REGION — Pharmacists at several major Southern California supermarket chains have voted to authorize a strike “should one become necessary,” union officials announced today.
“Hundreds of United Food and Commercial Workers pharmacists represented by UFCW local unions across Southern California overwhelmingly authorized their bargaining committee to call for an Unfair Labor Practice strike … in response to Ralphs’ and Albertsons’ alleged unlawful conduct during contract negotiations,” the union said in a statement Friday.
The authorization does not mean a strike is imminent. Union officials said both sides are scheduled to return to the bargaining table Aug. 6-7.
The UFCW said contract negotiations have been ongoing for four months under an expired agreement.
The union represents nearly 800 pharmacists working at Ralphs, Vons, Albertsons and Pavilions stores throughout California.
Representatives for Kroger, the parent company of Ralphs, and Albertsons Cos., which owns Vons and Pavilions, did not immediately respond to requests for comment Friday.
