Talks Progress in Effort to Save Safeway Warehouse Jobs

Union leaders and political allies trying to save nearly 1,000 jobs at the Safeway warehouse in Upper Marlboroon Tuesday had their “most productive meeting yet” with top officials from Albertson’s, Safeway’s parent company. “We have a much clearer picture of what needs to happen, and it was a very productive meeting on all sides,” said Ritchie Brooks, president of Teamsters Local 730, which represents most of the workers. Teamsters 639 and IUOE 99 also represent workers in the warehouse, and UFCW Local 400, whose members work in area Safeway stores, has also been involved in the talks, which are expected to continue. “Maryland State Senator Anthony Muse and (former Maryland Delegate) Aisha Braveboy have been a tremendous help,” Brooks added, “as has been all the solidarity we’ve received from the local labor movement.” While no actions are currently planned, area activists are urged to sign up for text updates as developments unfold: text PGJOBS to 86466.
photo: Metro Council delegates sign up for Safeway warehouse campaign updates at Monday's meeting; photo by Chris Garlock/Union City

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