More than 800 union pharmacists at supermarkets in Southern California have authorized an unfair labor practice strike, labor officials said Friday.
Several union locals with the United Food and Commercial Workers that stretch from San Diego to Bakersfield voted to authorize the strike following four months of bargaining after a four-year contract expired on March 1, 2026.
UFCW spokesman said a strike date has not been announced against the grocery chains. The parties are next scheduled to return to the bargaining table on Aug. 6-7.
The labor charges have been filed against Kroger Co.’s Ralphs, the chain’s largest supermarket unit, Albertsons Cos., which owns Vons and Pavilions.
The union alleges in its unfair labor practice complaint that the grocery chains have failed to present a “fair contract,” engaged in conduct that interfered with the bargaining process, including making changes in the contract without bargaining, surveilling members in the bargaining process, and failed to provide information necessary for bargaining.
“Today’s vote sends a clear message to Ralphs and Albertsons: We have had enough of their unlawful union-busting tactics that undermine pharmacists and silence our voices,” the union said in a statement.
The UFCW says the pharmacists want wages that keep up with inflation, and betting staffing to prevent “fatigue, distraction and unsafe conditions.” The union also is seeking an additional $9.95 in higher wages over the next two years while the supermarket chains are offering a $5 increase over three years.
Spokespersons with Cincinnati-based Kroger and Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons were not immediately available for comment.