Cameron Harrison at People’s World reports from Buena Park, California that more than 700 Union-Represented Grocery Workers rallied outside an Albertsons store here in late February, demanding a new contract as the previous agreement was set to expire in early March. According to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 324, big grocery companies like Kroger and Albertson’s have yet to present serious proposals on wages, health care and staffing levels. “We know how important we, the Workers, are to these companies. We keep their shelves stocked, their food fresh, their customers happy and their profits high. We deserve a contract that respects our contributions,” the Union said. One bright spot in negotiations, the UFCW reported, is a tentative agreement to prevent Subcontracted Workers from crossing picket lines in the event of a Strike. This comes after King Soopers, a Kroger subsidiary, used scab labor twice against UFCW Local 7 Members in Colorado during a recent two-week Unfair Labor Practice Strike. Those Colorado Workers just secured the right to return to work with health coverage intact and a 100-day extension to align with other Grocery Workers across the Western U.S. whose contracts are also expiring. The bargaining process in Southern California mirrors the contentious negotiations in Colorado. “It’s clear from Kroger’s and Albertsons’ actions that they won’t offer serious proposals until we show how united and strong we are at every action, event and meeting,” the UFCW said.

To Read This Labor News Story In Its Entirety, Go To: Southern California grocery workers build on Colorado strike – People's World

Artwork Courtesy Of UFCW Local 324’s Facebook Page.