The supermarket chain is asking each employee to pay $15 per
month for medical insurance. The United Food and Commercial
Workers Unions 5 and 8 have voted to allow a strike over the
issue.
John Segale with Raley's says every non-union store has a
cost overhead advantage when it opens in one of Raley's
neighborhoods.
SEGALE: "Seven months, 50 sessions, the bringing in of a
federal mediator and six contract extensions, yet we've yet to see
their healthcare proposal."
Union officials did not return calls for comment. They
are resisting the proposal and urging employees to stay
united.
The company would save $6 million if the 7750 employees approve the increase. About 6500 non-union employees are already paying the extra amount each month.
Negotiators are scheduled to meet again on Friday.