Nob Hill Prices On Perishables Plunge, Customers Say - KCOY Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo - News

Nob Hill Prices On Perishables Plunge, Customers Say

SALINAS, Calif.-  An RV trailer is acting as the "mobile command center" for Nob Hill employees in Watsonville who are on strike.  The RV holds the tools they need to stay powered 24/7, as this parking lot is the battle-ground for workers, demanding better benefits.

The strike is entering its' second week, with employees saying they're not leaving, until there's a resolution.  But the strikers aren't the ones in the spotlight anymore.  Customers are talking about cheap deals as they keep a close eye on the sell-by dates.  We spoke with several customers who said soon after workers went on strike, the prices on perishable items like produce and meats on these flyers, started to plunge.

"They were marked down at incredible rates," said Salinas Nob Hill customer K.D., who only wants to be known for his initials.

K.D. said his wife works at the pharmacy inside the store, and she's seen prices drop like crazy.

"Salmon is usually a very expensive product and she got it for almost a dollar for a big piece of salmon," K.D. said.

While no one would complain about paying less for food, K.D. said the price plunge has him wondering if the store is trying to push items off the shelves faster.

"Well I'm a little bit worried about buying something that's already expired," K.D. said.

Nob Hill and Raley's said they're not lower their prices to get rid of food, instead they're offering special deals as a thank you to customers for the inconvenience.  An inconvenience customers and new employee Ming Doughty said they're ready to put behind them.

"Mostly I just walk straight ahead.  I don't give anybody eye contact.  I just come and do my job and come home," said Salinas Nob Hill Pharmacy clerk Ming Doughty.

Nob hill and Raley's also said the only food being given out for free, is part of a special deal they have on certain items.

At Central Coast News, we've been hearing stories of aggressive strikers, getting in front of customers, yelling their messages.  But strikers want to make sure people know they aren't being aggressive and aren't trying to intimidate anyone.  They said security is on hand at all times, making sure their right to strike goes smoothly.