"Ralphs has always been and continues to be a workplace where our associates come for a job and stay for a career," Branton said. Union leaders have accused the supermarket chains of committing unfair labor practices, including accusing Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions of conducting unlawful surveillance of workers who are protesting, and accusing the chains of refusing to implement wage increases as required under the previous contract. In 2003-2004, Southland grocery store workers walked off the job over a contract dispute, and the strike lasted 141 days. That work stoppage was estimated by some analysts to have cost the supermarket chains as much as $2 billion, with the workers losing $300 million in wages. During the last round of negotiations in 2019, grocery workers voted to authorize a strike but negotiations continued for two months, and a labor deal was eventually reached, averting a walkout.