Union-endorsed job action imminent at Stater Bros. supermarkets throughout Southern California following union members' vote in favor of a strike
Stater Bros. Workers Vote to Authorize Unfair Labor Practice Strike
In a significant development, the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135, representing around 12,000 grocery store employees in Southern California, has authorized a strike against Stater Bros. Markets due to alleged unlawful actions by the company and demands for improved wages and working conditions[1][2][3].
Reasons for the Strike Authorization
The union accuses Stater Bros. of unfair labor practices, including unlawful surveillance and interrogation of union members, discrimination against union supporters, bypassing the union to negotiate directly with workers, and failure to provide requested information for bargaining[1][2][3][4]. Workers are seeking better pay and health benefits, more staffing to improve working conditions, and a pension plan.
The contract between the union and Stater Bros. expired on March 2, 2025, and negotiations have been ongoing but stalled, with unresolved issues, notably around inflation impacts and layoffs[1][2][3][4].
Impact
This is the first time in Stater Bros.’ 89-year history such a strike authorization has occurred, highlighting rising tensions between workers and management[2][4]. The union’s strike authorization sends a strong message against perceived union-busting tactics by the company. The threat of a strike puts pressure on Stater Bros. amid complex financial pressures like inflation and tariffs, which have led to layoffs earlier this year[2].
Current Negotiations Status (as of late July 2025)
Negotiations are set to resume on July 30-31, 2025, following the strike authorization vote on July 25. While an official strike has not started, the union has announced “Customer Engagement Actions” at stores to rally public support[1][2]. Stater Bros. has not publicly responded to union allegations or strike authorization as of the latest reports[1][4].
Background
Stater Bros. Markets employs approximately 18,000 workers in 167 locations. Starting from Friday, the union will hold "Customer Engagement Actions" in front of selected stores to rally support. It is important to note that the union has not been specified as a person of interest in this context.
The first time in the company's 89-year history, Stater Bros. Markets laid off a total of 63 clerks at four stores, which was attributed to inflation and tariffs. The intention of the layoffs was to take the cost reduction from those 63 jobs and hold the line on pricing, as explained by Chief Executive Pete Van Helden in a video on Feb. 17.
The labor contract between the union and Stater Bros. expired on March 2. The union has continuously expressed dissatisfaction with Stater Bros.' union-busting tactics, which they claim undermine workers and silence their voices. However, it's essential to note that the potential strike does not mean negotiations will immediately begin, as bargaining negotiations are scheduled for July 30 to 31.
[1] Los Angeles Times, "Stater Bros. workers authorize strike as contract talks stall," July 25, 2025. [2] NBC Southern California, "Stater Bros. workers vote to authorize strike over alleged union-busting tactics," July 25, 2025. [3] KTLA 5, "Stater Bros. workers vote to authorize strike over alleged unlawful actions by company," July 25, 2025. [4] The Press-Enterprise, "Stater Bros. workers vote to authorize strike over alleged unlawful actions by company," July 25, 2025.
- The strike authorization by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135, covering 12,000 grocery store employees in Southern California, including those in Los Angeles, is a response to Stater Bros. Markets' business practices in California, such as allegations of unfair labor practices, bypassing the union, and failure to provide requested information.
- The union's demands for Stater Bros. include better pay, improved health benefits, increased staffing to enhance working conditions, and a pension plan, amid concerns about inflation and layoffs affecting the finance and economy of both workers and the company.
- As Stater Bros. Markets, with 18,000 employees in 167 locations across California, faces complex financial pressures and the threat of a potential strike, it's essential to resolve ongoing disputes in the business and labor law arenas to ensure a fair outcome for all parties involved.
