Grocery contract negotiations hit pivotal stage

Whatever happens in the grocery workers’ contract talks, be it a strike or a settlement, Wednesday could be the day that determines which path is taken.

The unions representing 30,000 Puget Sound grocery workers call Wednesday one of the most pivotal days in these negotiations. There has been some movement on wages and benefits, but not enough.

Union rep Tom Geiger said unless they see significant changes when talks resume Wednesday, a strike could be coming soon.

“And not just move a nickel here and a nickel there,” Geiger said, “but really come with something that will be acceptable that doesn’t keep the stuff that we have told them for months now would be strike issues and keep putting those on the table. It’s just asking for a strike.”

Union members voted overwhelmingly last month to approve a strike if a new contract can’t be reached.

Shoppers will still have some time to prepare if the union votes to strike. They must give 72 hours notice to employers before walking out.

The unions and the stores have been preparing for a possible strike. The unions have strike schedules drawn up and strike captains ready to lead the charge. Stores are hiring replacement workers and making other preparations.

Grocery workers in Thurston and Mason Counties are also now in the mix. They voted Tuesday to authorize a strike as well. The tally was 99-percent in favor of a strike, should negotiations break down. There are about 1,000 grocery workers involved in those two counties.

The group “Stand With Our Checkers” created a map of alternative grocery stores (below) of “home grown local union employers” that won’t face strikes.