Tensions rise as Kroger, Albertsons workers move closer to strike
Over 60,000 union members vote to authorize strike amid growing frustrations with staffing, pay, and alleged unfair practices.
USA – Unionized grocery workers at Kroger and Albertsons stores are one step closer to walking off the job.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union confirmed this week that members in Southern California and the Pacific Northwest have voted to authorize a strike. This comes after months of stalled negotiations and a rise in complaints about working conditions.
The strike vote represents roughly 60,000 grocery workers and marks the largest coordinated action in UFCW history, according to Labor Notes. Workers are calling for better wages, stronger benefits, and more staff in stores.
Union leaders have also accused both Kroger and Albertsons of unfair labor practices during bargaining.
“Albertsons is proposing major cuts to workers’ healthcare benefits and threatening the financial security of pension beneficiaries, while refusing to address ongoing understaffing issues,” said Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7.
Rising worker anger across multiple states
Frustration is not limited to just one region. In Colorado, UFCW Local 7 members at Safeway and Albertsons locations issued a 72-hour strike notice after authorizing a walkout last week.
The union also canceled an extension of its current contract, which expired at 11:59 p.m. on Saturday.
Meanwhile, workers at King Soopers and City Market, both owned by Kroger, could soon follow suit. Earlier this year, those same workers completed a two-week strike over similar concerns.
In Indiana, Kroger employees rejected the company’s latest contract proposal. Although they have not yet voted to strike, the rejection points to a growing divide between workers and management.
Across the country, more than 150,000 grocery workers represented by the UFCW and Teamsters are now in talks for new labor agreements.
In Denver, union support remains strong. UFCW Local 7 reported that 99% of members in the metropolitan area voted to approve strike action.
Companies respond as negotiations continue
Both Kroger and Albertsons say they are still committed to reaching a deal through negotiation. A Kroger spokesperson said the company “remains focused on good-faith bargaining” and highlighted its offer, which includes “market-leading wages, healthcare, and pension benefits.”
Albertsons also issued a statement, saying it “respects our associates’ rights to collective bargaining and remains committed to reaching an agreement that balances the needs of our employees and the competitiveness of our stores.”
In San Diego, tensions also remain high. Over 90% of UFCW Local 135 members voted in favor of a strike. Talks between the union and management are expected to continue later this month.
For now, the possibility of a strike looms large. With thousands of grocery workers standing firm on their demands and multiple states showing strong support, both Kroger and Albertsons face increasing pressure to meet union expectations or risk major disruptions in the coming weeks.
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