California grocery store strike avoided as tens of thousands ratify new contract

Tens of thousands of California grocery store workers have approved a new contract with major supermarket chains, avoiding a potential strike.

Union members in the central and southern areas of the state ratified a tentative deal that was reached last week. It grants some 47,000 employees higher wages, stronger health benefits, increased guaranteed hours for part-time workers, improved store safety and a secured pension, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union said in a statement.

Most workers will receive pay hikes of $4.25 per hour over three years, the union said, with higher raises for some employees.