This thing will break soon -- the grocers are seeing far more public opposition than they expected and the workers are starting to suffer. Hard to go weeks with no pay when you only make a couple of K, at best, of take-home. Right now both sides are trying to avoid being the first to crack.
My personal take is that the union will accept some medical plan concessions, and that these will depend larely on the plans off-contract negotiated payments to PPO providers. I also think that they will accept some non-union big-box subsidiary concession if it is tied to a Wal-Mart (et al) marketplace penetration formula -- much as the airline unions accepted with respect to value airline subsidiaries. What would suprse the heck out of me is any concession related to two-tier or of reduced retirement plan benefits.
As much as folks talk about these grocery jobs being unskilled short-term labor positions, the grocers have continually marketed their jobs as "careers", and therefore they are hard-pressed to suddenly treat them as high-turnover spot jobs. This new attitude by the grocers is probably the main tearing-point in the whole contract offer.
See the LA Times Business section article today about the "career" grocery workers
Posted by Kevin Murphy at October 21, 2003 10:49 AM | TrackBackHow much do you really think a cashier (read person who scans) should make? I am all for maintaining the rights of workers but this job is neither technical, nor stressful, nor hazardous. It is one of the last "high" paying jobs you can get without college or special skill. These people have had it great for so many years. Why do people think that they should get paid good money just because they are alive? These people should be greatful that they are getting paid $17 to $25 an hour to scan groceries. Lets get real -they could be so easily replaced for less.
That being said - the strike is not about money it is about benefits - they are being asked to share the increase of the cost of healthcare coverage. The 50% we are talking about is only for retired workers who choose not to go to a participating doctor. The retiree will have to pay 50% in that case and there is a $5000 cap. Isin't it nice that they have such extensive health benefits after they are retired? They have been asked to pay more per week for their health coverage (from $5 to $15 per week). Most of these employees work part time. Isin't it great that they have health coverage in light of their part-time status? My company does not offer this. Most do not.
I think they should that they should be thankful of what a great deal they have had and move on before they lose any more money on strike. I feel sorry for them.
Its too bad that so many people think that the world owes them a living.
Scott,
Finally, a post from someone with a brain. I don't understand why people feel they are entitled to ANYTHING! I don't expect my employer to take care of me nor do I expect the government to do so either. The picketers have been out there for almost 2 months now. For the money they've lost for "their cause", do they have any idea how many years it could have paid for the insurance premiums. In reality they are fighting for their union reps. Ultimately this is coming down to breaking up the union. What in Gods name will the union reps do then? Where in the heck will they find 70,000 sheep to pay their way in life?
Posted by: Cindy Price at November 29, 2003 07:57 AMalthough it is public record, out of curiosity i went to local union sight and found out that the president of grocery union local=// made $6digets for 2001. a union rep. made no less than 80,000 in 2001. plus car leases. boy im glad im not union. those poor souls have not a clue!
Posted by: esther v. at January 27, 2004 03:35 PMIf the union president makes less than $100K, I'd be surprised. There are auto mechanics that make more. It's not exactly a huge salary. Per capita income in the USA is about $28K, which means that average family income is pushing 6 figures.
And what about the million-dollar bonuses that the Safeway management just took, in the middle of a strike where they are crying about how everyone has to cut back.
Posted by: Kevin Murphy at January 27, 2004 04:15 PM