SFVBJ FORUM – Over the Line? The strike by unions against Vons, Ralphs and Albertson’s supermarkets has touched everybody in Southern California as they must make a decision on whether to cross picket lines or go to other smaller grocery chains or independent markets until the walkout is over. Emotions have sometimes been running high as pickets confront customers who choose to still do business at the larger stores. So the Business Journal asks: Which side do you support in the supermarket strike? Philip L. Lichtenberger Executive Vice-President Holl Technologies Co. Camarillo It’s a tough question. I think both parties are losing. The workers have probably lost enough wages to pay for the health care, and the stores’ revenues are down. Yes, I did cross the picket line once, but I’ve tried to avoid it. I think the strikers are overly aggressive. Joe Hooven Owner Best Window Treatments Inc. Burbank I worked my way through college as a grocery store bagger, then I was a grocery clerk, and I became a member of the local 770 union. I’m very sympathetic to the union workers. But the grocery store owners need to be more specific about why they’re cutting costs. Being a grocery store worker is very hard work, and I’m honoring the picket lines. Steve Hulett Head of Animation Guild Local 839 Burbank I’d like to see strikers prevail and everyone to work things out. I’m specifically against a two-tiered wage rate. I think they should work something out on medical. I understand why they’re striking and I support them. I’m not crossing the picket line. Ben Pesta Attorney Century City I absolutely support the union workers and refuse to cross a picket line. I find myself going miles out of the way and standing in long lines. But so be it. I hope the strike ends as soon as possible. However, it will continue to be a personal inconvenience until the issue is resolved. Lynda Paige Fulford Director of Public Information California Lutheran University Thousand Oaks I thought the strike would be resolved by now, it’s dragged on way longer than I expected. But it hasn’t affected me that much, because I normally shop at Whole Foods.
