Nearly 6,000 workers at Food 4 Less locations across California have voted to authorize a strike if Kroger, the grocery chain's owner, continues with what they claim are labor violations during ongoing contract negotiations. The vote comes after the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union filed multiple claims of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board in May.

The union has accused Food 4 Less managers of undermining negotiations, surveilling and discriminating against union members, and attempting to hinder employees from participating in union activities. After a five-day voting period, union officials announced that workers had "overwhelmingly" voted to approve a potential strike but did not disclose the exact number of votes in favor and against.

In response, the union issued a statement criticizing Food 4 Less for resorting to unlawful tactics instead of following federal labor law. They accused the company of attempting to intimidate and bully workers into accepting a contract that is below their deserved compensation and less than what Kroger offers to other unionized grocery workers in the area.

Food 4 Less, on the other hand, argued that its aim is to increase wages for its employees. A spokesperson expressed disappointment with the union's decision to seek strike authorization and stated that the company has been negotiating in good faith.

The strike authorization gives the union's bargaining committee more leverage at the negotiating table, as Food 4 Less officials are now aware that a strike could be called at any time. Negotiations for a new contract began three months ago and tensions have been increasing. The current contract expired on June 8.

Food 4 Less workers are demanding pay parity with their counterparts at Ralphs, another chain owned by Kroger. Currently, clerks at Food 4 Less earn about $4 less in hourly wages than their counterparts at Ralphs. The union alleges a racial element to these pay disparities, as Food 4 Less stores tend to be located in lower-income Black and brown communities, while Ralphs stores are in whiter and wealthier areas.

Food 4 Less has proposed an hourly rate increase of about $1 each year over the course of the contract, while the union is pushing for a higher increase. The union believes that the company's decision to hire temporary workers at higher rates during the strike authorization vote is an attempt to undermine their bargaining power.

Despite the strike authorization, the union has stated that they have no immediate plans to go on strike and are preparing for negotiations to resume on Monday. Workers at Food 4 Less are hopeful for a fair contract that addresses their concerns regarding wages and understaffing.

As the negotiations continue, both the company and the union are facing increasing scrutiny over their actions and treatment of workers at the bargaining table. The union accuses Food 4 Less of bargaining in bad faith and intimidating workers, while the company has not responded to specific allegations.

The coming days will be crucial in determining the outcome of the contract negotiations and whether a potential strike will take place. Food 4 Less workers remain committed to fighting for fair treatment and better compensation as they continue to serve their communities.