Fresh Grocer Workers Ratify Strong Four-Year Union Contract

Forty members of UFCW Local 152 employed by The Fresh Grocer approved a four-year collective bargaining agreement across two Philadelphia-area locations last month, bringing immediate wage increases and expanded benefits to meat, seafood, and deli department workers.

Workers Receive Immediate Wage Increases and Retirement Contributions

The newly ratified contract delivers across-the-board wage increases right away for department workers, alongside specific market adjustment benefits for department managers and classified positions. These bumps lift starting rates across the stores. Workers also see higher contributions directed toward their Retirement Savings Plan accounts.

Expanded Paid Time Off and Bereavement Leave

Pennsylvania lacks a state-mandated paid sick leave policy. To bridge that gap, the new agreement grants members additional paid personal holidays. Time off for bereavement leave was also expanded under the four-year terms.

Employer Must Maintain Discussions on Workplace Health and Safety

Beyond pay and leave, the contract establishes new language requiring the employer to maintain ongoing discussions with union representatives regarding health and safety in the workplace. This provision aims to ensure workers remain fully prepared for emergencies on the job.

Leadership Reaction to the Ratification

UFCW Local 152 Recorder/Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders highlighted the stability the contract brings to store personnel. “Congratulations to members of Fresh Grocer on ratifying a strong new collective bargaining agreement that benefits everyone,” Sanders said. “The workers now have higher starting rates, annual wage increases, additional paid time off, and they maintain their good union benefits.”

Deli clerk Tylid Alexander cast a ballot in the recent election that brought the agreement into effect for the forty participating store members.