Worker Power Solves Safety Issue

Originally published in Essential Voice Issue #2, Winter 2025. Read the full issue here. Click here to order a bundle of print copies!

After six years, workers at Albertsons in Orange County, California finally got management to fix a problem that was affecting workers’ health. Dylan Boyke, a shop steward in UFCW Local 324, explains how they did it.

Dylan Boyke, Albertsons

UFCW Local 324

Orange County, California

As many of us workers know, management is notorious for neglecting safety issues in our workplaces so long as it helps them make an extra buck. For the past six years, I’ve been working in the deli and the neighboring bakery department.

Throughout that entire period, the deli department has not had a working fryer vent, resulting in an accumulation of smoke that creates a visible haze and burning smell throughout the entire store.

Workers have reported feeling nauseous, having trouble breathing, irritation in the eyes, and expressed a general concern for the long-term effects that could result from daily smoke inhalation.

After many years of management telling us that it would get fixed, we got tired of waiting.

Workers in both the bakery and deli departments gave statements emphasizing their concerns over our health and safety. With the help of our representative we submitted these statements to the company.

The very next day management put in a work order and the day after it was fixed. Management was upset that they finally had to fix the issue, but we did what was right to protect our health.

When faced with workplace issues, collective action is the only real solution. Workers are stronger when we fight together.