The union representing workers at three Southland grocery chains issued 72-hour notice Thursday to cancel its contract, removing the final hurdle for a strike. It remains to be seen whether a strike will actually be called, but a work stoppage could now occur as early as Sunday night. The contract negotiations impact 62,000 employees at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons. They’ve been ongoing for eight months and workers say they’re fed up with inaction. Rising health care expenses are at the heart of the battle. According to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, the chains refuse to pay a larger share of workers’ spiraling health care costs. The chains say they’re disappointed the union has taken this step because doing so only alarms employees and customers. They say they remain committed to reaching an agreement and hope to continue negotiating. Eight years ago, there was a four-month strike that cost the three chains about $2-billion dollars. Is another strike imminent? Are grocery workers being shortchanged by stores’ refusal to pay more for medical fees? Or in a bad economy is this the most the groceries can afford? Can the two sides reach an agreement and avert another costly lockout?
Guests:
Brian Watt, KPCC Reporter at the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 770 Hall in Korea Town
Rick Icaza, President, United Food and Commercial Workers Union
Christie Ly, Spokesperson, Albertson’s