Stater Bros. Talking Out of Both Sides of Their Mouth

Meanwhile, our contract has expired and we deserve meaningful negotiations

We will met with Stater Bros. for the four hours they were available today, and while we were at the table their leadership refused to answer our questions about their plans to eliminate all courtesy clerks in all stores and told us they were “still learning” what to do. But while we were sitting across from the company, CEO Van Helden released a new video saying that they were freezing hiring of courtesy clerks and relying on high turnover to eliminate the classification. 

CEO Van Helden says in the video that everyone working at Stater Bros. will receive a $3 wage increase. However, Stater Bros.’ negotiators at the table have only proposed a $1 per year wage increase for the food and GM clerks at the top rate of pay. Nothing for meat cutters, nothing for people working to get to the top rate, and nothing for courtesy clerks. Who should we believe? 

It’s apparent that the top priorities for the company are rising inflation and costs to consumers. We’re also consumers! We have to buy groceries too and $3 does not even make up for the inflation we’ve already experienced.

We meet with the company again on Friday, March 21, 2025 where we will continue to push the company for answers about these important issues and meaningful negotiations. We will send a full update about this week’s bargaining sessions then. In the meantime, continue to wear your union button! This act of solidarity shows Stater Bros. that we’re all united and standing together for the contract we deserve. 

If you have any questions about bargaining, or if there is anything we can help you with, please do not hesitate to reach out to your Steward, Union Representative, or Bargaining Committee Member.

In Solidarity,

Your Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee