We Voted YES!
ULP Strike Authorization Overwhelmingly Passes!
Hundreds of UFCW Pharmacists at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California have overwhelmingly voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike. This vote sends a strong message: We’ve had enough of Ralphs’ and Albertsons’ unlawful union-busting tactics that undermine pharmacists and silence our voices.
Grocery pharmacists have been working for four months with an expired contract and Ralphs and Albertsons have refused to make us a fair offer. And while we’ve been at the table trying to reach a deal, they’ve been breaking the law, intimidating members by making unilateral changes without bargaining, unlawfully surveilling members who have been active in the contract campaign, and failing to provide information necessary for bargaining.
Their illegal activity is making it more difficult for us to negotiate a fair agreement. It’s time for Ralphs and Albertsons to stop violating their workers’ rights, acknowledge our collective power and come back to the negotiating table with fair contract offers that truly reflect the value of our essential healthcare services and the company’s financial success.
A ULP Strike Authorization DOES NOT MEAN WE ARE ON STRIKE. All contract provisions/protections remain in place while we are negotiating, including your health insurance. You should continue to go to work according to your work schedule until an official representative of the union notifies you that a strike impacting your store has started. It’s very important to stay in touch with your steward and union rep who will be communicating information to members in the stores about actions and next steps in real time. IF YOU WALK OFF THE JOB BEFORE THE UNION DECLARES A STRIKE, YOU CAN BE DISCIPLINED AND/OR TERMINATED.
What’s next?
Our next bargaining sessions are set for August 6th and August 7th. We are asking all pharmacists who are able to come to bargaining to show the company that we are united and we’re not backing down.
Bargaining Session Info
Dates: Thursday, August 6 and/or Friday, August 7
Time: Anytime between 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Location: UFCW Local 324 • 8530 Stanton Avenue • Buena Park • CA • 90622-5004
Pharmacists also voted to hold a strike prep and picket sign-making meeting during the bargaining session.
Strike Prep Meeting Info
Date: Thursday, August 6
Time: 12 p.m.
Location: UFCW Local 324 • 8530 Stanton Avenue • Buena Park • CA • 90622-5004
RSVP to come to bargaining and/or the strike prep meeting here: https://forms.gle/PKBMM3g8kTAQJXW56
In the meantime, stay connected. Stay ready. This is our moment.
We are united, and we are ready to do whatever it takes to defend our rights.
If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, the ULP strike authorization, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative.
In solidarity,
Your UFCW Pharmacist Bargaining Committee
