Workforce Blog:
Stay Up to Date on Recent Events

Blog

Your Competitive Wage and Benefits Package By the Numbers

Fred Meyer remains committed to supporting our associates through continued investment in competitive wages and comprehensive, sustainable benefits—all while keeping groceries affordable. We know negotiations can be stressful, but we are working to get you the wages and benefits you earn and deserve so you can thrive.

Bargaining Update

This week, the Company and Union bargaining committees exchanged updated counter proposals, which led to productive discussions.

  • In fact, the bargaining committees reached important tentative agreements on paid holidays, union dues, trust fund administrative fees, and premiums for pharmacy technicians who vaccinate.

Comprehensive Wage and Benefit Proposals

Wage investments

Our latest proposal would increase top-rate associates’ wages by 12.42% over the life of the three-year agreement.


Think about these numbers as you weigh our proposal—they tell an important story.

  • $25.32 per hour – average hourly rate for Fred Meyer associates under the expiring contracts. ~53% more than the Washington State minimum wage of $16.66 and 23% more than the Seattle minimum wage of $20.76.
  • $32.91 per hour – Current Fred Meyer average hourly rate + hourly wage spend on healthcare and pension for associates under the expiring contracts.
  • 25% – percentage Fred Meyer average hourly rate has grown since 2021.

Healthcare Investment

We have proposed increasing the employer’s healthcare contribution because we are committed to providing these benefits.

Pension Investment

While many companies have walked away from pensions, ours offers a fully funded pension, something most non-union competitors do not provide. We have reached tentative agreements on pension contributions and the reserve policy, ensuring your retirement is secure.

Dedicated to Good Faith Bargaining

We remain dedicated to good faith bargaining with UFCW Local 3000 and investing in industry-leading healthcare and retirement.  If you have any questions about the negotiations process, feel free to ask your store leader or email your questions to [email protected]. Look for negotiation updates online.

Comment/Question