UFCW Local 135

Rx Bargaining Update After presenting a weak wage proposal last week, the companies came back with just an additional 25 cents. In response, we delivered hundreds of signed petitions sending a clear message to the companies: we are united. Bargaining resumes April 23–24.

After more than 31 years of union service, Irma Sandez has retired from Kaiser. Irma worked as a pharmacy tech, starting at Zion, then Vandever, and finishing at KP Otay. Thank you, Irma, for your years of service to the community, we wish you well in retirement!

Dr. Marjan, a pharmacist at Ralphs, has seen the job get harder. There's more work, more pressure, and not enough help. Like many pharmacists, she’s speaking up for a contract that recognizes the realities of the job today.

Earn your degree debt-free! UFCW members and their families can now apply to receive one of three full-ride undergraduate scholarships to Franklin University! For more info: bit.ly/4tdoYgy Apply today! Applications are due by May 22, 2026

Rx bargaining continued last week with Albertsons/Vons & Ralphs. The companies presented a weak wage proposal with no retro. Union Reps are gathering petition signatures. When you see them, sign it. Unity at every pharmacy matters. Read the update: ufcw135.com/rx-barg-up-4-7…

Happy birthday to Insurance Specialist Desi WoodsRoberts! Desi worked at Food4Less for over 20 years before joining our Insurance Department team in early 2025. Like all of our staff, she's an asset to the organization. Wishing you a wonderful birthday, sister Desi!

Happy Birthday to Union Representative Ricardo Corona! 🎉 Whether he’s visiting members at their locations or handling grievances in the North County office, Ricardo brings his work ethic and integrity to everything he does. Feliz birfs, brother Ricky! 🎂

We are gearing up for the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Join us Sat, May 9 from 3–6 PM at one of these locations: 📍 Encanto Post Office 📍 Grantville Post Office 📍 Scripps Ranch Post Office 📍 SD Food Bank – Miramar Email info@ufcw135.com for the registration link.

Tony Vu, Pharmacy Manager at Vons, has spent 13 years as a union pharmacist. With pharmacist bargaining resuming April 6–7, he knows it’s time for a contract that reflects what pharmacists are actually dealing with today and the value he and his coworkers bring to their company.

As we close out Women’s History Month, we honor all of the ladies who make our union what it is. From grocery stores, pharmacies, labs, and union offices to the airport, dispensaries, casino, and dental offices, women across every industry are the strength behind UFCW Local 135.

Both UFCW Local 135 offices will be closed and all Union Reps will be off-route on Friday, April 3 in observance of Good Friday and the Easter holiday. We will resume normal business hours on Monday, April 6.

Uyen, Rx Manager at Vons in Otay Mesa, has 5 years of union experience serving patients. As workloads continue to increase, she’s feeling the growing demands of the job. That’s why she signed the petition, to show the company that pharmacists like her deserve to be valued.

Today we’re highlighting Jennifer, a produce clerk & steward at Stater Bros with 25 years of union service. During last year’s contract campaign, Jennifer served on the bargaining committee, representing her coworkers and providing key input that helped shape their contract.

The KP contracts are ratified! 1000’s of UFCW members across the country came together and voted YES. Because of solidarity, actions, and the powerful ULP strike, this contract delivers. Read more: ufcw135.com/kp-contracts-r…

Today we’re highlighting Ehileen Lopez, 135’s Insurance Director. After 14 years at Vons, she has been on staff the last 7 years. She also serves on the union’s E-Board. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women like Ehileen whose leadership helps keep our union strong.

Dr. Ben at Ralphs in Chula Vista has 9 years of experience as a union pharmacist, serving patients with care. Like many of his colleagues, he’s dealing with increased workloads and growing demands. Even with these challenges, he continues to show up providing safe, quality care.

Today we’re highlighting Babette, a union steward at Vons. During the Grocery Workers Rising campaign, Babette served on the bargaining committee, helping negotiate one of the strongest grocery contracts ever. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women like Babette.

Pharmacists Noah & Maryam at Vons in El Cajon continue to show up for their patients, even as the challenges continue to grow. That’s why they’ve signed the petition. Together, pharmacists are showing their companies that they're prepared to win the contract they deserve.

Today we’re highlighting Channy & Nora, Rx Techs at Vons. Together, they represent the dedication and skills that keep their pharmacy running and their union strong. This Women’s History Month, we celebrate women like Channy & Nora whose teamwork moves our union forward.

UFCW pharmacists like James are coming together and signing a petition for a better contract, because investing in pharmacists means investing in patient safety.