On Wednesday, October 29, 2025, UFCW 99 President Jim McLaughlin hosted a live Telephone Town Hall to discuss ongoing union contract negotiations with Fry’s, Safeway, Smith’s, and Albertsons, as well as important updates on health benefits, supplemental coverage, and upcoming union events. For those who were unable to attend, below is the full recording of the call and an abbreviated summary.
UFCW Local 99 Telephone Town Hall Summary
Health & Welfare Fund: Open Enrollment and Biometric Deadlines
President McLaughlin began by reminding members that Open Enrollment for the Health and Welfare Fund began on October 15.
- Members who have worked for at least six months may now be eligible to enroll for the first time.
- Those planning to add a spouse or dependent should do so during this period.
- Partnership Plan participants or members who are planning to enroll in the Partnership Plan must submit biometric paperwork by November 30 to be in compliance.
- Members who do not intend to enroll or remain enrolled in the Partnership Plan are not required to complete the biometric screening.
If you have questions about eligibility or enrollment, contact your union representative or visit ssatpa.com for details.
New Supplemental Benefits from The Forza Insurance Group
President McLaughlin announced two new supplemental insurance benefits available to all UFCW Local 99 members through The Forza Insurance Group:
- A $2,000 life insurance policy provided by Lincoln Financial.
- A $5,000 accidental death and dismemberment policy through ManhattanLife.
Local 99 members are automatically enrolled in these benefits at no cost. Forza policy advisors are currently visiting stores to offer additional paid benefits. You do not have to opt into any paid benefits if you do not wish to do so, but that option is available to you.
These benefits replace those previously provided by American Income Life (AIL). Existing AIL policies will remain unaffected by this change.
If you have questions, please contact The Forza Insurance Group Hotline at (844) 808-8009 or reach out to your union rep.
Annual ZooLights Holiday Event
President McLaughlin invited members and their families to the UFCW Local 99 ZooLights Holiday Event at the Phoenix Zoo on Sunday, December 7.
Members and their families are invited to enjoy cookies, hot chocolate, a photo booth, face painting, and animal encounters at the Zoo’s Neeley Center. Tickets are only $15 each ($20 off the gate price) and can be purchased by calling the union office at (602) 254-0099.
Government Shutdown and SNAP/WIC Concerns
President McLaughlin also addressed the ongoing federal government shutdown, noting potential impacts on SNAP and WIC funding if the shutdown continues. He explained that over 70% of SNAP and WIC benefits are spent in traditional grocery stores, meaning that a disruption could cause ripple effects on store hours and work schedules for UFCW 99 members.
He assured members that UFCW International is in direct contact with lawmakers to push for reopening the government in order to protect workers from further economic fallout.
Upcoming Contract Negotiations
The centerpiece of the town hall focused on upcoming contract negotiations with Fry’s, Safeway, Smith’s, and Albertsons. President McLaughlin emphasized that the union’s strength at the bargaining table depends entirely on member unity.
“Every single day, management is taking the temperature of our unity,” McLaughlin said. “They’ll listen to what’s said in the stores and on social media. If we’re not standing together, they’ll know — and they’ll use it against us.”
Standing United: What It Looks Like
President McLaughlin outlined four key principles for standing united during negotiations:
- Keep communications tight. Thousands of members have already volunteered to share accurate updates. Work closely with your stewards and union reps when the union shares an important negotiations update to make sure information gets out quickly and accurately.
- Refuse to spread misinformation. Rumors and inaccurate information can spread quickly on social media. President McLaughlin reminded members to be vigilant and crosscheck any information about negotiations that they hear online with our union communications before sharing.
- Grow our membership. The more members in the union, the stronger the bargaining power. Encourage your non-union coworkers to join the union online at ufcw99.com/join.
- Hold the line under pressure. While outside groups may try to divide us, President McLaughlin urged everyone to stay focused and ignore any outside attempts to influence our negotiations outcome.
“No matter where you work, whether you were just hired today or you’re planning for retirement, we’re all in this together,” said President McLaughlin, “… and together, we’re going to get this done.”
- Update your contact information with the union. Please be sure to update your contact information with the union. You can do that by emailing memberupdate@ufcw99.com.
