Another insulting wage proposal
We deserve more!
Today we met with Stater Bros. for our sixth day of bargaining where they spent the day rejecting several of our proposals on common sense workplace protections. Our proposals included protections for workers impacted by the use of new technology in the stores and advancing worker rights protections. The company also continued to question our proposal for Special Project Union Representative (SPUR) leave.
This morning, we gave Stater Bros. a counteroffer on their wage proposal, and we expressed that they need to come back to the table with an offer that includes everyone, not just the people at the top wage rate. At the end of the day, they responded with another insulting offer. While they finally added the meatcutters to the proposal, it’s still only $1 each year for those at the top rate of pay. Nothing for those who aren’t at the top rate of pay, nothing for department heads, nothing for those in the progressions and nothing for courtesy clerks.
It’s clear that Stater Bros. isn’t going to move on the issues we care about until they know we’re ready and willing to do what it takes to get the contract we deserve. Continue to wear your buttons!This act of solidarity shows Stater Bros. that we’re all united. When we stand together, we have more power at the table to negotiate for the contract we deserve.
We also know that our customers are standing with us in our contract fight. We’ll soon organize customer engagement actions, where we’ll give out informational flyers to customers, sharing with them your contract fight. We’ll let you know when and where. It’s time we show Stater Bros. that our customers are standing with us to improve our stores, working conditions, and neighborhoods!
We’re waiting for Stater Bros. to provide future bargaining dates. In the meantime, we will continue to escalate our campaign and provide more ways for you to get involved, including engaging with our customers in front of our stores. Stay involved and do not hesitate to reach out to your Union Representative or Bargaining Committee Member with any questions.
In Solidarity,
Your UFCW Local 135 Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee
