Catherwood LibraryILR School

Conflict between Southern California supermarkets and traditional grocery stores and their respective employees’ representative unions is ongoing as members of various locals of the UFCW announce their intent to strike in early August should negotiations over new contracts for nearly 50,000 workers reach an impasse. As the cost of living in Southern California skyrockets, these employees’ wages have remained the same, prompting the UFCW to demand a living wage for workers on top of better health benefits and more flexibility and advanced notice in terms of scheduling. On the other end, supermarkets and grocery stores are facing unprecedented competition with supercenters, warehouse sellers, and others while union density is decreasing, leading to doubts about the efficacy of a strike in getting the union’s demands met. Both employer and union representatives have made clear their intent to bargain in good faith and hopefully avoid a strike.