Stater Bros. Refuses to Pay Fair Wages, While Spending Millions on Store Remodels
At our first bargaining session in two months, Stater Bros. tried to justify their refusal to invest in us by giving a math lesson we didn’t ask for. They claimed our entire proposal would cost $112.1 million. That number might sound big, until you remember that Stater Bros. is a billion-dollar company that brings in $4 billion in annual sales, according to their own website.
Let’s break that down:
$4 billion in sales ÷ 12,000 employees = $333,333 in revenue generated per worker.
Meanwhile, Stater Bros. claims each of us costs $74,000 a year.
The math is clear, we generate far more than we’re paid. And we’re worth what we’re asking for.
Adding insult to injury, the company is spending $4 million per store remodel yet refuses to invest in the very workers who keep those stores running. No remodel will matter if there aren’t enough staff to serve customers.
We returned to the table ready to reach a deal we could recommend. Instead, Stater Bros. continues to reject fair wage increases and critical contract language, including:
- Protecting legal immigrant workers and ensuring the law is followed if ICE enters our stores
- Safeguarding union work from being outsourced or subcontracted
- Creating safety committees to protect workers on the job
We’re not just bargaining for better pay, we’re bargaining for dignity, respect, and a voice at work. Right now, Stater Bros. continues to commit unfair labor practices, including worker intimidation, surveillance, and retaliation. We are overworked, undervalued, and disrespected, and it’s time the company stepped up.
CUSTOMER ENGAGEMENT ACTIONS THIS FRIDAY
Join us in turning up the pressure with Customer Actions this Friday, 11AM–1PM, at the following stores:
- Stater Bros #150 – 3770 Mission Ave, Oceanside
- Stater Bros #162 – 13589 Poway Rd, Poway
- Stater Bros #167 – 9909 Carmel Mountain Rd, San Diego
Let’s show Stater Bros. that our members, customers, and community stand together in demanding respect.
Questions? Contact your Bargaining Committee member or Union Rep.
In Solidarity,
Your Stater Bros. Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee
LET’S SHOW OUR WORK
Union proposal cost – $112.1 million ($9,341 per employee)
Current payroll cost for Bargaining Unit – $650 million
Current health and welfare cost for Bargaining Unit – $129 million
650 million + 129 million divided by 12,000 = $64,000 + 9341.66 = $74,000 per employee in Bargaining Union
$333,333 sales each year per employee