King Soopers, a Colorado-based grocery chain, has filed a lawsuit against its union, UFCW Local 7, amid a strike by over 8,500 employees. The strike began on Thursday and is expected to last up to two weeks. King Soopers claims the union prioritizes out-of-state special interests and unlawfully requires it to bargain with out-of-state labor unions. However, the union denies these allegations, saying its goal is to secure fair wages, affordable healthcare, and pension stability for its members.
The lawsuit comes as negotiations between the two parties have failed to reach an agreement. King Soopers has made a “last, best and final offer” that includes a $4.50 hourly wage increase, $180 million in additional wages, comprehensive benefits, and pension stability. The union has refused to comment on the latest negotiations, but says it will continue to fight for its members’ rights.
The strike is the latest development in a labor dispute between King Soopers and UFCW Local 7, which met at least 10 times between October and January without reaching an agreement.
Source: https://kdvr.com/news/local/king-soopers-files-lawsuit-against-ufcw-local-7-union