header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
April 24
1962 - SCV residents vote to connect to State Water Project, creating Castaic Lake Water Agency (now part of SCV Water) [story]
Castaic Lake


Ralphs would close, Vons would stay open and Albertsons isn't clear on status of SCV stores in event of strike.
| Monday, Sep 19, 2011

Talks continued into the late morning Monday as the Southland grocery union’s Sunday-night strike deadline came and went.

“Grocery workers will remain at the bargaining table as long as we feel progress is being made towards a fair, equitable agreement,” UFCW Local 770 told its members in a 10:45 a.m. statement Monday. “Our hope is to reach a conclusion to these talks that allows our members to preserve their jobs, keep our employers profitable, and show our appreciation to our customers for their continued support.

“We will not hesitate to stand up for ourselves if talks stall again,” the statement said.

It instructed workers not to walk off the job “until you have received official notice from your union representative.”

Local 770 is one of six Southern California locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers that notified the management of Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons on Thursday night of their intent to cancel a contract extension in 72 hours unless agreement is reached on health insurance coverage. They’ve been without a contract since March.

Meanwhile, Albertsons provided a printable job application on its Albertsons.com website, saying it was looking for “temporary replacement associates due to a potential labor dispute at our stores.”

The application must be filled out on paper and handed directly to a store manager, it said.

Supervalu, which owns Albertsons, has said it would close up to 100 of its 224 Southern California stores if its union workers strike.

The company’s website directs job applicants to 212 different stores, including all four Albertsons locations in the Santa Clarita Valley, so it is unclear whether  its SCV stores would be among the 100 that could close in the event of a strike.

Kroger said it would close all 250 of its Southland Ralphs stores if the union calls a strike. Safeway said it would be business as usual at its Vons stores, to the extent possible.

The six locals represent 62,000 workers. Of those, about 54,000 work at Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons. The other 8,000 work at supermarkets that are negotiating separate agreements.

UFCW Local 770 recommends its Stater Bros. store on Sierra Highway as an “alternative place to shop” if the strike is called.

But it’s the UFCW’s non-union competitors such as Trader Joe’s, Costco and Whole Foods that stand to be the biggest winners in the event of a strike. Albertsons, Ralphs and Vons held a combined 60 percent market share during the 141-day strike and lockout of 2003-2004; today the chains operate fewer store locations and control less than 25 of the market.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

