Southern California grocery store workers are prepared to take action. On June 11th, local unions representing 45,000 employees at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions voted to authorize a strike. The decision follows allegations of unfair labor practices by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).

In a press release, the UFCW accused the grocery chains of violating labor laws through unlawful surveillance, intimidation of union members at union events, threats, and retaliation against union activity. The union’s statement strongly condemned these actions, characterizing them as “union-busting tactics” that undermine worker rights and impede negotiations.

This decisive vote sends a clear message to Kroger (which owns Ralphs) and Albertsons: the workers are united and prepared to fight for fair treatment and better working conditions. The strike authorization empowers union leadership to call a walkout at any time, highlighting the seriousness of the situation and the workers’ determination to address the alleged unfair labor practices.