It’s been months since the contract between grocery workers and grocery store owners expired, but there’s still no deal on the table. Yesterday the union signaled it’s ready for a walkout. According to United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 president, Rick Icaza, the major sticking point in the negotiations is the amount employees must contribute to their health care coverage. The grocery chains say the plan they’ve put forth is fair and there’s no need to talk strike while negotiations are ongoing. Stores aren’t the only ones who want to avoid a strike. The last time workers walked out in 2003 they walked the picket line for 141 days and many were flat broke by the time they struck a deal. Talks are happening right now, is a deal imminent? Or will it be 2003 all over again? And who has more to lose? Will it be workers or stores that bear the brunt of a strike?
Guest:
Rick Icaza, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Union