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  Montana Locals Join Forces in Big Three Bargaining Bargaining teams from Montana UFCW Local Unions 4 and 8 joined together in early October to bargain new contracts with company representatives from the Big Three grocers. The contracts, with Safeway, Albertson’s (SuperValu), and Smith’s (Kroger), cover some 1,100 members in more than 30 stores all across the state. The UFCW members protected by these collective bargaining agreements live and work throughout Big Sky country. Their stores are in cities you’ve heard of (e.g., Butte, Billings, Missoula, and Great Falls), and small towns you probably haven't (Deer Lodge, Libby, Havre, Glendive, and Wolf’s Point, to name just a few.) But wherever they are, they’re all part of the Grocery Workers United movement, and an important part of the UFCW’s “Voice for Working America.” Unfortunately, their employers don't seem to consider the importance of these UFCW grocery industry workers. “These companies want “no cost” agreements,” said Nicolai Cocergine, President of Local 4, “where our members pay for their own contracts. And that’s just not going to happen.” Sara Thody, President of Local 8 agreed. “The UFCW thinks that grocery jobs should be good paying jobs, providing affordable family health care, and a livable pension. That’s what we’re bargaining for, and that’s what we expect.” Contracts with the Big Three will affect numerous “me too” agreements the Local Unions have with smaller grocery retailers. Negotiations are set to resume on October 25 in Helena. |
