent on that money? Let alone feed your children?" And by your math, working 20 hrs/week and not having to pay 15 for insurance, they would gross only $400/month. STILL NOT ENOUGH TO PAY FOR ESSENTIALS, also assuming that the hypothetical spouse in your arguement does not have a job, and you aren't getting any subsidies from the government. Maybe they should try to work two part-time jobs? Or better yet - find a full time job? or two? I'm working a 45 a week job AND I'm always looking for part time work. Maybe I'll go apply at a Fry's or Safeway.
frenchvanilla said on November 12, 2009 at 2:28 PM
ive worked at frys for over a year all of what there fighting for isnt all about healthcare its just part of it... with the health care thing we all ready pay dues to the union ... every check ... so that helps pay for the healthcare that we get.. if they add the $5-$15 more... were paying alot more for the healthcare.. then so its not $60 a month. its more... it does sound little ..but we have a fund for the healthcare and if there is not enough money because the new hires wont be able to afford it or they have other insurance or they just dont want it,,, then the employees that have been there will start paying..there is no cap on how much they will charge you $0-$5-$15 thats just a starting off point... it could go higher... and without wanting to give wadge increases very much at all ... we will end up not having health coverage because nobody can afford it then...
grocerymgrswife said on November 12, 2009 at 2:36 PM
My husband has worked for 16yrs in grocery business starting off as a bagger and is now a manger for Fry's. It was a hard decision to no longer be a union member but now are so happy with it. It's ridiculous to complain about paying $5-15 a week for benefits. We have to pay for our benefits-$215 a month and I think that's a good deal. Early this year, Fry's had to lay off 90 of their own managers because of this economy. Also none of the managers that survived the lay off got any raises. Workers tell him it's not fair because he makes more money than them but, he has put his time in to get promoted, has to pay more for insurance plus the fact that he is "on call" 24/7. He doesn't get time and a half over 8 hrs, over 40 hrs, or on Sunday or night differential. He has to work a minimum of 50 hrs a week and gets paid the same amount wether he works 50 or 80. We are so thankful that he has a job, food on table, roof over head, and wouldn't think of complaining.
2keepfaith said on November 12, 2009 at 6:47 PM
I feel sorry for those of you who don't want to strike. But I'm tired of those of you who are big cry babies! Since January 1, 2009 I have paid over $2300.00 for my medical and dental benefits and ya know what???? I AM THANKFUL THAT MY EMPLOYER PROVIDES THEM FOR ME EVEN IF I HAVE TO PAY A SMALL PORTION! Wake up people! The gravy train is over! There are many unemployed people who would love to have your jobs and gladly pay for their benefits! Be grateful that you made it this long without paying!
finishblade10 said on November 12, 2009 at 8:07 PM
This is what you get when you join any union. Your rights are wasted away. Until I became a US Navy Pilot ( FA-18 ) I was a victim of the lies and deception set forth by the Operating Engineers Union Local 428. Their BA's made between 45-60k per year. They drove around in new Crown Victorias and never had to worry about where their next meal was coming from or how they were going to afford chothes for their children. Our repayment was a steady line of BS pouring out of their mouths. I hope you people who joined this union have learned a lesson and get out. Stop paying for a life of comfort for your "leaders" and start paying yourself. All of you are still required to pay your dues though. Of coarse they will be the first to remind you of this. All who choose to stay get what you deserve. In case you people have not noticed jobs are scarce. Maybe you can wear your cute pickett sign or even better give it away for a Christmas present. That is if you don't eat it first because your broke.
finishblade10 said on November 12, 2009 at 8:14 PM
By the way. It is intersting you union believers think a scab is a bad thing. By definition a scab is defined as a protective layer that protects an injury so as to begin the healing process. That's OK though if you are not accustomed to reading. You are about to get a lot of time to yourselves to catch up. I mean, what else are you going to do....Count the money in your wallet? I bet the abcess' you have for BA's are counting theirs.
heatherazgal31 said on November 12, 2009 at 10:46 PM
It's all about company greed! These companies are making huge profits and in the last ten years all they have done is taken away little by little from the hard working people who make things happen. I must be the only one that can see the big picture. When I started working in the grocery industry it was a respectable job. Good money, great benefits. But after 10 years, I still made "exactly the same amount." Some guy on the news made the comment that "a bagger only deserves $7.25 an hour" and maybe he's right, but do you all know that even bakery clerks, deli clerks, produce clerks, meat wrappers, and cashiers all start out at $7.25 an hour?? Don't fool yourselves into thinking that if you had started with one of these grocery stores under normal circumstances they would hire you at $9.50 an hour. $7.25 is what you are worth. Wake up people! If they can pay you $7.25 an hour and have you pay for benefits, they really don't need us oldtimers. And you wonder what our fight is about
kyrie1102 said on November 12, 2009 at 10:55 PM
This is absolutely ridiculous!! I would love to pay only $5 a week for insurance. I am sorry but they should not get special treatment. I pay over $100 a month for my health insurance. All you people striking you should be lucky to have a job. There are so many people desperate for a job. I do not feel bad at all. It is not that hard to bag groceries. There are people who deserve free insurance and it should go to police, firefighters and to the military. They put their life on the line for us everyday THEY deserve it not someone who bags our groceries after all there IS the self check out line, so what is the purpose for them anyway. Instead of complaining go find another job that has better benefits maybe an actual career. I am middle class and I have learned to survive everyone else can do the same!!!!!
kyrie1102 said on November 12, 2009 at 10:58 PM
And atleast they are offered insurance. There are those people who do not have insurance at all.. this is pathetic. And yes I am crossing the picket line tommorrow if there is a strike.
