SoCal Grocery Union Workers Call For Strike

Union workers for Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs voted by more than 90 percent on Friday and Saturday to reject the latest contract proposals, union officials announced late Saturday.

The rejection sets the stage for a possible strike at Southern California supermarket chains that are already feeling the heat from a host of rivals ready to pounce on shoppers dreading another prolonged walkout.

Results came after 62,000 union employees in Southern California had the opportunity Friday and Saturday to vote. Of those Southern California union members, roughly 19,800 work at 126 Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons stores in Orange County.

The main issue is the proposed healthcare plan from the grocery chains, where employees are being asked to "pay more for less'' benefits, union leaders have said.

To read the rest of the story, please go to: Orange County Register