On Monday, UFCW Local 7 expanded its strike efforts to include additional Safeway locations, bringing the total number of affected stores to six across Colorado. More stores are expected to join in the coming days as union workers demand fair treatment and improved working conditions.
Strike Expands: Workers Speak Out
Castle Rock store clerk Tanner Vonstein is one of the hundreds of union workers currently on strike. Having worked for Safeway for five years, Vonstein decided to support the strike after facing challenging working conditions.
He explained, “I was doing the job of four people by myself… It’s very stressful.” Vonstein, who worked as a front-end head clerk and also took on produce duties for months, emphasized the importance of workers coming together in their fight for fair labor practices.
While the strike at Safeway locations marks the first such protest in 29 years, UFCW Local 7 has led previous strikes at King Soopers stores across Colorado. The union asserts that this action is necessary due to what it considers unfair labor practices by Safeway.
Shoppers Feel the Impact
At the Castle Rock location on Monday, many shoppers continued to cross the picket line, but others were swayed after hearing Vonstein’s and other workers’ stories. “I can barely afford rent on what we have now,” Vonstein said, pointing to the difficulty of making ends meet on his current wages, even with recent minimum wage increases.
Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, drove across Colorado, from Estes Park to Castle Rock, bringing workers to the picket lines. She noted that the strike is growing rapidly, with many union workers ready to take action.
“The entire state of Colorado, all of the union stores, and the union workers inside, they are so upset with their employer they’re ready to strike this entire state,” Cordova said.
Strike Set to Continue Until a Deal is Reached
As the strike continues, many are wondering how long it will last. UFCW Local 7 President Cordova stated that the union will continue striking until their demands are met. “We are still far apart, and the strike is going to continue to grow until we reach a contract with them,” she said.
Negotiations with Safeway have yet to resolve the unfair labor practice charges, and Cordova suggested that more workers will join the strike in the coming days.
Safeway Responds to Union’s Claims
In response, Safeway has disputed the union’s claims of unfair labor practices. A spokesperson for the company released a statement expressing disappointment that the union chose to strike some stores. The statement read, in part:
“Safeway in Colorado remains committed to productive discussions with UFCW Local 7, and we are disappointed the union has chosen to strike some of our stores. We respect the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining and are negotiating in good faith.”
The company also assured customers that stores would remain open throughout the strike, despite the ongoing walkouts. Safeway remains committed to working toward an agreement that benefits both its employees and customers.
Possible Simultaneous Strikes
As negotiations with King Soopers continue, Cordova mentioned the possibility of both Safeway and King Soopers locations striking at the same time. However, for now, the union’s focus remains squarely on Safeway.
“The strike is going to expand until we reach a contract,” Cordova said, signaling that the action will continue to grow until an agreement is reached.