Safeway janitors agree to tentative labor deal

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.mercurynews.com/news/ci_14441345

The Associated Press
Posted: 02/20/2010 05:43:30 PM PST
Updated: 02/20/2010 05:43:32 PM PST

PLEASANTON, Calif.—Janitors who clean up Safeway stores in Northern California won't be walking off the job after ratifying a new labor deal.

Officials say the union representing 450 janitors working for Safeway cleaning contractors reached a tentative agreement Friday night. A strike vote had been planned for Saturday.

A spokeswoman for the Service Employees Union says the new labor deal offers better wages and maintains or strengthens health, retirement, and other benefits.

The agreement comes after both sides had been negotiating since September.