Union supports transfer of Haggen stores to Albertsons

The United Food and Commercial Workers union said Friday it was supporting the transfer of 29 Northwest Haggen stores from the bankrupt retailer back to the company that spun them off a little more than a year ago, Albertsons Cos.

As reported previously, Haggen has asked the judge overseeing its bankruptcy case to approve the proposed sale. The motion is scheduled to be heard on Tuesday.

The union said it was supporting the proposed transaction because it allows for existing contracts to be transferred along with the stores. The agreement also provides that Albertsons will extend offers of employment to all UFCW members within these stores and assume their seniority status, wages, earned sick leave, vacation days, paid time off and personal holidays.

“Throughout every single day of this difficult bankruptcy process, UFCW members have displayed complete commitment to their jobs, their coworkers, their customers and our union family. UFCW members are truly the heart of these stores and they are the key to making them successful. With that in mind, we welcome the proposed sale of 29 Haggen stores in the Northwest to Albertsons because it rightfully ensures that our hardworking members will keep their jobs and continue to serve their communities and customers with pride," UFCW said in a statement.

“We will continue to closely monitor the sales process and seek to ensure that any concerns impacting UFCW members are addressed," the statement added. "We look forward to partnering with Albertsons so that these stores can provide their communities with both good jobs and a great grocery store experience.”

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