As the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union gears up to negotiate their new contract for 2020, both workers and management have plenty of concerns about what the new terms will entail.

The UFCW is one of the largest labor unions in the United States, representing over 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential industries. With such a large membership, the union must balance the needs of workers across many different sectors and regions.

The most pressing issue that will likely be addressed in the 2020 contract negotiations is wages. As the cost of living continues to rise across the country, many UFCW members are struggling to make ends meet on their current pay. In addition, many workers are seeking to bridge the pay gap between full-time and part-time employees, as well as between different job classifications within the same workplace.

Another key issue that the union will likely address is healthcare benefits. Many UFCW members rely on these benefits to cover the cost of medical treatments for themselves and their families, but rising healthcare costs can make it difficult to keep up with these expenses. The union may look to negotiate lower premiums or higher employer contributions to help ease this burden.

Finally, the UFCW may also seek to address workplace safety concerns in their 2020 contract negotiations. Many UFCW members work in dangerous industries, such as meatpacking and manufacturing, and are at risk of injury or illness from workplace hazards. The union may seek to establish new safety protocols or require employers to provide additional protective equipment for workers.

As the negotiations begin for the 2020 UFCW contract, both workers and management will be watching closely to see what changes are made. With so many pressing issues on the table, it`s clear that these negotiations will have a significant impact on the lives of millions of workers across the country. As always, the key to a successful negotiation will be finding a balance between the needs of workers and the demands of employers.