Solidarity is Rx for Retail Drug Talks

This year, retail food contracts will expire for many members of

UFCW 8-Golden State, as well for other UFCW members in the Bay Area, in Southern California and in most of Washington State and Oregon.

   This summer we will also negotiate new collective bargaining agreements for

members who work at Rite Aid and at other retail drug companies in the 40 California counties in UFCW 8’s jurisdiction.

   The retail drug industry is rapidly changing. Rite Aid, Walgreen’s and CVS are competing fiercely to dominate the business.

   As the Union that represents the largest number of drugstore employees in Northern California, UFCW 8 will be in

the forefront of negotiations.

  We expect the bargaining to be tough, but we are committed, as always, to negotiate the

best possible contracts for our members.

   You can help. If you are a Drug Division member, please fill out and return your contract questionnaire.

   We will base the contract proposals on the

information we get from your questionnaire responses.

   Your opinion counts!

If you are not a Drug Division member, please demonstrate your support and solidarity whenever possible.

By Kirk Vogt

Senior Executive Vice President

   Do whatever you can to support President Jacques Loveall, Secretary- Treasurer Michael Tursky and our entire negotiating team.

   Together, we can achieve our goals and secure a bright future for our members and their families. Remember that “Solidarity Works”!

Albertson’s Settles

‘Off the Clock’ Suit

   Thousands of current and former employees of  Albertson’s could share $53.3 million under a preliminary agreement between the company and participants in a

class-action “off the clock” lawsuit.

   If and when it is certified by a judge, the agreement would conclude 11 years of litigation over allegations that  Albertson’s coerced employees into working outside their shifts without pay.

   Upon final approval of the agreement, Albertson’s would pay $53.3 million to be distributed among the claimants, with individual payouts based on information submitted in individual claims, the clarity of that information and the timeliness of its submission.

Attorneys in the law firm of Webster, Mrak & Blumberg, which represents the workers in the lawsuit, said they will post

updates on the settlement and the claims process at www.albsuits.com. Claimants can contact the firm at (888) 222-5729 or wmb@wmblaw.net