SAN RAFAEL, Calif. (KGO) — A strike deadline is approaching for upwards of 25,000 Safeway employees across Northern and Central California, who could be off the job by Friday at midnight. So far, no agreement has been reached between union officials and the grocery chain.
“We got some milk, hot sauce, condiments, limes and tonic water,” said Don Macquarie from San Rafael.
Macquarrie is stocking up on supplies, in case there’s a Safeway strike on Saturday.
“A Little early just in case, we didn’t want to go to another grocery story to get stuff we’d normally get at Safeway,” he added.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Union says every Safeway store from Bakersfield, north to the Oregon border could see picket lines this weekend if an agreement isn’t reached with Safeway’s parent company, Albertsons. Workers have been on the job without a contract for several months.
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“We’re asking for wage increases that will help our members survive in Northern California given the cost of living, along with improvements in health care. We’re seeking improvements in the pension plan for the first time in a decade, Safeway can afford it,” said Jim Araby, UFCW Local 5 representative.
In anticipation of a strike, many Safeway stores are posting signs, looking for temporary replacement workers at $27 an hour.
This Safeway worker who declined to give his name says he’s concerned.
“We don’t feel good, we’re scared about what’s going to happen. Life in California is so expensive every day, up- up- up, we got to raise a little bit right.”
In a statement, a Safeway spokesperson said, ‘We are hopeful a resolution will be reached soon, as we have in other parts of the country through successful collaboration with our union partners.’
“I do support the workers, I trust them, it’s a difficult world out there, we all got to make a living somehow,” said Michael Foley from Novato.
Several shoppers told us they would not cross a picket line if a strike happens.
“My wife likes to drink a lot of wine, so if they don’t reach an agreement soon, I’m going to be in big trouble,” said Fred Baker.
As of 4 p.m. Friday, a UFCW representative said talks were going into ‘deep negotiations’ with a federal mediator present. No one would say if that was an indication progress was being made toward avoiding a looming strike.
Stay with ABC7 News for the latest details on this developing story.
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