Statement by UFCW Local 99

PHOENIX, Sept. 19, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- UFCW Local 99 has reached a tentative agreement for its Arizona members working at Fry's, Safeway and Smiths retail food stores.

UFCW Local 99 members will be meeting next week, throughout the state, to vote on the tentative agreement that was reached prior to the expiration date of the existing contract.

The union and employers were determined to resolve pressing complicated issues, particularly those relating to health care, as soon as possible. Both sides wished to avoid the delay and acrimony of protracted negotiations. The last negotiations in 2008-2009 took over one year to conclude.  The parties had experienced increases in health care costs that motivated both sides to find a solution sooner rather than later.

SOURCE UFCW Local 99