Strike looms at Nogales Safeway store

Employees at the Nogales Safeway may walk a picket line this evening and weekend if their union cannot come to a contract agreement with the Safeway chain.

Local 99 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union has called for a strike against both Safeway and Fry’s Food Stores at 6 p.m. today, said union spokesman Bob Grossfeld. Employees at both chains in Arizona have been working on contract extensions but negotiations have broken down on a new four-year contract.

Currently there are no talks taking place, said Cathy Kloos, director of public affairs for Safeway. “The sticking point is the cost of health care.”

Current employees do not make any contributions to the health plan, but Safeway wants new employees to pay $5 to $15 a week, Kloos said.

“The thousands of union members are willing to do whatever it takes to get a fair and equitable agreement,” Grossfeld said. As the deadline approaches, it’s possible the grocery chains may decide to negotiate, he said. “It’s who’s going to blink first.”

A majority of employees at the Nogales Safeway belong to Local 99, but Grossfeld didn’t know the exact number, he said. Members are reflected in all departments.

Kloos said about 40 percent of the Safeway employees in Arizona belong to the union.

“Our plans are to keep our stores open,” Kloos said.

Safeway is finding many qualified people to hire and train as temporary replacement workers, she said. “If there is a strike, we will bring in the temporary employees and staff the store with additional management help.”

Those new employees “will have to decide to honor the individual on the picket line or not,” Grossfeld said. “When a customer approaches �- they see people they know, like a checker who was helpful. Are you going to cross a friend?”