US food and drug retailer Albertsons Companies, the holding company for Safeway and Vons supermarkets, has reached a tentative agreement with UFCW 8-Golden State, in collaboration with UFCW Locals 5 and 648.

The proposed contract aims to enhance economic stability, health benefits and pension provisions for 25,000 employees of Albertsons, Safeway and Vons.

It encompasses significant wage raises, a strengthened and secure retirement plan, adequately funded health care benefits and robust job protection clauses to foster a safer and more respectful workplace.

UFCW 8-Golden State president Jacques Loveall stated: “This agreement is the result of our members standing strong together. Because of their unity and determination, this new agreement will bring them the respect and dignity they deserve.

“These workers are more than the backbone of these companies — they are part of the fabric of our communities, and their efforts drive our shared success.”

The tentative deal is the result of five months of negotiations, which escalated to continuous talks in the final stretch and included a looming strike threat by grocery workers from the Grapevine region to the Oregon border.

Failure to reach a deal would have led to the first strike against Albertsons and its subsidiaries Safeway and Vons in northern and central California in three decades.

The unions stated: “We’re deeply grateful to the customers we serve for their unwavering support. Your encouragement gave our members strength, resolve and the confidence to stand united. We were never alone, thanks to you.”

UFCW 8-Golden State members employed at Albertsons and Vons stores in Kern, Inyo and Mono counties are also covered by a new provisional agreement.