Thousands of San Diego grocery store workers could be inching closer to a strike if they can’t negotiate better pay with their big chain employers.þGrocery workers say they deserve and need a pay increase to afford living here in Southern California, but local grocery stores like Ralph’s are apparently stalling on contract negotiations with the workers’ union.þThe last time we saw a strike from grocery store workers was more than 15 years ago. The union is threatening another one and has planned a Friday rally at a Ralph’s in Mission Valley to let the stores know they’re serious.þ“The unions are fed up. The members are fed up. We've had enough,” United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) President Todd Walters said.þþWalters says he's met 26 times with Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons to negotiate wage increases and affordable healthcare.þÿWhen we've given them legitimate proposals, they counter propose with nickels,” Walters said. ÿIt’s an insult. My members work hard. They work in coolers, freezers, they work with fryers.ÿþThe union’s last contract expired in March. Negotiations usually last for months, and while negotiations are usually months long, but as time goes on, the UFCW’s 46,000 Southern California workers get closer to striking.þþWalters says they don’t want a repeat of 2003 but says they will if they must.þÿWe're not getting rich. We're not trying to break the banks here. We're just trying to stay competitive in San Diego,ÿ Walters said.þNegotiations will pick back up again next week. If the union can’t reach an agreement, its next step is voting on whether a strike is on the table.þþRalph’s corporate office sent the following statement to NBC 7:þÿThe negotiations process can take time to reach reasonable solutions that are best for our associates, our communities and our company. Customers will find all of our stores in San Diego County and throughout Southern California accessible, fully stocked with fresh merchandise and staffed by our friendly associates. We will continue to meet with the unions Thursday, Aug. 22 through Sunday, Aug. 25 to work toward a fair and balanced agreement for everyone involved.ÿ
Source: nbcsandiego.com
