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  March 28, 2007 Successful Grocery Companies Won't Share Profits with Hard-Working Eugene Employees Members of Local 555's negotiating committee in Eugene, Oregon met with company representatives yesterday to discuss opening proposals made by one another. The company representatives showed no interest in any of the proposals made by the union to improve current wages and benefits, as well as terms and conditions of various workplace issues. In turn, the union's negotiating committee made clear that it was not interested in negotiating any changes that would adversely affect current and/or future employees' wages or benefits. Albertsons', Kroger's and Safeway's annual profits are now in the billions, and workers should not have to pay for wage increases and maintain their benefits through contract concessions or two tier structuring. UFCW members are some of the most productive grocery workers in the industry, and they've made their companies successful with hard work and excellent customer service. It's time they shared in the good fortune and profits of those companies. Health and welfare is an issue of great importance for the Eugene workers. They are negotiating for quality, affordable health care for all workers, and will continue to make that clear when the parties meet again on April 10th.
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