Local 881 UFCW Members Reject Proposed Jewel Contract Offer

Members of Local 881 UFCW voted to reject a proposed three-year contract with Jewel Food Stores. The contract covers more than 18,000 workers throughout 181 grocery stores in Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana.

Mailed-in ballots were counted at the Local 881 office in Des Plaines on August 30, 2022. Several rank-and file Jewel members counted the ballots with other Jewel members present to observe the process.

A majority of the voting members voted to reject the proposed contract offer. Members also voted to authorize a strike if a new agreement cannot be reached through continued negotiations.

Local 881 President Steve Powell said after the vote count, “Local 881 and the Negotiating Committee will return to the table, and this time with authorization to call a strike, if necessary, in the event Jewel does not make a better contract offer.”

We currently have a signed extension agreement, which keeps in force current contract provisions. Either party can revoke the extension with 30 days’ notice. The Negotiating Committee is preparing to resume negotiations with the Company as early as next week.

Local 881 is fighting for the hardworking members of our Union. It is imperative that we stick together and stand united through this process. Should you have any questions please contact your Union Representative.