Workers at two major grocery chains in Colorado are on the verge of going on strike over concerns about wages, healthcare, and pension benefits. The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 union says that 99% of Safeway employees in the Denver metro area have authorized a strike unless Albertsons responds to their demands.
The union, led by president Kim Cordova, claims that workers are not being paid a “liveable wage” and that the company is not fully funding health care and pension benefits. The union has been negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement with Safeway for nine months.
Safeway’s parent company Albertsons says it is “negotiating in good faith to achieve an agreement.” However, the union claims that the company’s proposals are inadequate.
Meanwhile, Kroger – which owns King Soopers and City Market – has until Sunday night to reach a new contract with UFCW Local 7. The company has expressed its commitment to finding a fair agreement that provides competitive pay, affordable healthcare, and long-term stability for employees.
If an agreement is not reached, Kroger workers could vote to authorize a second strike this year. Some shoppers have already expressed support for the union’s demands, saying they will avoid shopping at these stores during the strike. However, others acknowledge that not everyone has the option to shop elsewhere.
Source: https://www.denver7.com/news/local-news/safeway-king-soopers-employees-could-head-to-the-picket-lines-by-next-week