Terrific News

From the LA Times:

Teamsters to Stop Work at Grocery Distribution Centers November 24, 2003 - From Associated Press The Teamsters union said today it will stop delivering groceries to three Southern California grocery chains after striking grocery clerks moved to expand their picket lines to at least nine regional distribution centers. The move effectively shuts off supplies to Vons, Ralphs and Albertsons stores during the critical Thanksgiving shopping week. The measure was called a "silver bullet" by Jim Santangelo, president of the Teamsters Joint Council 42 in El Monte. "If this doesn't end it nothing will," Santangelo said of the labor dispute involving grocery clerks at area Vons, Albertsons and Ralphs stores that began on Oct. 11. Pickets had previously been set up at three distribution centers and Teamsters have refused to cross picket lines at individual stores, forcing management and non-striking workers to unload trucks. Grocery clerks called a strike Oct. 11 against Vons stores and were immediately locked out of their jobs at Alberstons and Ralphs locations as well. Clerks and the three supermarket chains resumed talks Saturday as a busload of supporters distributed coupons for free Thanksgiving turkeys to boost morale on the picket lines. A federal negotiator was overseeing the talks, but there were no indications of an agreement. Union and supermarket officials were barred from commenting about the negotiations.

This should do it. Expect the strike to end VERY soon. In the meantime, continue supporting all those fringe grocery stores, like Trader Joe's, Stater Bros., or any local ones that really try to provide a service that's good for the customers and the employees.