Negotiating committees for UFCW Local 4 and Local 8 met with representatives of Supervalu and Safeway in Helena on Friday, May 18th to again attempt work on an acceptable contract agreement.

Both sides reviewed their proposals, as discussions primarily centered around wages and health care funding. The employers are still talking about a four-year agreement, while the UFCW committees are calling for a three-year contract to help stabilize the health and welfare funding. Some progress has been made, but the pace has been slow.

Safeway and UFCW Local 4 agreed on contract extension language for those contracts that have expired during these negotiations. The language almost mirrors the language agreed to by both Local Unions and Supervalu for the extension agreement secured during the previous bargaining session on May 1.

The next session is set for June 14th in Missoula, Montana.