SEIU Local 121RN members sent the following letter of support to the CEOs of three of the largest grocery chains in the United States to show support of workers there who are fighting for a fair contract.

The letter was sent to Craig R. Herkert, CEO and President of SUPERVALU (Albertsons), David Dillon, CEO and Chairman of Kroger Co. (Ralph's), and Steve Burd, CEO and Chairman of Safeway Inc. (Vons and Pavilions). The three grocery store chains and their workers negotiate collective bargaining agreements together.

"Dear Mr. Herkert, Mr. Dillon, and Mr. Burd:

"We, the members of SEIU Local 121RN,  representing 8,000 Registered Nurses throughout Southern California, are writing you today in support of your employees, the grocery workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW).  We implore you to continue to negotiate in good faith to insure a settlement is reached that rewards your employees for their hard work, dedication, as well as their contributions to your companies’ success.

"We are very concerned that the contract has expired and very little progress has been made at the bargaining table.  We encourage you to set aside the time necessary to negotiate a fair and reasonable contract.  As you are aware, feelings of uncertainty surrounding negotiations creates an air of tension.  This is unfair to your employees as well as the consumers and the communities you serve.

"To that end, we strongly encourage you to act in the best interests of your companies, your employees, and the communities you serve by quickly bringing this contract to conclusion. It is our hope that the new agreement guarantees fair wages and benefits for your employees**."**

If this contract fight results in a strike by grocery workers, we will be asking all working families to support the grocery workers by not patronizing Albertsons, Vons, Pavilions or Ralph's during that time. We will keep you posted.