Union workers rally against Smart & Final warehouse closures

Teamster Local 630 members rallied outside the headquarters of Chedraui USA, parent company of Smart & Final, in Commerce, Calif., in response to the company’s decision to close unionized warehouses.

The grocery chain plans to close two Smart & Final warehouses, one in Commerce and the other in Riverside, Calif. 

The union said in a press release that Chedraui is giving workers at the two locations the option to reapply for employment at $10 to $12 less than the current wage at a warehouse in Rancho Cucamonga, Calif. 

A Chedraui could not immediately be reached for comment. 

“Chedraui USA/Smart & Final is accused of violating federal and state laws such as California Assembly Bill (AB) 647 that went into effect in January 2024. The Teamsters are demanding that the multinational corporation protect American jobs and negotiate a fair contract with more than 600 workers at the company,” the union said in a statement.