August 6th, 2026

Bargaining Resumes August 6-7

Ralphs and UFCW SoCal Locals are scheduled to resume bargaining this week to continue contract negotiations. We want you to have the facts about where we are in the bargaining process as we prepare to continue working toward reaching an agreement for Ralphs SoCal Pharmacists.

There is No Reason to Strike When You Know the Facts

  1. We Have a Strong Offer on the Table Now with Time to Make More Progress.

    • $50/hour Department Head premium
    • Up to 12 hours of holiday pay for 12-hour Pharmacists
    • Company contributions to supplemental pension
  1. Union ULP Allegations Against Ralphs are Unfortunate, Unfounded, and Unproven.
    A    n ULP charge is an allegation, not a finding. The National Labor Relations Board has not found Ralphs to have broken any laws. As of today, the NLRB has not issued a complaint, and no judge or Board member has reviewed or ruled on these allegations. Under the NLRB’s own process, a charge only becomes a formal complaint if the agency’s investigation finds merit — and even a complaint is not a finding of wrongdoing; that requires a hearing and a decision.
  2. 3. A Strike Trades Certain Income Today for an Uncertain Outcome Tomorrow.
    The union is asking you to weigh a guaranteed paycheck against a potential strike-pay shortfall. Did you know the union has eligibility requirements that striking associates have to actively meet (picketing, sign-in/out) to receive strike pay? Plus, the union cannot guarantee the company’s economic offer will move at all as a result of a strike.

Preparing for Potential Disruption
Let’s be clear, we hope a strike can be avoided. We also have a responsibility to prepare for any potential disruption so our customers and patients continue to have access to the prescriptions and pharmacy care they depend on.

Contingency planning, which includes hiring Temporary Workers, is a normal part of responsible business operations. It does not change our commitment to reaching an agreement through bargaining. We hope a strike is not called, and contingency plans are never needed.

Next Steps

  • The August 6-7 bargaining sessions are another important opportunity to make progress.
  • Your store leader has a FAQ handout addressing associate concerns about their legal rights in the event a strike is called.
  • Share any additional questions you have with your store management team or online at RalphsCBA.com.

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