The proposed merger would result in the sale of local Pavilions stores, including the location at 9467 W. Olympic Blvd. in Beverly Hills. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

On Oct. 15, the Los Angeles City Council voted unanimously to oppose the $24.6 billion merger between Kroger Company and Albertsons, which could lead to the sale of 14 Los Angeles supermarkets to C&S Wholesale Grocers, leaving their future uncertain.

Councilwoman Traci Park, 11th District, who introduced the resolution, emphasized the importance of protecting working families and communities.

“If this merger moves forward, it would result in devastating consequences for good paying union jobs and customers alike – store closures, food deserts and job losses. Our communities deserve better,” Park said.

The resolution, originally introduced in August by councilmembers Park, Marqueece Harris-Dawson, Heather Hutt, John Lee, Tim McOsker and Hugo Soto-Martinez, highlights concerns over potential store closures, job losses and increased grocery prices.

Monique Hightower, a store clerk and member of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770, celebrated the City Council’s resolution to oppose the Kroger-Albertsons merger.

“I am thrilled to see our leaders take a stand against this merger,” Hightower said. “If it were to move forward, it would spell disaster for our communities, leading to store closures, food and pharmacy deserts, layoffs and skyrocketing prices. The plan to divest 579 stores, including my own, threatens the livelihoods of hardworking employees like me who rely on these jobs to support our families. We must defend our community assets that provide essential pathways to middle-class jobs with union wages and benefits.”

For information, visit lacity.org.