(Reuters) – Nearly 48,000 supermarket workers voted to strike if they were unable to receive higher wages in Kroger stores (NYSE:) Co. Albertsons Companies Inc. South California union UFCW 770 said Saturday.

Since Jan. 28, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, UFCW, has sought to negotiate with grocers for significantly more pay and staffing.

Workers are pushing corporations with record profits to provide more as food prices in America rise.

Political figures, such as President Joe Biden, Senators Bernie Sanders, and Elizabeth Warren, have also voiced support for the companies and asked them to take a larger share of their profits.

According to the union, it stated in a statement that it would notify employees if strike action is taken.

The company stated that there was an inconsistency between the proposal it made and the 60c per hour increase or less than 1 percent offered by the grocery stores, such as Ralphs, Albertsons and Pavilions.

Kroger-owned Ralphs criticized the union’s proposal as unrealistic, since it makes California expensive for businesses. But Ralphs also proposed that they maintain their nearly $133million investment annually in health care benefits.

California’s grocer has approximately 190 locations. The company said that it may need to make contingency plans. This could include advertising for temporary workers to maintain its operations.

The grocers were subject to unfair labor practices charges after the contract of the workers expired March 6. They also include accusations of trying to influence workers by giving gifts or outsourcing jobs.

The union stated that bargaining with the grocery stores will be resumed on Wednesday, and that if negotiations fail it would make a decision on next steps.

Ralphs stated that the union was optimistic about returning to the bargaining table and showing renewed interest in reaching an equitable deal.

Albertsons declined to comment on a request.