No Comments

    Leave a Comment


    Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
    The California Department of Public Health is encouraging Californians to take part in National Prescription Drug Take Back Day on April 27.
    CDPH Urges Californians to Dispose of Unneeded Medications on Prescription Drug Take Back Day
    Elevating the art of relaxation and serenity, Princess Cruises is introducing the exclusive, next-level Sanctuary Collection aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess, as these newest ships prepare to debut with this select, all-inclusive oasis in October 2024.
    Princess Cruises Unveils Exclusive New Sanctuary Collection Aboard Sun Princess and Star Princess
    The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion, introduced by Supervisor Kathryn Barger and co-authored by Board Chair Lindsey P. Horvath, proclaiming May 2024 as Mental Health Awareness Month in Los Angeles County.
    L.A. County Supervisors Approve Spotlighting Mental Health Awareness during Month of May 2024
    The Grammy-award winning rock ‘n’ roll group Blues Traveler will take the stage of the Santa Clarita Performing Arts Center at 8 p.m. May 9. 
    May 9: Blues Traveler to Perform at PAC
    1962 - SCV residents vote to connect to State Water Project, creating Castaic Lake Water Agency (now part of SCV Water) [story]
    Castaic Lake
    Los Angeles County Fifth District Supervisor Kathryn Barger issued a statement in support of the Los Angeles County Chief Executive Officer’s presentation of a $45.4 billion budget for the forthcoming 2024-25 fiscal year.
    Kathryn Barger | Statement in Support of $45.4B County Budget
    In a celebration held Tuesday, April 23 at the Port of Barcelona, award-winning actress and performer Hannah Waddingham officially welcomed the newest and most innovative Princess Cruises ship, Sun Princess, serving as godmother during a star-studded naming ceremony.
    Hannah Waddingham Officially Christens Sun Princess
    Six comprehensive high schools in the William S. Hart Union High School District which includes Canyon, Golden Valley, Hart, Saugus, Valencia and West Ranch have been ranked among the top public high schools in the country by U.S. News & World Report.
    Hart District High Schools Recognized Best in Nation
    College of the Canyons will offer four summer sessions running from June 3 through Aug. 17, giving students a variety of options in both class format and scheduling designed to help them achieve their educational goals, from launching a new career to transferring to a four-year university.
    COC Offers Four Summer Sessions for Flexible Learning Options
    California State Sen. Scott Wilk, R-Santa Clarita, announced his measure to combat illegal dumping, by increasing penalties and closing a loophole which has enabled the problem for years, was approved in the Senate Public Safety Committee.
    Wilk’s Illegal Dumping Bill Approved by Committee
    Super Jazz at the Ranch, a daylong jazz festival hosted by West Ranch High School, is happening Saturday, May 18. Music will fill the air as performers from throughout the region showcase their talents.
    May 18: Super Jazz Festival at West Ranch High School
    California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo, D-Chatsworth, has presented The Healthy Homework Act (AB 2999) to the Assembly Education Committee.
    Schiavo Presents Healthy Homework Act to Prioritize Mental, Physical Health
    The city of Santa Clarita has notified the public that the playground at West Creek Park, 24247 Village Circle Drive, Valencia, CA 91354, is currently closed for repairs on the rubberized surface.
    West Creek Park Playground Closed for Repairs
    The Santa Clarita Valley Media Collaborative invites local creatives, media industry professionals, students, parents, teachers and others to celebrate the next generation of media makers participating in the inaugural NextGen MediaMakers Festival on Saturday, May 18 from 2-5 p.m. at the Canyon Country Community Center.
    May 18: NextGen MediaMakers Festival Invites Creatives, Students, Experts to Celebrate Media
    1986 - COC board votes to allow Argentine cliff swallows to nest forever on sides of buildings [story]
    swallows
    As Volunteer Appreciation Week approaches, the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to all its dedicated volunteers who tirelessly contribute to DACC's mission of advancing the well-being of animals and people in the County.
    DACC Pays Recognition to Volunteers
    The Canyon Country Farmers Market will be celebrating their two-year anniversary Wednesday, April 24.
    April 24: Canyon Country Farmer’s Market Celebrates Two-Year Anniversary
    The Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Auxiliary presented a $35,000 check Monday to the Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital Foundation for the foundation’s Patient Tower Capital Campaign.
    Henry Mayo Auxiliary Fulfills $600K Patient Tower Pledge
    The Acton/Agua Dulce Arts Council has announced a call for entries for "Creature Feature," a juried art exhibition, with a theme of any living creature.
    Entries Needed for ‘Creature Feature’ Art Show
    The Acton/Agua Dulce Arts Council has announced a call for entries for a juried exhibit open to all photographers, both professional and amateur.
    Acton/Agua Dulce Arts Council Announces Call for Photographers
    Recently I had the opportunity, along with spcaLA President Madeline Bernstein and Inland Valley Humane Society & SPCA President Nikole Bresciani, to meet with NBC 4 reporter Kathy Vara to discuss the current challenges facing animal sheltering organizations.
    Marcia Mayeda | Current Challenges in Animal Sheltering
    As city manager for 12 years now and a longtime resident of Santa Clarita, I am always proud to see how our community continues to grow.
    Ken Striplin | Visit Skyline Ranch Park – Santa Clarita’s Newest Amenity
    The city of Santa Clarita’s Film Office released the list of six productions currently filming in the Santa Clarita Valley for the week of Monday, April 22 - Sunday, April 28.
    Filming in Santa Clarita Includes Six Productions
    Henry Mayo Newhall Hospital is recognizing its valued volunteers during National Volunteer Week April 21-27.
    Henry Mayo Celebrating National Volunteer Week
    SCVNews.com