Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local union, which represents about 6,000 Food4less workers, will hold a strike vote this week after their previous contract expired without a new agreement in place.
The union demands include higher wages and safety improvements for workers represented by UFCW Locals 8GS, 324, 770, 1167, 1428 and 1442.
“When we began contract negotiations with Food4Less/Foods Co., we made it clear that it was important to reach a preliminary agreement before the contract expires, and we came to the table prepared to put in the time and work to make that happen “But instead of working with us on a fair contract, our employer prefers to play games with our livelihoods and make proposals that grossly underestimate our value and their wealth.”
The contract expired last Saturday.
The union claims the company is trying to forcefully convince employees to accept an offer that is lower than what parent company Kroger is offering to other grocery store workers in the area.
“Everyone deserves a wage that reflects their work and no one deserves to be bullied at work,” the union statement said. “By violating our rights, Food4less and Kroger are making it more difficult to serve our customers and keep our stores well-maintained, which is why we are forced to take a strike vote.”
There are 15 Food4less locations in the Los Angeles area.
In May, UFCW Locals filed an unfair labor practice charge against Food4Less/Foods Co., claiming they undermined negotiations and workers’ right to representation. Union officials also said the company has engaged in unlawful surveillance of workers in the past, banning them from participating in union activities and preventing them from speaking to union representatives.
Late Saturday, Food4less shared a statement with KCAL News, which read in part:
“From the beginning, our focus has been on reaching an agreement that benefits our hardworking and dedicated employees. We are deeply disappointed that UFCW Southern California has chosen to leave the bargaining table before the contract expires, rather than working together to prioritize the needs of their members – our valued employees. Our goal remains to put more money in the pockets of our employees, maintain industry-leading healthcare and provide retirement benefits for their future.”
