Immigration concerns loom over possible grocery worker strike in LA

Thousands of Southern California grocery store workers are gearing up for a possible strike, but some L.A. workers have mixed feelings about joining the picket line following recent immigration sweeps.

United Food and Commercial Workers International Union 770 workers authorized a strike on Wednesday, paving the way for workers to walk off the job.

Angie Ayala, a Ralphs employee and bargaining unit member, said she’s urging workers to be unafraid but understands that the fear of ICE enforcement could affect their willingness to join a picket line.

“I feel like everybody's souls are heavy right now with what's going on in L.A., and now moving around the country. We have to show them that we’ll protect them,” said Ayala.

What are workers saying?

Immigration enforcement actions across Los Angeles have affected workers whose contracts expired in March, according to Ayala.

“Some of our employees don't want to go to work. They're afraid that ICE might raid their store,” she said. “It is something I don't think that hinders … it makes us want to stand up even more for those employees that are being harassed, that can't help but be scared to go to work.”

A majority of members, especially in L.A., are immigrants, according to union leaders.

Maricruz Ceceña, the union’s organizing director, said turnout at Thursday’s picket sign-making event was higher than expected.

“We're hopeful that trend will continue because of the increased concern our members have for themselves, for their community, for their safety,” Ceceña said.

What else is being done to help workers?

The union started holding informational sessions to make workers aware of their constitutional rights.

“Workers are coming together. They've always faced intimidation from companies, from anti-union forces, from the government,” Ceceña said. “This isn't new to our members. They faced similar situations during the pandemic, and history shows that when we're silent, it only enables abuse.”

Workers are not going to back down from defending their rights, Ceceña added, whether it's at the bargaining table or in the streets.

How are grocers responding?

A spokesperson for Albertsons, parent company of Pavilions and Vons said in a statement: “We respect the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining and remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, good for our customers, and allows our company to remain competitive.”

A Ralphs spokesperson said the company is “committed to good faith” bargaining that is fair for employees and keeps groceries affordable.

Union members are scheduled to meet grocers back at the bargaining table on June 25.