PHOENIX -- Call it an early Christmas present for thousands of grocery workers at Frys and Safeway stores across the state.

"I wanted to cry," said Fry's cashier Susan Leimbach. "It was like a whole ton of bricks lifted off your shoulders."

Employees got the news Friday that there would be no strike. Their union had reached a last minute deal with Frys and Safeway late Thursday night, settling differences on pay and healthcare.

Susan Powell has worked at Frys for 12 years and said a strike would have been financially devastating for her family.

"It would have been pretty hard because my insurance covers everyone in my family," said Powell. "My middle child has a disability and needs to be on medication, so not to have insurance, it would have been rough."

Produce clerk Joe Carniglia went to bed Thursday night wondering how he'd get by if there was a strike.

Now he can focus on his job.

"The only time a strike is good is in bowling," said Carniglia. "I'm just really relieved."

Also relieved were Frys and Safeway customers.

George Verdugo was like many shoppers, debating whether they'd cross the picket line at their favorite store.

"It will make it a little more pleasant knowing there aren't any picket lines that customers have to deal with," said Verdugo.