Thousands of workers at King Soopers grocery stores in Colorado began a two-week strike on Thursday. The United Food and Commercial Workers local 7 union, which represents approximately 10,000 employees, voted 96% in favor of authorizing the strike due to grievances over unfair labor practices.
The union’s complaints include interrogating workers about bargaining, surveilling employees, and threatening discipline for wearing union pins or clothing. Additionally, King Soopers is accused of pushing to gut retiree health benefits and refusing to provide information on staffing concerns.
This strike comes amid a proposed merger between Kroger and rival grocery chain Albertsons that was blocked in federal court last month. The workers’ union alleges that the companies colluded on an illegal no-poach agreement, which led to the lawsuit filed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser in November.
Service manager Chris Lacey criticized the company’s handling of staffing concerns, stating that employees are being overworked and undervalued. He also expressed frustration with the lack of transparency from management regarding wages and benefits.
The union is seeking better staffing, higher wages, and improved store conditions to better serve customers. King Soopers has disputed these allegations, claiming that they prioritize staffing, but critics argue that this approach only exacerbates worker shortages.
The two-week strike aims to publicize the workers’ concerns and pressure the company into addressing their demands before the contract expires.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/feb/05/kroger-grocery-stores-strike-colorado