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Bring the
strike to and end and accept binding arbitration, UFCW Locals
proposed
On 4 February, the UFCW Locals on strike sent this letter to the supermarket employers, proposing to end the strike and accept binding arbitration. The proposal was immediately rejected by Safeway, Albertsons and Kroger.
Gentlemen: The undersigned locals hereby present the following proposal in an effort to fully resolve the current labor dispute between the parties in Southern California. The locals propose to submit to binding interest arbitration all the unresolved issues between the parties as reflected in the Employers' comprehensive proposal of December 2, 2003, and the locals' comprehensive proposal of December 19, 2003. We are prepared to immediately discuss and resolve any and all details concerning this arbitration, such as the selection of a neutral arbitrator and the ground rules under which the arbitration will proceed. During the pendency of this interest arbitration, the strike/lockout would end immediately, all strike replacement workers would be terminated and all striking/locked-out employees would return to work immediately. All the terms of the expired contract shall apply until the arbitrator, mutually agreed upon by the parties, issues his/her written decision. This would be consistent with the companies' obligations under federal law. We believe strongly enough in the merits supporting our bargaining proposals that we are willing to put their fate in the hands of an objective neutral party. The time has come, in the best interests of your employees/our members, the community and your companies to end this dispute honorably and fairly. We believe our proposal to you provides the basis for achieving such a result. Sincerely, Mickey Kasparian, President Local
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