Will grocery workers strike at Ralphs and Pavilions?
Stu News Laguna March 29, 2022
After weeks of stalled negotiations, thousands of Southern California grocery workers employed by Ralphs and Pavilions have voted to authorize a strike. This doesn't mean clerks at two of Laguna's grocery stores definitely will hit the picket lines, but it is possible.
A strike will force people of good conscience to ask themselves, "Am I willing to cross a picket line, yes or no?" In an effort to avoid that scenario, I suggest the grocery workers mount a major "sick out" instead. The impact will be the same. Either management will adjust its bargaining position or face staggering losses. Let's hope it's the former.
Denny Freidenrich, Laguna Beach
Admittedly, I'm no labor law expert, but...I believe if they are unionized, they can strike without - or with much less - fear of being fired, although they would lose some pay. If they "sickout," they could be punished for 'lost time' (i.e., 'too many sick days') and would use up paid sick days, if they have that benefit. People who care about the working class - read "middle class" - should be willing to honor a picket line. There must be markets other than the two mentioned in the area. But then, it's Orange County, so there may not be many who are willing to inconvenience themselves for the sake of grocery workers.