A proposed merger between Kroger-owned Ralphs and Albertsons, which owns Vons, has grocery workers and their union fighting to save jobs and bargaining power.
During a meeting Friday between the union UFCW and workers, John Marshall, the union’s Capital Strategies Director, said if the merger goes through, dealing with only one company instead of two will lessen the union’s leverage.
“We believe it would result in a dramatic decrease in bargaining power for hundreds of thousands of our members, and the ripple effects would be felt among grocery workers all across the country.”
Marshall says a lawsuit filed by the Washington State District Attorney to stop the merger is a step in the right direction.
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“This is a very strong case. The Washington AG makes it very clear – Kroeger and Albertson’s currently control over half the grocery sales in the state of Washington, and their merger would result in higher prices and reduced choices for consumers,” he said.