We Voted YES! ULP Strike Authorization Overwhelmingly Passes!
We’ve had enough of Stater Bros’ union-busting tactics and illegal actions that undermine workers
We have spoken loud and clear.
This week, 12,000 Stater Bros. workers across Southern California came together and overwhelmingly voted YES to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike against Stater Bros for breaking the law by surveilling, interrogating, and discriminating against union members.
This vote sends a strong message to Stater Bros: We’ve had enough of their union-busting tactics that undermine workers and silence our voices. And if they thought Stater Bros members could be scared away from standing up for our rights, they found out tonight that they are very, very wrong.
What does this mean?
This vote prepares all of us to take action if Stater Bros continues to commit unfair labor practices that undermine our rights. It does not mean we are on an Unfair Labor Practice strike right now. If you walk off the job before the union declares a strike, you can be disciplined and/or fired. Remember, you will always be the first to know when we take action.
What’s next?
An Unfair Labor Practice strike is always a last resort, and we will continue to push Stater Bros to do the right thing. We’re scheduled to go back to the bargaining table on July 30–31, where we are demanding that the company stop breaking the law, and negotiate a contract that respects the work we do. We are fed up with being overworked, disrespected, and undervalued.
Meanwhile, stay connected. Stay ready. This is our moment. We are united, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to defend our rights.
Before any possible ULP strike is called, UFCW Local 135 will hold Customer Engagement Actions in front of stores beginning Friday, August 1 and the week of August 4-8. We are NOT on strike during this time. These actions are to share with the community that we may go on strike and would like their support if we do so.
The August 1 actions are from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Stater Bros #150 (3770 Mission Ave, Oceanside), Stater Bros #162 (13589 Poway Rd, Poway), and Stater Bros #167 (9909 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego). Customer actions the week of August 4-8 will be announced the day before each one takes place to keep the company guessing. Text notifications will be sent out. Please consider attending if you are off the clock (lunchtime and break time is ok).
If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table or the ULP strike authorization, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Union Representative, or call UFCW Local 135 at 619.298.7772 ext 9.
In solidarity,
Your Stater Bros Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee