Raley’s union, management at impasse
By Dale Kasler, Sacramento Bee
Raley’s declared an impasse in its labor negotiations Friday, ratcheting up tensions with its unionized workforce.
The move could push the West Sacramento supermarket chain to its first-ever strike. But employees will continue to work under terms of their current contract at least through June 6, when the contract expires.
By declaring an impasse, Raley’s could implement its “best and final” contract offer when the current pact runs out. The United Food and Commercial Workers could either go along with the offer or strike. It’s also possible that negotiations could resume.
The United Food and Commercial Workers union, though, said it was “baffled” by Raley’s announcement, saying additional negotiating sessions are already set.
“We are not at an impasse,” the union said in a prepared statement. “Unfortunately, this is just another example of the completely erratic behavior of the Raley’s bargaining committee. … Raley’s must stop posturing and focus on bargaining.”