"This is about fairness and respect for hard-working, frontline members who keep our communities fed and our stores running," said Jacques Loveall, president of UFCW 8-Golden State in a statement. "We’re calling on Safeway-Albertsons to do right by union members and agree to a contract that reflects their value and dedication."

The unions representing more than 20,000 Safeway employees throughout Northern California reached a tentative agreement with the company, averting a strike.

Before an agreement was reached, grocery workers across Northern and Central California prepared to strike starting on Saturday at 12:01 a.m. Union officials Saturday morning announced that the deadline for an agreement had been extended and delayed the proposed strike by 24 hours to Sunday at 12:01 a.m.