ABOUT US

Twelve original members come together to launch the Retail Clerks International Union Local 770. Within a year, we grow to 1,300 workers strong.

After a 14-day strike, employers agree to our demands for a significant pay bump and non-discrimination clause for retail employees—helping close the opportunity gap for women and workers of color.

Local 770 joins the voter registration push in California’s 62nd District to register African American voters who moved from poll tax states in the south and were unaware that voting was free for everyone in California.

We bring Kaiser Permanente to L.A. and inspire retailers to add preemptive health care as a core benefit of our contract, taking care of 770 members and their families.

We merge with the Amalgamated Meat and Butcher Workmen of North America to create the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, bringing thousands of meatcutters into our union.

By inking a monumental contract for workers at Clark, Thrifty, and Savon, we guarantee additional holidays, one weekend off per month, minimum guarantee of hours, and the creation of a safety committee.

When Ralph’s withholds pay for hundreds of UFCW 770 members, we take them to court, winning back $1 million in hard-earned paychecks

UFCW 770 President Rick Icaza and Cesar Chavez march in a candlelight vigil in solidarity with striking workers at the Big Buy store in East Los Angeles. Said Chavez: “Unity and dedication will win this fight as it has won all battles in which the people have challenged injustice.”

when Kaiser Permanente medical technicians stands with UFCW 770.

We push back against the creation of a Burbank Walmart, leading to unprecedented victories against the non-union retail giant in the years to come.

When Farmer John violates state law regarding unpaid time for workers to sharpen their knives, we get $3 million in wages back for our members.

After leading the fight for Los Angeles City Living Wage Ordinance, we create a model for similar legislation in cities across the country.

With the introduction of the UFCW scholarship program we give over $1 million dollars in college scholarships to our members

negotiating first major wage hikes in years—21.75 percent to 31 percent over five years.

When grocery workers get locked out by Albertsons during contract negotiations, fellow workers strike at Ralph’s and Vons—leading to an unprecedented show of solidarity across southern California.

The strike ends after 144 days, galvanizing consumer support for grocery workers for years to come.

770-led coalition defeats the Inglewood Walmart in a nationally-watched election.

After 770 files complaints, Ralphs executives are convicted of breaking Federal law during lockout and strike, receiving 3 years’ probation.

when 770 merges with 1036 to create one of the largest UFCW locals in the U.S.

after President Rick Icaza introduces and leads fight for groundbreaking Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) provisions.

We begin the fight to represent cannabis workers and pioneer legislation to grow the industry.

With the passage of prop D in the city of Los Angeles, 135 medical Cannabis businesses step out of the shadows of the black market and into a legitimate, better-regulated industry.

We lead the fight for SB 1422 and “No Pharmacist Left Alone,” protecting the health and safety of our pharmacists and the public.

UFCW 770 scores a nationally-recognized victory with a historic new Farmer John contract, providing union membership and union access after 36 years.

Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW 770 members kept our communities nourished, safe, and healthy.

Kaiser, Food 4 Less, FoodsCo, Rite Aid and CVS workers keep the fight up during the peak of the pandemic to get the improved safety and wages they deserve.

Showing no sign of backing down, grocery workers fought for the contract they deserved. Making historic gains in wages, safety, healthcare, and protecting pensions.