A two-week labor walkout by over 10,000 supermarket workers at King Soopers ended on Monday night, with employees agreeing to return to their jobs after a deal was reached between the union and the Colorado grocery chain. The strike, which began on February 6, was sparked by concerns over staffing shortages and wage disparity.
Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, stated that the strike highlighted the need for fair labor practices, emphasizing the importance of hourly wages, health care benefits, and pension coverage. Joe Kelley, president of Kroger-owned King Soopers, described workers as “the heart of our stores,” vowing to reach a “fair agreement” that honors their hard work.
The deal comes after months of negotiations and includes a 100-day period of labor peace, allowing both sides to continue talks in good faith. While no new contract has been signed, the union has expressed willingness to resume negotiations.
King Soopers employees will return to normal operating hours on Thursday, while pharmacy services are expected to resume as scheduled. The agreement also prevents the company from making its “Last, Best, and Final” offer, which included a wage boost of $4.50 over four years.
Unions outside Denver continued to operate throughout the dispute, with stores in Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and other locations remaining open. The deal marks a significant victory for workers, who have been advocating for better working conditions and fair compensation.
Source: https://coloradosun.com/2025/02/18/king-soopers-grocery-workers-end-strike