The following is a statement from Teamsters Joint Council 42 President Chris Griswold regarding the ongoing contract negotiations between the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) and Stater Bros., Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs:

“Teamsters Joint Council 42 stands united with our brothers and sisters of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, including the seven Southern California locals who have been in contract negotiations with Stater Bros., Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs for more than four months. These essential workers are the backbone of our communities. They stock our shelves, serve our families and ensure that people across Southern California have access to the food they need.

“Their fight is our fight. We stand with them now in their struggle for a fair contract. As our own Teamster grocery drivers and warehouse workers prepare for contract negotiations, we know that grocery corporations would rather see us divided. But we are united, and we know that workers are strongest when we stand together in solidarity.

“While these workers supply our communities with food, billionaires continue to exploit them instead of valuing their labor. These grocery companies have made massive profits off the backs of working people. UFCW members are not asking for anything unreasonable. They are demanding what all workers should have: respect, fair wages, strong health care and safe staffing. We are proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with them as they continue their fight for a fair contract.”