Hundreds of union Safeway employees, members of UFCW Locals 400 and 27, yesterday rallied alongside elected officials, community leaders and other allies, telling management to negotiate a fair contract or face a strike. At the same rally, however, Giant workers announced they had reached a tentative agreement on a new contract, averting a potential work stoppage. “The promise of a union job was that we won’t get rich but we will be able to provide health care for our families,” said Safeway member Jane St. Louis. “But now, Safeway wants to break that promise.” Union members will meet on March 5th, announced UFCW 400 president Mark Federici. Giant members will vote on whether to ratify their new collective bargaining agreement, while Safeway members will vote on whether to authorize a strike. “The countdown starts today,” Federici said. “The countdown for justice ends March 5th.” Read more here