Raley's and its workers belonging to the United Food and Commercial Workers union have been negotiating for seven months. That includes five contract extensions. Now, Raleys says no more. The West Sacramento-based chain is preparing to present its "last, best and final offer." John Segale with Raleys says the chain must change its benefits package to compete with non-union stores:
Segale: "We don't expect our employees to vote for a strike because our employees don't want to go on strike. They realize that their future and our company's future depends on our ability to reduce our costs so we can compete more effectively."
A statement from the United Food and Commercial Workers union
Local 8 says its members will be scheduling meetings to consider
any offers and to vote on a strike. The statement calls
Raley's decision a "reckless game of chicken."