Kicking off a month of activism throughout southern California, the labor union UFCW Local 770, staged a rally on Wednesday in front of Ralphs on West Carrillo Street. Dozens of grocery store employees from Ralphs, Vons, and Albertsons hoisted picket signs above their heads and gathered in the courtyard in front of the downtown supermarket.
“What we want is a contract that helps makes ends meet,” said Rigo Valdez, spokesperson for UCFW Local 770, which represents workers from San Luis Obispo to San Diego. “Because Santa Barbara — and all of southern California — is a very expensive place to live.”
Valdez said the lowest-paid employee makes $10.20 an hour, and some part-time employees are only guaranteed 24 hours a week. “That is certainly not enough to live off of,” he said. Negotiations with management are currently underway, Valdez said, and will go through the week.