Ralphs Announces Hiring of Replacement Workers

That was the headline of an email from the grocery workers. They are headed back to the bargaining table with the big chains on Monday, but Ralphs just announced a plan to hire replacement workers.

They also explicitly threatened their workers that if they strike they may lose their jobs or hours will be cut. Then, to top it off, they told their workers that they would be forced to pay hundreds of dollars just to keep their family's health care coverage in the event of a work stoppage.

Of course, it's no surprise that Ralphs would threaten their workers like this. After all, Ralphs is still on probation for their actions during the 2003 strike, and they were forced to pay $70 million in fines and restitution for lying to the federal government. What will stop them from doing the same again?

Man, this is not good. On top of all of this it seems like the sides are still pretty far apart on negotiations. They still are not offering a pay raise AND they want to cut wages for new grocery workers even further. Plus, they want to reduce their contributions to the worker's health care trust fund. That would put the fund at risk for bankruptcy and increase the amount workers are paying out of pocket for those employees and their families who seek care.

Support the grocery workers. Pledge not to shop at Ralphs, Vons, or Albertsons stores if they force a lockout or strike. And go check out Supermarket Swindle if you haven't already.