Strikes only happen when companies push workers past the point of no return. No worker wants to give up a paycheck in order to get the raise and benefits they feel they deserve. In many cases, even when management and labor negotiate a favorable deal,

About 45,000 grocery workers have authorized a strike at Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons and Pavilions stores in Southern California to protest unfair labor practices.

Workers at Albertsons, Pavilions, Ralphs and Vons grocery stores will begin preparations Thursday for a possible strike.