Stater Bros. Talking Out of Both Sides of Their Mouth
Meanwhile, our contract has expired, and we deserve meaningful negotiations.
We met with Stater Bros. for the four hours they were available today. The company is looking to get rid of courtesy clerks and has already laid off two-thirds of them in its four test stores. Though they claim to be “still learning” what to do with the courtesy clerks, the writing is on the wall. During negotiations, as we sat across from the company, CEO Van Helden released a new video announcing a hiring freeze for courtesy clerks and a plan to eliminate the classification through high turnover. When we asked company President Greg McNiff about the video, he wasn’t even aware it existed!
CEO Van Helden claims in the video that everyone working at Stater Bros. will receive a $3 wage increase. However, Stater Bros.’ negotiators at the table have only proposed a $1 per year wage increase for food and GM clerks at the top rate of pay—nothing for meat cutters, nothing for workers moving toward the top rate, and nothing for courtesy clerks. Who should we believe?
It’s apparent that the company’s top priorities are rising inflation and costs to consumers. But we’re also consumers! We have to buy groceries too, and $3 doesn’t even make up for the inflation we’ve already experienced.
We meet with the company again on Friday, March 21, 2025, but for only half a day since they wouldn’t make themselves available for a full one, where we will continue to push for answers on these important issues. We will send a full update on this week’s bargaining sessions then.
In the meantime, union reps are distributing buttons—when you get one, wear it every day! This act of solidarity shows Stater Bros. that we’re united and standing together for the contract we deserve.
If you have any questions about bargaining or need assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out to your Union Representative or Bargaining Committee Member.
In Solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 135 Stater Bros
Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee
