Grocery Strike Deadline Passes, Negotiations Persist
Despite the passed grocery strike deadline, grocery workers remain at work while Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons representatives continue with contract negotiations.
"Progress is being made, but we do not yet have an agreement. Even though the 72-hour notice period has expired, nothing has changed. The terms of our most recent contract -- including wages and benefits -- remain in place, and our stores are open to serve customers as they usually are. We are still hopeful that a contract will be reached soon," a representative for Albertsons said in a statement Sunday night, according to L.A. Now.
Unionized grocery workers issued a 72-hour notice canceling a contract extension, which marks the final step before a strike. SoCalian grocery workers have been working sans contract since March 6. Contract cancellation is not a guarantee that the workers will strike, but once the contract is no longer in effect, a strike can be declared at any time.
Ralphs shoppers will be especially affected in the event of a strike, as "Ralphs will initially close all of our stores," said Kendra Doyel, spokeswoman for the chain. "During a strike, it is difficult to create a good shopping experience for our customers and a good working environment for our employees. We will evaluate the situation as it progresses," she said.
Albertsons will not close all of its doors but will shut down up to 100 locations should a strike ensue.
The issue at hand is health care. The union believes that the monthly price for health insurance is too high for workers, but stores feel the price is just right.
Of the eligible 62,000 unionized workers, more than 90% of them voted to reject the contract offers from management in August, overwhelmingly meeting the two-thirds vote requirement.
