Union Grocery Workers Vote YES to Authorize ULP Strike
UFCW Local 135 members send powerful message to Albertsons, Ralphs, and Vons/Pavilions
San Diego, CA — UFCW Local 135 is proud to announce that over 90% of voting members have authorized a strike in response to unfair labor practices committed during bargaining by Kroger and Albertsons, the parent companies of Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions. The vote, held electronically from June 8 to June 11, saw participation from thousands of grocery workers across 87 stores in San Diego County.
The vote comes after months of frustration at the bargaining table and a pattern of employer behavior that includes unlawful surveillance, intimidation, and retaliation against union members engaged in protected activity. Workers voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike if necessary, showing a united front in the fight for a fair contract.
“This strike authorization is not just a vote, it’s a mandate,” said UFCW Local 135 President Todd Walters. “Our members are sending a loud and clear message to Kroger and Albertsons: We will not tolerate intimidation or disrespect. Our strength is in our unity, and we are prepared to do whatever it takes to fight against their unfair labor practices and win the contract our members deserve.”
The Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee has met with company negotiators 18 times since February, only to be met with delays and proposals that fail to address serious issues such as staffing, fair wages, and equitable treatment.
“I’ve sat across the table from the companies in every bargaining session,” said Cammy Fulton, a longtime Ralphs employee and member of the bargaining committee. “They haven’t taken us seriously. This vote proves that we’re serious, and we’re ready to act if we must.”
The vote follows similar strike authorization efforts by other UFCW locals across Southern California, representing more than 45,000 grocery workers under the Grocery Workers Rising campaign. The final scheduled bargaining dates are set for June 25-27.
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UFCW Local 135 is San Diego's largest private sector union, representing more than 11,000 members in grocery, retail, healthcare, food processing, and cannabis. UFCW Local 135 is part of the 1.3 million-member strong UFCW International Union.