S.D. Meatcutters OK Strike Authority : Mediators Report Progress in Talks; Supermarkets Gear for Possible Walkout

A meatcutters union in San Diego and Imperial counties has become the last Southern California local to sanction a strike against major supermarkets if a contract agreement is not reached by Nov. 4, a union spokeswoman said Friday.

Meanwhile, a federal mediator said Friday that management submitted its first comprehensive proposal to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and expressed optimism that the stalled talks will begin moving again. The two groups met briefly in Los Angeles at the Federal Mediation Service’s offices.

Although votes from the San Diego area local had not been tabulated, the spokeswoman, who requested anonymity, said that the sentiment at three membership meetings was “overwhelmingly” in favor of a strike. The meetings were held Thursday in San Diego and El Centro. The 1,500 members of UFCWU Local 229A represented the last of seven Southern California meatcutters unions to authorize a strike.

Federal mediator Frank Allen said the offer from the Food Employers Council included management’s first wage proposal for the 10,000 meatcutters and meat wrappers from San Diego to San Luis Obispo who have voted to strike. He declined to comment on the wage offer or the contents of management’s package. Currently, meatcutters earn about $13 a hour.

“Today, for the first time, the union received a complete proposal from management,” Allen said. “Previously, both sides had only talked about specific items that each side was interested in. The union received the lengthy document, and the officials said they needed time to study it before they can respond to the Food Employers Council offer.”

The two sides are scheduled to meet again Monday morning at a yet-undetermined site, Allen said.

“They haven’t reached agreement on anything yet,” he said. “But as long as they’re meeting and now that the council has submitted its package, I’m encouraged that we can avert a strike.”

Management spokesman Bob Voight said both sides are still far apart on the issues, adding that the union has “basically given the employers a no contract, no work ultimatum.” Voight said the 10 chain supermarkets negotiating through the employers council are gearing up for a strike.

The markets have been advertising in newspapers and in the stores for temporary help in the event of a strike. Should the meatcutters walk out, Voight said, supervisors and temporary help will be used to cut and wrap meat.

According to Voight, a meatcutters strike would have only minimal effect on a store’s overall operation. A contract negotiated with the retail clerks in 1984 contains a union principles clause, he said. The clause would prohibit an employer from punishing an employee who chooses not to cross the meatcutters’ picket line, should a strike occur. Likewise, the union is also prevented from punishing a member who crosses the picket line, Voight said.

Union negotiators could not be reached for comment Friday.

The Food Employers Council is negotiating for Albertson’s, Alpha Beta, Boys’ Markets, Foods Co., Hughes Markets, Food Basket, Ralphs Grocery Co., Safeway, Stater Bros and Vons. Independent markets would not be affected by a strike.