Safeway Workers’ Strike Is Averted

    A tentative agreement that averted a potential strike at Safeway stores, including those in Holbrook and Winslow, was reached last Thursday evening.
   The following morning, Safeway announced, “UFCW Local 99, Safeway, Inc. and Kroger Company (Fry’s and Smith’s) reached a tentative settlement on a new collective bargaining agreement late Thursday evening.
   “Local 99 will submit the tentative agreement to its Safeway, Fry’s and Smiths members with the union’s recommendation that it be approved. The union and the companies have agreed to extend the existing contract pending the outcome of the membership vote.
   “There will be no work stoppage and all stores will continue to operate as normal.
   “Details of the agreement are not being released until Local 99 has the opportunity to present the settlement to its members.”

Recent Wet Weather Not Enough To Lift Most Areas’ Drought Status

Although the area has recently been hit hard by several wet winter storms, the Arizona Drought Monitor Report cautions that additional spring precipitation is needed to maintain rangeland conditions...