Raley's Workers Say They're Ready For Strike

WEST SACRAMENTO (CBS13) - Raley's workers say they are fed up with the supermarket's latest offer and are ready to strike.

The store says it will make every attempt to keep all of its stores open in the event of a strike and that some stores are non-union, so they won't be affected - but a lot of lives could be.

"What they're trying to do isn't fair. Not only is it not fair, but I just feel it's unjust," Joan McPherson said.

This single mom, a longtime Raley's worker, was on the verge of tears thinking about the possibility of a painful walkout.

"It's terrifying having children and needing those benefits not to just go to dirt," she said. "I mean, you depend on them."

The main sticking point in this labor dispute has to do with extra pay. Raley's wants to get rid of premium pay for Sunday and holiday work.

"I think the deal Raley's is offering is preposterous," Dave Turner said. "I've been with the company for 22 years and I will not put up with it. I am definitely ready to strike."

Union workers are also upset over wage freezes and changes for new hires.

So as fresh staples went into crisp picket signs Monday night, Raley's management told us this stale standoff has reached the end point and the last and final offer is on the table.

"We are very disappointed in the union for not even letting their members vote on a proposed deal," Raley's spokesman John Segale said.

Some Sacramento Raley's shoppers say they're disappointed too, but will still cross any picket line.

"Yes, I'll still shop here," one said Monday night.

"For me it's a convenience thing," another said. "I bank here. I shop here."

So how soon could we see picket signs? Perhaps as early as Thursday when Raley's says some aspects of its last and final offer go into place.

Bel Air and Nob Hill stores, by the way, will not be affected by this possible strike.