Albertsons and US Foods Reach Agreement to Partner Together
WASHINGTON - United together, we stand strong. Across the industry, foodservice and retail leaders have been locking arms to face the challenges of today’s market, together. This has included big-name players like Kroger, US Foods, Sysco, Aldi, C&S Wholesale Grocers, United Fresh, Amazon—and, now, Safeway-Albertsons, which has announced a partnership with US Foods.
According to a Teamsters press release, the organization’s representatives have reached a significant agreement with US Foods and Safeway-Albertsons in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This agreement will prevent furloughs and time cuts for US Foods team members, while providing them jobs at Safeway distribution centers.
“Safeway has agreed to honor the workers' union contract at US Foods in its entirety,” said Larry Kroetch, Business Agent for Local 690 and Joint Council 28 Warehouse Division Chair. “This agreement will ensure warehouses are staffed and stocked, and it will ensure communities have access to food by keeping professional drivers on the road.”
Steve Vairma, President of Local 455 and Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division, added: “This is the way unions and companies work together on creative solutions in times of crisis. This is the way we keep people working, and it will serve as the template for more locals moving forward. I commend both companies for their commitment to their workers during these difficult times and hope other companies will step up to the plate and follow suit.”
Thus far, the agreement allows members of Teamsters Local 455, Local 690, Local 174, and Joint Council 28 to continue working under Safeway-Albertsons’ ranks.
As more retail and foodservice operators join hands to keep the supply chain and our industry’s workforce strong, AndNowUKnow will keep you apprised of any updates.
