Stater Bros. Grants Hourly Workers Pay Hike

BLOOMINGTON — Starting Monday, March 23, all hourly employees at Stater Bros. will receive a $2 per hour pay raise.

Vons and Albertsons have implemented similar wage increases.

As measures to stop the spread of COVID-19 intensify, with Calif. Governor Gavin Newsom recommending citizens “shelter in place,” grocery store workers continue to work.

Without special training in public health or disease prevention, stockers, checkers and others who keep the grocery stores open for shoppers are suddenly first responders.

“We applaud Stater Bros. for meeting the challenges facing our members during this global health crisis. It has set the bar for all other companies to follow,” UFCW Local 1167 President Joe Duffle said.

“Throughout the many discussions we’ve had with Stater Bros. since the start of the pandemic, the company has not wavered in its pledge to do the right thing by implementing a $2 per hour raise for all hourly employees in the stores, distribution, transportation, corporate offices, and construction over four weeks starting March 23,” Duffle said.

“Stater Bros. sends a strong message to the employees, members of our union, that the company appreciates them. It recognizes the courage regularly displayed to overcome extreme pressures and personal risks while serving our customers in times of need. These actions underscore the type of leadership we need to get through this crisis,” Duffle said.

The union remains in discussions with Ralphs, Food 4 Less, Rite Aid, and CVS.