Sacramento, CA – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Western States Council applauded the Senate Judiciary Committee for passing AB 1776 (Aguiar-Curry), the COMPETE Act. AB 1776 clarifies and modernizes California’s antitrust laws so markets reward innovation, investment, and fair play—benefiting businesses, workers, and consumers alike. The following statement may be attributed to Mark Ramos, President, UFCW Western States Council and UFCW Local 1428:
“Years of consolidation and shrinking competition in the grocery industry have tilted the playing field against workers, allowing employers to hold down wages, weaken collective bargaining rights, and make it harder for workers to organize. AB 1776 is a critical step toward restoring balance. By strengthening protections for workers, promoting fair competition, and creating opportunities for small businesses to thrive, this legislation will help lower costs for consumers and drive innovation throughout California’s economy. UFCW is proud to support AB 1776.”
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 1, 2026
Contact: Jenna Thompson, [email protected], 949.246.1620







