Union workers at King Soopers grocery stores in the Denver metro, Boulder, Parker, and Broomfield areas have voted to authorize a strike following failed contract negotiations. The vote, which took place over two days, saw overwhelming approval from the workers, who authorized UFCW Local 7 leadership to call for a strike in response to unfair labor practices. While the exact timing and locations of the strike have not yet been determined, the union will announce them to the public and workers in advance.
The union has filed multiple Unfair Labor Practice charges against King Soopers, citing issues such as intimidation of workers, failure to provide necessary staffing information, and the company’s attempt to cut retiree healthcare benefits to fund wage increases for current employees. According to Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, the company’s actions are damaging to both retirees and consumers.
Union members, including workers from the Denver Meat and Retail Bargaining Units, voted overwhelmingly in favor of a strike. Many employees, like Conor Hall, a deli clerk from Boulder, expressed frustration with the unsustainable staffing levels and the increasing pressure to do the work of multiple people, which has resulted in long lines and empty shelves. Hall emphasized that after months of negotiations, the company’s refusal to address workers’ concerns left them no choice but to vote for a strike.
King Soopers has put forward what they describe as their “last, best, and final offer,” which includes significant wage increases. However, union leaders argue that the proposal fails to address key concerns and has labeled it “unlawful.” King Soopers has urged the union to allow workers to vote on the offer, claiming the union has delayed the bargaining process and has not proposed wage increases during negotiations.
In response, King Soopers has stressed that their primary goal is to invest more in employees’ pay while keeping grocery prices affordable. The company also contends that the union’s allegations of Unfair Labor Practices are unfounded and that the strike authorization vote is premature, as workers have yet to vote on the final offer.
Additional strike authorization votes are planned for workers in Colorado Springs and Pueblo later this week, which could expand the strike to other locations. Kroger, King Soopers’ parent company, maintains that they remain committed to honoring the collective bargaining process and investing in their employees.
