Around 7,000 workers from US retailer Raley’s took part in a number of strikes this weekend in a dispute over management’s “unlawful” implementation of takeaways and “unfair” labour practices.
The strikes, which took place yesterday (4 November) in northern and central California, are one of a number by grocery and department store workers in the state this year in protest against cuts being made to wages and health care.
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In communications with members, the UFCW 8-Golden State and UFCW Local 5 unions said Raley’s management had been “bargaining in bad faith” since contract negotiations began 15 months ago.
UFCW Presidents Jacques Loveall and Ron Lind said progress in the negotiations was stymied by Raley’s management team under the direction of an “outsider” with a history of “animosity” toward unions.
“This individual’s lack of good faith, his inconsistencies and his erratic approach have derailed the entire process,” they said. “By allowing this outsider, whose priority is ‘union avoidance,’ to direct its bargaining efforts, Raley’s has forced us to take this course.”
As a result, strikes went ahead across stores in northern and central California, with workers asking shoppers to take their business to Safeway, Save Mart, Rite Aid and other Union retailers.
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By GlobalDataThe strike coincides with Raley’s imposition of many of its “last, best and final” contract proposals, the unions said, without the input or approval of its employees.
“We look forward to returning to the bargaining table when Raley’s management has adopted a more constructive attitude,” the unions said. “Our goal from the beginning is to negotiate a fair agreement serving the needs of both Raley’s and its Union employees.”
Raley’s could not be contacted for comment at the time of going to press.
