Union Representing El Super's Employees Calls for Better Benefits

Members of the union representing El Super's employees called for better benefits including sick days and health insurance on Friday.

The union representing Los Angeles El Super workers, UFCW Local 770, has been actively campaigning for dignity, respect and a fair contract.

El Super did not immediately return requests for comment. A spokesman for the grocery store chain told the Los Angeles Times he had no comment on the ongoing contract negotiations.

"They force us to come in sick," said Martin Ayala, an El Super employee. "It's not good for us, co-workers and the community."

Rick Icaza, UFCW Local 770's president, said the most important issues to union members are respect on the job, seniorirty rights, health benefits and a guarantee of 40 hours per week for full-time workers.

"The company claims it has addressed all of our members' issues other than economics, but they've only addressed them by saying, 'no,' " Icaza said.

The supermarket chain has stores in California, Arizona and Nevada, including 14 locations in Los Angeles County. Paramount-based Bodega Latina Corp., part of Mexico's Grupo Chedraui, reported $1.2 billion in sales last year, according to Supermarket News.

—City News Service