StateR Bros Update: “You’re not my family.” – Pete Van Helden

Stater Bros. seems to be finally hearing us

Stater Bros.’ CEO Pete Van Helden came to negotiations this morning and after telling us “we are not family,” he turned it into an interrogation meeting.

While we sat across from him, we took the opportunity to tell him exactly what we feel about how the company is run and how negotiations are going. We told him that workers aren’t proud to work at Stater Bros. and are leaving the company. We told him that we’re disrespected and that’s leading to low morale in the stores. We told him about workers feeling unsafe in the store when ICE comes in and goes in private areas. After we spoke, Pete didn’t listen to us and decided to interrogate the workers who spoke up about what they said in an attempt to discredit them. 

However, the company’s bargainers certainly heard how serious we are about negotiating the contract we deserve and the extent of the disrespect we’ve experienced.

This afternoon, for the first time since we began bargaining back in March, we started having real dialogue. It was a start, but we’re still far apart on major economic issues. Stater Bros. also finally agreed to have a federal mediator come in and help move negotiations along in a positive manner, so we will be meeting with the company tomorrow and hope they are prepared to continue the progress we made.

In the spirit of good faith, we’re changing the action tomorrow, Friday, August 1, back to a rally. We think it’s important to show Stater Bros. how we feel and that we won’t back down if negotiations don’t progress. RSVP HERE: Friday, August 1, at 11am in Long Beach.

Meanwhile, stay connected. Stay ready. This is our moment. We are united, and we are ready to do whatever it takes. 

If you have any questions about what’s happening at the table, or anything else, reach out to your Bargaining Committee Member, Steward, or Union Representative. 

In solidarity,
Your Grocery Workers Rising Bargaining Committee