1,700 Workers Strengthen Wages, Benefits, Secure Lifetime Medical Coverage

STOCKTON, Calif., Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 1,700 Teamsters at the nation's largest Safeway warehouse in Stockton, Calif., represented by Teamsters Local 439, have ratified a new five-year contract by a 95 percent margin.

The workers won a combined $12 in wage and pension increases over the duration of the agreement and secured lifetime medical, health and welfare, and dental benefits for active employees and retirees. The new contract also covers four newly organized classifications at the warehouse, including traffic clerks, inventory control clerks, quality control clerks, and automation clerks.

"Going into negotiations, we knew we had to win an industry-leading contract," said Gilbert Avila, chief steward and bargaining committee member for Local 439. "Our warehouse is the largest in the country, and other employers are watching as the fight for strong Teamsters contracts at Safeway continues nationwide."

Members also secured protections from automation and language that ensures any jobs created through future technology will remain union jobs.

"Safeway Teamsters are family. Our unity and willingness to take action give us strength at the bargaining table," said Sal Lomeli, Secretary-Treasurer of Local 439. "Throughout negotiations, our members made their demands clear and stood firm to secure these gains."

The group was prepared to strike, and from day one, the bargaining committee told the company it would grant no extensions past the contract expiration date, ensuring timely, effective bargaining and a fair agreement to be reached.

"Congratulations to Local 439 members on winning the strongest Safeway agreement in the country," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "Our members know that the strength of the Teamsters Union makes record-setting contracts possible. We will stand united in the fight for stronger wages, benefits, and protections for warehouse workers nationwide."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Alexandra Banash, (510) 418-2612
alexandra@teamjc7.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/teamsters-at-nations-largest-safeway-warehouse-ratify-strong-contract-302933571.html

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters