Food 4 Less Faces Backlash for Attempting to Silence Workers Ahead of Contract Expiration, June 8

LOS ANGELES — With the current contract between Food 4 Less and UFCW local unions – representing nearly 6,000 Food 4 Less/Foods Co employees across California– set to expire on June 8, Food 4 Less workers have been targeted by the grocery chain with a threatening cease and desist letter. 

This aggressive anti-union tactic comes on the heels of store management’s refusal to accept workers’ petitions demanding a fair contract, further highlighting the company’s disregard for the voices of its employees.

Statement posted on SM

“We will not be intimidated by Food 4 Less’ attempts to silence us,” said Kathy Finn, President of UFCW 770, after Food 4 Less sent a cease and desist letter to stop workers standing up for their rights in their own stores. “Food 4 Less workers deserve a contract that reflects their essential work, gives them equity with other grocery stores, fair wages, safer stores, and more staffing. We will continue to fight for our voices to be heard and not stop until we get a fair contract.”

Background

Workers have been frustrated by the company’s unwillingness to discuss key issues like fair wages and equity with other grocery stores in the first several bargaining sessions, even though the contract is set to expire in a few weeks. In an unusual move, store management has even refused to accept petitions from workers at stores throughout Los Angeles and Orange County, as you can see in these videos, which have gone viral on social media with over 275k views.

Videos of store delegations

Van Nuys store

Pacoima Store

Boyle Heights 

North Hills store