Court affirms dismissal of RICO charges in Ralphs case

Pasadena, Calif. Circuit court judges affirmed the dismissal of racketeering claims against Kroger Co. alleged in a class-action suit relating to the retailer’s hiring practices during the 2003-04 strike-lockout in California.

According to a report by Supermarket News, judges said the plaintiffs -- individual union employees of Kroger's Ralphs Grocery division -- failed to establish a “pattern” of racketeering and had waived their right to sue Kroger through their union.

The plaintiffs had sought charges against Kroger under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).