California Grocery Workers Edge Closer To Possible Strike

[Omaha Steve]

http://www.laborradio.org/Channels/Story.aspx?ID=1459648

7/19/2011

Labor negotiations remain at a standstill since grocery companies and representatives for 62,000 Southern California workers began talks a few months ago. The workers have held rallies in Arcadia, Compton and other California locations to call attention to the stalled talks.

FSRN’s Leilani Albano has the story.

(***amby-grocery cart sounds)

Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs employees have so far rejected a new contract deal that requires them to pay more into their healthcare system. They are also facing cuts in pay and benefits.

All this is edging workers closer to a strike.

: “ I think it’s something we should do if we don’t get what we want.”

That was Chris Schulz, a Ralphs sales manager in Studio City.

The rising tensions are reminiscent of the 2003 grocery strikes.

Then, many Southern California customers sided with workers and stopped shopping at the three grocery stores as Vons workers went on a prolonged strike. At the same time, Ralphs and Albertsons workers got locked out of their jobs.

On the upside, Ralphs spokesperson Kendra Doyel says the companies agreed to pay 100 percent of the workers’ pensions.

On the downside, they remain deadlocked employee contributions to healthcare

: “ The area that we’re working on right now and that seems to be the most contentious is the healthcare portion of the contract.”

The Longshoremen and the Inland Boatmen's Union say they will support grocery employees in the event of a strike. Unions including the Teamsters say they will not cross the picket line at striking stores.

[slackmaster]

1. I pretty much quit shopping at those stores during the last big strike

In 2003 and haven't gone back.

I still use the pharmacy at a Vons and occasionally buy cat food and litter there, but most of my food comes from Trader Joe's and Costco.

[midnight]

2. Nice that the other unions will come in and support them...