Michael Mckelvy wrote:

"Joseph Oberlander" wrote in message
k.net...

Michael Mckelvy wrote:


If you live anywhere that this strike is being carried out, I'm

wondering

what the strikers are claiming as the reason(s) for their action.

The companies make billions in profits and want the employees to start
paying for healthcare when it was already there for employees for decades.
(ie - a pay cut, but in a sneaky manner)


They want them to pay $5.00 per week towards their own healthcare, $15.00
per week for family coverage.

The union is also claiming that the stores want to cut 50% of their pension
benefits. This is a lie.


Trader Joe's(small chain in California) has literally half the markup of
Vons/Safeway and yet is planning on expanding 100 stores in the next three

years.

Even with the current pay, the companies are still making money hand over

fist.

You've seen their books?

Kroger had enough money to buy Ralphs a few years ago. Hundreds of millions
in profits.

The Teamsters are involved because they lend muscle. They are thugs, they
have been keying cars of people who cross the picket lines.

In a perfect world, they would pay well and have no need for unions. BTW, I
talked to a trucker who was there - they drive the truck there, then wait for
the temp to show up and drive it in/unload it. He said that he only makes
$40-$45K a year.

Imagine how little they would be paid if they didn't have a union.