Supermarket Strike is Looming

by strike network app Saturday, Sep. 17, 2011 at 3:17 AM

The UFCW announced that they cancelled their contract, and are giving 72 hours notice that they may strike.

Matt Hart reported at around 7:00 that 72 hours notice has been given. This means that the strike could start in 72 hours. It does not mean that it *will* happen in 72 hours. But the odds have increased a lot.

72 hours from today is Sunday.

What this means for supporters is that we need to do as much as we can to try to make the strike short. This means going to their pickets to march in their lines. It means not buying anything from Vons Albertsons or Ralphs once the pickets go up.

I'm sure the grocery workers apologise for any inconvenience.

WHY SUPPORT?

Because the corporations are profitable, and want to push wages down because the economy is bad. Does this make sense? Profits are UP, not only at these three stores but in many businesses, but unemployment stays UP too. Workers need to organize to fight for fair wages and compensation. If we do not, the economy will move even more towards a society of "haves" and "have nots".

By fighting for good (read, more expensive) health care, these supermarket workers are pulling stock-owner profits into their paychecks. The money gets spent on medical services, supporting those jobs. They, in turn, spend their wages on food and other goods.

If these workers have their compensation cut... then it's more profits for the owners and stockholders. And these people are NOT spending their money to make jobs. They're hoarding their money.

For solidarity information see:

http://www.oclabor.org/

http://launionaflcio.org/

Sign up for all email lists.

And do not hesitate to create your own solidarity action for your local stores.

Do not wait until the pickets are up. Every show of strength now helps with negotiations, and prevents a strike or shortens a strike.

Original: Supermarket Strike is Looming