Workers demand: ‘No more concessions!’

Over 200 union workers gathered on Sept. 5, Labor Day, in downtown San Diego to support United Food and Commercial Workers Local 135 in its efforts to defend its members’ wages and health care benefits.

The workers marched through the large downtown Ralph’s Supermarket chanting, “Hey Hey, Ho Ho, Corporate Greed Has Got To Go!” and “Contract Now!” Workers throughout the store stood and cheered. They are ready to strike if the CEOs don’t sign off on a fair contract. Community members stand ready to boycott Ralph’s, Von’s, Albertson’s and all affected stores by not crossing the picket lines if they go up until a fair contract agreement is reached.

The march moved out onto Broadway to join the Labor Day Workers’ Rally to End Joblessness. Signs saying “We Are One!” and “I Am a Man!” [a slogan used by striking Memphis Black sanitation workers in 1968—WW] decorated the diverse crowd. Demands were made by various union representatives and a spate of politicians to support workers, not CEO salaries, banks and shareholders. Retail and city workers thanked supporters for marching and “standing up to the boss.”

—Report and photo by S t a r r