Grocery Union Approves Strike Authorization

Southland grocery workers are one step closer to going on strike.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 union on Wednesday voted to approve a strike.

That affects Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons grocery stores.

The vote gives union contract negotiators the option to call a strike if necessary.

The bargaining process has been going on since the start of the year.

But talks are stalled and now Coachella Valley workers could opt for a lockout and shoppers are getting ready for it.

UFCW Local 770 president Ricardo Icaza says despite receiving union proposals as early as January, Ralphs, Albertsons and Vons have yet to respond with a comprehensive proposal.

He says their only proposals have been significant takeaways in overtime, health care and retirement benefits for their workers.

“I support these people getting their rights,” said Susan Miller, a Ralphs shopper.

“I suppose I would want them to do well and make enough money,” said Polly Flask, a Ralphs shopper. “They work hard.”

News Channel 3 caught up with several shoppers in Indian Wells.

Most supported the clerks, meat cutters and pharmacy technicians who are on the brink of a lockout.

Others called for a truce.

“People shouldn’t be striking today,” said a shopper who prefered not to reveal her name. “We need to try to boost the economy if we can. We don’t need to be against everything.”

In a rare move, Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons released a joint statement which says, “asking for strike authorization is a common tactic in negotiations and does not necessarily mean a strike will be called. Getting side tracked by these tactics will only delay our ability to reach an agreement on a fair contract for our associates. The real work towards getting a fair contract will happen at the negotiating table and we hope that’s where the union leadership will focus it’s attention as we return to bargaining next week.”

News Channel 3 tried speaking with employees at all three chains but none were allowed to speak on-camera about the situation.

Albertsons customer Brandon Michel frequently shops at the location in Palm Desert.

His wife and kids are his life, and he says the union workers are not being selfish.

“Coming from a father,” he said, “they are (taking) care of their family.”

UFCW Local 770 represents more than 60,000 workers in seven different regions throughout Southern California.

Currently, its contract with the grocery chains has been extended on a day-to-day basis.

In 2003 through 2004, a grocery workers strike and lockout lasted 141 days.

Supermarkets lost an estimated $1.5 billion.

“I think everyone deserves good health care and good working conditions,” said Miller. “So, I support them even though it’ll be more inconvenient for me. I’ll go to Trader Joes. I support them 100 percent.”

If it comes to a lockout, the union still needs to give stores a 72-hour warning if they ask their members to strike.

The vote to approve the strike and lockout approved by at least a two thirds margin.