RALPHS, UFCW LOCAL SIGN 30-STORE CONTRACT

DAVID GHITELMAN

ROSEVILLE, Calif. -- The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 588 here said last week it has concluded a collective bargaining agreement with Ralphs Grocery Co., Compton, Calif., that covers workers at 30 northern California stores recently acquired by the chain.

Ralphs acquired the supermarkets, formerly operated by Lucky Stores, a subsidiary of American Stores, Salt Lake City, in the wake of the acquisition of American by Albertson's, Boise, Idaho. The 30 stores were among those Albertson's was required to sell off to win federal approval for the merger.

The agreement between Ralphs and Local 588 -- along with eight other northern California UFCW locals -- gives the 3,000 workers affected another two years of the contract they had previously enjoyed with Lucky.

"The negotiations were long and tedious, but they were conducted on a very high level," said Jack Loveall, president of Local 588.

"Ralphs was used to the southern California contract," added Loveall. "Our contract has higher wages, better health and survivor benefits, better seniority rules and a different work week."

Loveall also said the unions did not try to get more from Ralphs than they had received from Lucky. "In some areas here, it is difficult to get good help," he said, "but this is the contract we negotiated with all the supermarkets. We wanted parity for our members, but we also want Ralphs to be able to compete on a level playing field. We want to keep the market competitive."

Ralphs could not be reached for comment.