Unionized grocery workers demonstrated outside stores throughout San Diego Tuesday and threatened to strike if they aren't offered what they consider a living wage.
The employees of Ralphs, Albertsons and Vons — who are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union — said most grocery store employees are making around $15 to $16 per hour. This, they said, is not a living wage in San Diego and the raises offered by the companies amount to "nickles and dimes."
"We’re going to make them hear us," said Jose Llamas who works at Vons. "Otherwise we’re going on strike. I mean I’m ready — I’m pretty upset just for nickels and dimes that's disgusting."
In a statement, Ralphs says it is committed to higher wages for its employees, but right now it and the union are “far apart on wages." Vons and Albertsons say they are committed to providing employees with a competitive pay and benefits.
The unions and the grocery stores will head back to the bargaining table next week. If a deal cannot be agreed on, the workers could go on strike, with Ralph stores being first.
