The union representing grocery store workers in Southern California supermarkets said on March 10 it has authorized a strike vote as contract negotiations with the owners of Ralphs, Vons, Pavilions, and Albertsons have stalled. Bertha Rodríguez, communications coordinator for United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 770, told City News Service the vote will…

LONG BEACH—Grocery company Kroger announced Feb. 1 it will be shuttering two of its stores in Long Beach—a Ralph’s location and a Food4Less store—in response to a city ordinance requiring a $4 “hero pay” salary boost for some workers. “As a result of the city of Long Beach’s decision to pass an ordinance mandating extra…

Ralphs supermarket chain has begun administering free COVID-19 vaccinations to its pharmacists and pharmacy staff, along with other health care providers at its 50 pharmacies in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. The number of Ralphs Pharmacy locations will increase to 60 when the City of Long Beach, as well as San Diego, Ventura and Santa…