Grocery workers locally and across the Southland began voting Monday on whether to authorize a strike as contract negotiations stall with the owners of Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons.
Some valley grocery store workers are in favor of walking out after the union said some employees have been threatened or intimidated.
“Give us the justice that we deserve, the rights that we deserve,” said Palm Desert Albertson’s employee Priscilla Garcia.
UFCW Local 1167 President Joe Duffle said the strike is over unfair labor practices.
“Threats and intimidation, offering people additional money at the time when we should be bargaining for that additional money – both of those are clear violations of section 7 and section 8 of the National Labor Relations Act,” Duffle said. “It’s unfortunate that employers feel like that they need to do that and pressure those employees.”
Contract negotiations stalled earlier this month between the grocery workers union and Southern California supermarkets. Employees right now continue to work on the terms of their previous, expired contract.
