Albertsons in Ramona Was Busy Over Weekend, Quiet Monday

The parking lot at Albertsons in Ramona was relatively quiet on Monday compared to its usual hub of activity.

"It was really busy yesterday," one man told Patch on Monday morning. "Everyone was coming to get groceries in case of a strike."

Representatives of the Albertsons, Vons and Ralphs grocery chains and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union negotiated through the night and into Monday to try to reach agreement over a new contract. No strike had been called as of late Monday morning. The issue under debate is a proposal for an increase in the employees' contribution to healthcare benefits.

Like other shoppers and vendors coming in and out of the store, the man who talked to Patch declined to give his name or go on camera.

But people did give their comments.

A few male shoppers told Patch how much they contribute for their families' healthcare and said they have no sympathy for grocery workers who were considering striking after being asked to contribute more.

One man said the workers have "no business going on strike" in the current economy.

An elderly woman said she wanted to see the workers get what they needed. Another older woman said she finds strikes and potential strikes stressful.

"We've gone through this before. I just wish people could work things out without fighting," she said.

Another woman said she didn't really have an opinion and she thought she would do fine because of Stater Bros. supermarket in Ramona and other grocery stores "down the hill."

A sign on the entrance to the Ramona Albertsons stated that the company is accepting applications for temporary positions, as a precautionary measure due to a labor dispute. The notice invited the public to submit applications to the store director from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. It said the company is accepting applications for part-time and full-time positions, with pay rates of $10 and $13 per hour.

For a synopsis of the negotiating issues and developments throughout Southern California, to read our earlier Patch story and to take our poll.