King Soopers union employees in metro Denver and parts of Boulder County will go on strike for two weeks starting 5 a.m. Thursday after failing to reach an agreement on a new contract with the supermarket chain. The strike affects 77 stores and involves about 10,000 employees.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 announced that the action will include all unionized stores in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, as well as in Boulder and Louisville. Staffing levels and funding for health care benefits are among the issues that led union bargainers to reject King Soopers’ “last, best and final offer.”
“We’re holding this strike for a two-week period to allow everyone to understand our concerns,” said Kim Cordova, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7. “We’re seeking accountability when they break the law and cause harm to workers and customers.”
The union has accused King Soopers of unfair labor practices, including refusing to provide necessary information for contract negotiations. The company has denied these claims.
King Soopers President Joe Kelley said in a statement that the proposed contract includes significant wages investments, along with industry-leading health care and a secure pension. However, the union hasn’t responded with a wage proposal of its own.
The strike is the first wave of labor actions by the union, which plans to “move south as well as west” if necessary. The last strike against Denver-area King Soopers stores lasted 10 days in January 2022.
Source: https://www.denverpost.com/2025/02/03/king-soopers-strike-denver-metro-boulder-louisvile