Bargaining Continued This Week with UFCW Local 400

For the first time since bargaining began in May, UFCW Local 400 shared with the Company a written proposal outlining the specific path they want to take to reach a new contract for Stores 524, 542, 554, 577 and 580.

The union is proposing a modified version of the current Richmond-Tidewater contract. These modifications include changes to wages, benefits, paid time off, and other employment provisions.

Why this matters: Receiving a detailed proposal allows meaningful bargaining on new contracts for Stores 524, 542, 554, 577 and 580 to begin.

What’s happening now
The company is carefully reviewing the union’s proposal to understand:

• How the proposed changes would affect associates.
• The overall financial impact of the proposal.
• How the changes might impact store operations.
• Which parts of this proposal can move the parties closer to an agreement
• How the company might offer a counterproposal to help resolve any areas of disagreement

This review is a normal and necessary part of negotiating a contract that associates will ultimately vote on.

Bargaining is about solving problems
Negotiating a collective bargaining agreement is more than exchanging opinions. It requires both parties to clearly identify the changes they want, evaluate those proposals, ask clarifying questions, discuss concerns and work through differences across the bargaining table. That is exactly what the company is doing.

Our focus remains on reaching an agreement that works for associates, serves our customers and supports the long-term success of our stores.

Know the facts
Contract negotiations often include unfamiliar terms and bargaining procedures.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll use Fresh Start and this website to:

• Explain how the bargaining process works.
• Define common bargaining terms and negotiation language.
• Answer associate questions.
• Share factual updates as negotiations continue.

Questions can be submitted anonymously through the Contact Page of this website or shared with your store management team.

What’s next?
The company and UFCW Local 400 are scheduled to resume bargaining August 19-21. We’ll continue bargaining in good faith and keep associates informed as negotiations progress.