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We are all aware that United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union members are on strike. The strike began when negotiations broke down over contract renewals during the first week of October. The union targeted Vons, and began picketing. The other major markets involved in the dispute locked-out union employees in support of Vons. Currently the stores being picketed are Ralphs, Albertsons, and Vons/Pavillon; and you?re likely to find picketers at most locations 24/7.
CALRO members were notified before the strike of the pending labor action, and we were able to attend, and address, planning meetings for picket captains. We at CALRO would like to commend the union?s management for their foresight in establishing liaison with many local police and sheriff?s departments in an effort to curtail violence and establish contact personnel in case of problems. Although there have been isolated incidents of criminal activities, the picket captains appear to have control of their members.
The following are suggestions to other law enforcement officers responding to a call for service at any picket location, UFCW or otherwise. Maintain neutrality. When you?re approaching the picket line for the initial contact, identify the picket captain. Advise him or her that there has been a complaint, and that you will talk to them after you have spoken to the complainant. Gather your information as you feel necessary, and try to spend equal time with both sides. Be aware of the unions? rights of access and their exemption from trespass under Penal Code section 602 (n), and subsequent higher court rulings. Obviously, if a crime has been committed apply the appropriate action, but avoid, whenever possible, being the moving party in any sort of trespass case. Honor a citizen?s arrest if the elements are complete, but do not appear to take sides. We are also liable in civil court for mishandling a strike situation or unlawful arrest, and most of the unions will pursue a litigious course of action.
If you can remember this one piece of advise during a strike, it?ll go a long way toward maintaining neutrality and solving the problem: Keep the Peace ! Make sure that no one has been hurt, that no property has been damaged, and down play the verbal accusations made by each side. A common tactic in the negotiation process is for both sides to drop all actions against members of the opposing side when an agreement has been reached. Once that happens we?re left in the middle - alone, and that?s not where we want to be. When all else fails, remember, we?re there to Keep the Peace; and not to be an extension of security for the management; nor an agent of subterfuge for the union. And don?t betray a confidentiality made to you by either side.
In closing let me remind you that our counterparts in Los Angeles have the MTA strike to deal with in addition to the UFCW strike. I can also refer you to UFCW Local 324?s website for strike updates as well as picket guidelines, and phone numbers for their upper echelon of management in case you have not made contact with a union representative handling stores within your jurisdiction. www.UFCW324.org
We at CALRO will also assist you in any way we can, just call us; and we?ll return your call as soon as we can.