Over the past week, you and your fellow Ralphs, Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions members have made your voice heard by overwhelmingly voting to authorize your bargaining committee, made up of your union and fellow co-workers, to call for a strike. Should your employers continue committing unfair labor practices (ULP’s) like conducting unlawful surveillance of workers protesting or refusing to implement wage increases as required by your contract, to name a few, then we must take action.
You and your coworkers have shown incredible strength during negotiations, and your vote sends a strong message to these companies that you have earned and deserve better.
Your customers and communities know how essential you are and it’s time for your employers to recognize that too.
What does this mean?
This vote prepares all of us to take action if the companies continue to commit unfair labor practices that undermine your ability to get the wages and benefits you need.
A strike is always a last resort, and we will continue to push for the companies to do the right thing and come to the table prepared to bargain in good faith.
A representative from your union will notify workers if a decision is made to strike.
AGAIN: DO NOT WALK OUT UNTIL YOUR UNION NOTIFIES YOU. If you walk out before that, you can be disciplined and/or fired by your employer.
You will always be the first to know if we are taking action. There will be opportunities to attend member meetings, calls, or trainings, where you can ask questions and feel confident about standing up for your rights and standing together.
If the companies force us to take action, we will have strike benefit funds available to support our members.
Next Steps
We are set to meet with Ralphs and Albertsons/Vons/Pavilions again on March 30th and will keep you updated as bargaining progresses. We look forward to reaching a fair agreement within a reasonable time.
On March 30 from 1pm until 5pm, UFCW Local 135 will host a PICKET SIGN MAKING EVENT at our Mission Valley Union Hall. This event will be open to the media to talk with members and shoot video of signs being made.
You deserve to be treated with respect, to have the wages you need to live in the communities you serve, and to receive the benefits and protections you are entitled to without unlawful intimidation or surveillance. You deserve a fair contract, now.
On March 30 from 1pm until 5pm, UFCW Local 135 will host a PICKET SIGN MAKING EVENT for our members at our Mission Valley Union Hall located at 2001 Camino Del Rio South.
This event will be open to the media to talk with members and shoot video of picket signs being made. Help is needed to make thousands of signs, please consider attending. The UFCW Local 135 Retirees Club will grill burgers and dogs for all helpers.
