Approximately 12,000 Stater Bros. workers in Southern California have initiated a strike, accusing the company of unfair labor practices during ongoing contract negotiations. The workers, represented by UFCW Local 324, have called for a boycott of the stores on August 7 from 11 am to 1 pm and threatened to escalate actions if their demands are not met.
The union claims Stater Bros. management has engaged in illegal surveillance and intimidation tactics against union members. A federal mediator was brought in for the first time on August 1. Still, the negotiations failed to make progress, prompting the workers to rally in Long Beach to protest the company’s actions.
The contract with Stater Bros. expired on March 2, and workers are advocating for higher wages, affordable healthcare benefits, a secure pension, and increased staffing levels. Employees have expressed frustration with the company’s pay structure, noting that while some workers earn $28 per hour, others receive as little as $17.50 per hour…