Union members in Colorado have voted to go on strike, a decision made after months of negotiations with their employers, Albertsons and Safeway. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union, which represents workers, is accusing the companies of unfair labor practices and demanding better pay, health care, and fair treatment of employees. With contract talks still ongoing between union workers and King Soopers, the situation is evolving quickly and could impact the Denver metro area.
Union’s Demands and Reasons for Strike
After a two-day voting period, members of UFCW Local 7 agreed to strike. The union has been in negotiations for over nine months, during which they’ve accused Albertsons (which owns Safeway) of unfair labor practices. Specifically, the union claims that the company has failed to offer retroactive wage increases and has excluded the union from important discussions regarding employee grievances. In addition to retroactive pay, the union is calling for better compensation and healthcare benefits for its workers.
Accusations Against Major Grocery Chains
Kim Cordova, President of UFCW Local 7, has been outspoken about the situation, calling Albertsons and Safeway “big bullies” for their handling of negotiations. Cordova also criticized the companies for consolidating power and attempting to control the labor market for grocery store workers. These remarks reflect the growing frustration among workers, as they seek fairer treatment and improved working conditions.
Safeway’s Response
In response to the strike vote, Safeway released a statement emphasizing its commitment to productive discussions with UFCW Local 7. The company stated that contract extensions are in place while negotiations continue. Safeway also stressed its respect for workers’ rights to collective bargaining and affirmed that it is negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement. Despite the tensions, the company reassured customers that all Safeway and Albertsons stores in Colorado remain open and operational.
Strike Preparation and Impact
According to the union, workers must give 72 hours’ notice before beginning a strike, which means the action could be imminent. If the strike takes place, it will affect Safeway stores in the Denver metro area. However, for now, UFCW Local 7 has stated that employees will continue working as normal, awaiting the outcome of the ongoing contract talks.
The vote to strike by UFCW Local 7 members marks a significant development in the ongoing labor dispute between grocery store workers and their employers. With negotiations still underway with King Soopers and potential disruptions to Safeway stores looming, the situation in Colorado’s grocery industry remains uncertain. The union’s demands for fair wages, healthcare, and better treatment reflect broader concerns within the workforce about working conditions in the retail industry.