Safeway workers reach tentative agreement; strike averted

Safeway looks to hire temp workers as UFCW strike looms

The Safeway grocery chain posted flyers at its Northern California stores seeking temporary workers in case the 25,000 UFCW workers go on strike Saturday morning. Two-hundred-forty stores would be impacted by a work stoppage.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Unions representing thousands of Bay Area grocery store workers reached a tentative deal early Sunday morning, averting a potential strike.

UFCW Local 5 and UFCW Local 648 announced the tentative agreement, saying it will deliver major gains to its 16,000 members across the Bay Area.

UFCW Local 5 President John Frahm and UFCW Local 648 President Dan Larson released a joint statement. "This is a hard-earned and inspiring victory," "Because our members stood together strong and unshakable – they secured a contract that reflects their value and delivers real improvements for their families and futures."

What we know:

In their news release, the unions said the tentative deal includes wage increases, more company contributions to healthcare, a better pension plan, scheduling improvements,and enhanced job protection language to create safer.

The unions said they will announce a date for members to ratify the proposed contract, while full details of the agreement will be made public, following ratification.

The unions had threatened to go on strike at midnight Sunday morning, if no deal was reached.

They had postponed the strike Saturday, due to the possibility of bringing in a federal mediator.

There are some 240 Safeway stores throughout California.

The grocery chain released a statement late Friday, "We remain committed to productive, good-faith negotiations with the UFCW locals in Northern California. We continue to meet at the bargaining table and work with a federal mediator."