NM Safeway workers avoid potential strike

Posted at: 11/03/2009 10:02 AM | Updated at: 11/03/2009 1:02 PM
By: The Associated Press

FARMINGTON, N.M. (AP) - About 300 workers employed by Safeway grocery stores in Farmington and Aztec agreed to extend a labor contract through mid-November after last-minute negotiations with corporate officials Saturday failed to reach an agreement.

Workers represented by the Albuquerque-based United Food and Commercial Workers Union claim Safeway since 2001 has demanded continued cuts to employee pay rates and benefits packages to help reduce costs.

The established labor contract between Safeway and about 350 employees at its four New Mexico stores in Farmington, Aztec and Gallup was set to expire Nov. 1.

Union President Greg Frazier said union leaders and corporate officials met in Farmington for six days last week, but little consensus was reached despite the last-minute effort.

The current labor contract was extended through Nov. 14.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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