Local 555 in Eugene, Oregon met with employers on June 26 for another round of bargaining. The employers failed to address any of the Union's concerns, and continues to press issues to eliminate job protections for workers which have no effect on the company's bottom line.

This aggressive approach by the companes to restrict "Union Visitation", expand "Drug Testing" and restrict  members from having a second test, require members to attend "Store Meetings" on their days off if needed, and add additional steps to the "Grievance Procedure" while limiting back pay to 30 days can be viewed as nothing less than an attempt to create a non-union environment in these Union stores.

Notably Safeway, Kroger and Albertsons are not making these kinds of proposals anywhere else in the country and the negotiating committee informed the company, in no uncertain terms, that "this type of erosion would not start in Eugene, Oregon."

The next set of negotiations will be held July 10.  Members will continue to stand strong and push for important issues, like providing a living wage, a well funded Heath Plan with benefits that meet the members' needs, and a fully funded Pension Plan for the future.