Supermarket Workers Threaten Strike Over Health Coverage
By: Becky Bracken
Published: June 9, 2011

Workers for Ralph's, Von's and Albertson's supermarkets in Los Angeles are arguing over health care coverage with their companies and say a strike could be coming if the two sides can't get closer to an agreement. 
The union alleges the grocery chains are increasing health care premiums that in some cases will add up to 50 percent of a worker's take-home pay, the Los Angeles Times is reporting. All of the workers are represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770. 
Ralph's is owned by Kroger Co. of Cincinnati; Vons and Pavilion's by Safeway Inc. of Pleasanton, Calif.; and Albertson's by SuperValu Inc., of Eden Prairie, Minn.
The workers' contract expired in March and members have authorized a strike.