Over 600 warehouse workers at the Smart & Final distribution centers in Commerce and Riverside, Southern California, walked off their jobs on Wednesday—a move signaling rising tensions over alleged plans for facility shutdowns and wage reductions. The employees, standing under the umbrella of Teamsters Local 630, are on strike, with picket lines slated for Thursday, as reported by NBC Los Angeles.
According to the union's narrative, the company, owned by Chedraui USA, is closing existing unionized warehouses and directing employees to reapply at a new site in Rancho Cucamonga, where wages are calculated to be $10 to $12 lower per hour. Teamsters Local 630 Secretary-Treasurer Lou Villalvazo condemned the alleged activities, noting, "The company is continuing to commit unfair labor practices without any regard for its workers." He added, "With the busy summer months approaching, the company faces not just a moral but a logistical crisis," as quoted by The Orange County Register.
In rebuttal, Chedraui USA released a statement disputing the Union’s allegations. They outlined their ongoing project to consolidate "five outdated and capacity-strained facilities that are spread across 2,000 square miles" into a new facility. This development is purposed to increase the workforce to nearly 1,000 people and is projected to diminish the company's carbon footprint while sustaining affordability in food distribution across various communities.
Picket lines were confirmed for Thursday at Smart & Final's Distribution Center in Commerce, a strategic point that supports over 250 Smart & Final grocery stores in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Northern Mexico. "The Teamsters' claims are simply not true," the company declared, emphasizing the operational continuity of their distribution centers with "no major disruptions," as the company seems dedicated to maintaining the regular flow of grocery provisions to its customers, as per NBC Los Angeles.