dianagail said on November 12, 2009 at 11:47 PM
Don't ask me to support this strike. I pay 50% of my medical coverage, and had to take a 35% pay cut. Get a clue, people.
heatherazgal31 said on November 12, 2009 at 11:56 PM
Middle class?? I didn't know that existed anymore. Especially when people are just screaming about how bad they'd love to have a job that pays $7.25 to $7.50 an hour. These companies aren't required any longer to give new employees a set amount of hours so when you are working 10 hours a week at $7.25 an hour, you aren't getting insurance because you have to work 20. And when you do get 20 hours a week say goodbye to $15 off the top for your insurance. Now you've made $130 for the week. Next take out taxes at 20% thats $26 so now you have $104 to your name. Assuming that you are driving your SUV, take another $50 out for gas because they can send you 20 miles away to work and that takes alot of gas! So now you have $54 bucks to take care of the neccessities. Man, you're going to have to go on food stamps and possibly get medical assistance as well. I'm glad to see what "Real Americans" find acceptable these days. No wonder our country is in the state it's in!!
phatblazer said on November 13, 2009 at 12:15 AM
Ive worked in the grocery business since 1985. I worked at Albertsons where we are were non union and when they had the strikes in California we were just told that we would have to start paying for our benefits. I am now an Asst. Meat Manager at Frys for the last 2 years, which last I checked is a skill but yet a journeymen cashier makes only a $1.50 an hour less than I do. People are only getting part of the reason for the strike. They want the new hires to pay for their benefits which means next time they redo the contract they will want the current employees to pay for the benefits and then it will get raised every time there is a new contract. Once you start paying for benefits it just gets raised every renewal. Also your paying for your benefits when you pay your union dues. What people arent being told is that we have not gotten a raise since 1999 (thats right , 10 goin on 11 years without even a .01 cent raise). Cost of living has gone up in 10 years but not our pay.
frustrated said on November 13, 2009 at 12:37 AM
those of you who think we are being ridiculous about the strike be sure to get on here and let us know what you think after you have gone to the grocery store this weekend. when you go to the deli to get some lunch meat or that famous fried chicken and wait there is none. those of you who have counted on frys or safeway for that already prepared thanksgiving dinner, nope probably not gonna get that either. regardless of how ridiculous you think we are being we are the people who serve you almost every day. i do not want to strike. i cannot afford it and i am worried about my job in the long run and even though i have been stressing over this for the past couple of wks i still had to smile and greet you like my life is plated in gold and listen to the many problems in your life and tell you how it will all be ok. we are not only your deli clerk, cashier, bagger, cake decorator we are your marriage counselor, psychiatrist, at times a babysitter and to many of you a friend.
frustrated said on November 13, 2009 at 12:39 AM
so why is it so wrong to expect a lil more and why is it so wrong of us to expect a lil support from you when we give ours to you day in and day out
roscoego2 said on November 13, 2009 at 2:51 AM
If you do not work for Fry's then you DO NOT KNOW THE WHOLE STORY. It is not only about the insurance. There are many other reasons for this strike. Did any of you know that Frys employees are owed back pay from last year that they have never received for their raises that should be retro payed. And did you know that Frys wants to give them a FRYS GIFT CARD to try & make up for it. Mind you not even a Visa card so they can spend the money where they choose to. Of cause not because then Frys would not be able to write it off on their taxes. And the amounts that they are offering does not meet with what the employees are owed. One of Frys logos are OUR PEOPLE ARE GREAT. If they are so great then why are THEY ARE NOT TREATED GREAT? Frys does not care about their people. Did you know that John Flora president of the company got a 3 million dollar bonus last year? And will get some more millions this year.
happyclerk said on November 13, 2009 at 3:24 AM
I feel that the union workers are asking a little much. I work at a local Bashas and pay $15 a week for my own medical and we have all taken a 2-10% pay cut in the last few weeks. I am very happy to have a job in these hard times. I'll be ready along with my coworkers tomarrow to help all of your customers with a smile if you all decide to strike.
roscoego2 said on November 13, 2009 at 3:25 AM
Did you also know that Frys just sponsored a golf tournment & paid millions. I believe 16 million. But to give the employees what they are owed is too hard for them to do. If not for the employees & their great customer service & great attitudes at their jobs, Frys would not be where they are today. I for one will stick with the employees who choose to strike. If they give in now Frys will continue to walk on them. They are not treated like people they are treated like numbers. Untill you all know all of the facts behind this please keep your comments to yourself. If you have not been there then you do NOT KNOW THE FACTS.
roscoego2 said on November 13, 2009 at 3:26 AM
Do you also know that they have their workers work shifts that do not have 8hrs between them & do pay pay them time & a half like they should. For instance work until 10PM & then turn around & be back in at 4AM. Theres way more to this entire strike then any of you realize. This is only a couple of things. So please do your homework before you comment. FRYS EMPLOYEES STAND UNITED !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
maverick said on November 13, 2009 at 3:50 AM
This is what's wrong with America today. Employees fighting over the right to a 25 to 50 cent raise each year and no one dare question the 8 to 10 million dollar salary of its CEO's.
money777 said on November 13, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Where can I apply for a job?!?! I have been at my job for 18yrs. I have NO HEALTH INSURANCE!!!!!!!!
lefty1992 said on November 13, 2009 at 5:38 AM
I have been with Safeway for about 10yrs now. If I have to start paying that is going to fine with me. I hate this union. It does not understand what the up and downs are right now of this economany. In this day in age things are going to change. Some people have health inserance but have to pay at least 400 a month. But if i have to pay 60 a month that is nothing. I do not support this dumb reason at all. I need to work. I am the only one in my family is working. I figured out a way to get out of this dumb stike thing. I am still going to work no matter what.