Politics & Government

Some Spring Valley Grocery Workers Happy Strike Was Averted

Because of the agreement reached earlier Monday, employees went to work as usual.

It was business as usual Monday at local grocery stores in Spring Valley and Mt. Helix, as mid-morning contract agreement was reached between the Big 3 grocery chains and union representatives, putting an end to the negotiations that began in February.

“Thanks to the unity of our members, we were successful in bargaining an agreement that grocery workers can be proud of,” the union negotiators said in a statement, noting that "protections" to health care benefits were made. “We have attained our most important goal, which was continuing to provide comprehensive health care to the members and their families."

The news came as a relief to some employees.

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

An employee said that she was thankful that she would not have to go on strike.

"It would have been tough for me to stand out there with a sign," she said. "I'm just glad it is all working out."

Find out what's happening in La Mesa-Mount Helixwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

An employee at on Avocado Boulevard, who has been with the company for about two years, said that it was about time an agreement was reached.

"It's pretty ridiculous that it lasted this long," the employee said. "Our contract was up in May, so why did [the unions] have to keep everyone on pins and needles. My mother has been with the company since 1998. She's been a nervous wreck, and was so frustrated that she was even planning on crossing the picket lines if there was a strike."

Two other workers told Mount Helix Patch that they were planning on crossing the picket lines, as a solidarity move.

"I haven't bought in to the benefits myself, but there are a lot of single mothers who work here, and I would have gone on strike to support them," one worker said.

Specific terms of the contract were not released, pending the approval of the workers, which will take place later this week, according to one employee.

Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons grocery store workers in Southern California went on strike for 141 days in 2003-04 after contract negotiations stalled primarly over health care issues—causing an estimated $2 billion in losses.

The majority of readers of Patch sites in San Diego County were not surprised by the settlement. In , 57 percent predicted no strike would occur. Of 217 responses at 12:50 p.m., 124 said workers wouldn't strike, while 73 (33 percent) said a strike would last more than a month.  Only 8 percent foresaw a strike of a week or a day in the unscientific poll.

Hoa Quach contributed to this report.


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