Tentative Deal Saves Southern California From Grocery Strike

After over 24 hours's negotiations, officials from the United Food and Commercial Workers finally reached a deal Monday with three big grocery chains, Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons. This tentative agreement avoided a grocery strike involving more than 60,000 workers in Southern California.

The 3-year contract includes good wages, health care and pension benefits.

Before that agreement, more than 60,000 grocery workers threatened to walk off the job, which may result in the closure of hundreds of stores. Hence, to many shoppers, the deal is a relief. As for the workers, they won't suffer from hunger. The union officials and the grocers regard the agreement as a win-win for both parties.

We have attained our most important goal, which was continuing to provide comprehensive healthcare to the members and their families, the union negotiators said in a statement Monday.

We are pleased to have reached a tentative settlement agreement with the union that continues to preserve good wages, secure pensions and access to quality, affordable healthcare -- while allowing us to be competitive in the marketplace, Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons said.

This contract is the largest bargaining in the United Food and Commercial Workers as it covers more than 60,000 grocery workers.