Southern California Grocery Workers Union sets a strike authorization vote

(San Diego) — The union representing thousands of grocery store workers in Southern California has authorized a strike vote starting March 21st. Contract negotiations between the union and the owners of Ralphs, Vons and Albertsons have stalled. The United Food and Commercial Workers Union says the offer from the supermarket companies would ultimately be a pay cut due to inflation. Ralphs issued a statement saying they have made several wage proposals but the union continues to propose very costly items which impacts their ability to meet customer needs and remain competitive. In late 2003 and early 2004, a grocery workers strike in Southern California lasted 141 days.