Seattle Safeway workers ratify new contract

BELLEVUE, Wash. Safeway announced today that its Western Washington retail employees have ratified new three-year retail food and meat agreements with UFCW Locals 21, 44, 81 and 367 and Teamsters Local 38. The new agreements will expire on May 1, 2010.

"These new agreements will provide employees with among the best wages, benefits and working conditions in the Northwest, while making certain Safeway can compete effectively in a very competitive marketplace," said Greg Sparks, president of Safeway's Seattle division.

According to the company, the new contracts contain unique and groundbreaking reforms in the health care plan that will create an improved health plan for its Western Washington employees. The contract focuses on improving their health through prevention and wellness while simultaneously helping control escalating health care costs.