Arizona Workers OK New Contract

PHOENIX — Union workers at Fry’s, Smith’s and Safeway stores in Arizona have voted to approve a new contract, the parties said.

"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates and also allows us to be competitive in the very competitive Arizona marketplace," said Jon Flora, president of Fry's, in a statement. "I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement, as well as for the excellent service they provide every day to our customers and company."

Kroger-owned Fry’s and Smith’s employ more than 15,000 workers affected by the new agreement.

As reported previously in SN, negotiators reached a tentative agreement weeks before the existing contract was to expire in a move the union, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99, said helped to contain rising health care costs.

Read more: Phoenix-Area Workers Reach Early Settlement