Raley's, trying to head off a strike vote, is warning its union workers about more store closures and other consequences if they walk out.
With members of the United Food and Commercial Workers about to vote to authorize the first strike against Raley's, company Chief Executive Michael Teel said the grocery chain plans to hire replacement workers to keep stores open if a work stoppage occurs.
Even with replacements, Raley's expects to close "select underperforming store locations" – and many of those would likely close for good – Teel said in a memo to workers.
Raley's has already announced four store shutdowns this year, saying it needs labor concessions to become more competitive with nonunion rivals such as Wal-Mart. In his letter to UFCW members, Teel said the West Sacramento chain is a "family-owned business that is fighting for survival in a struggling economy and competitive environment."
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