Tensions are rising between the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 union and King Soopers, as roughly 10,000 employees prepare to cast their votes on a potential strike. Negotiations have reached a standstill, and as KDVR reports, the expiration of the previous contract last midnight lifted the non-strike clause and prompted the union's leaders to move towards a strike vote which could be announced as early as Monday.
The failure to secure a new agreement comes after weeks of unfruitful discussions that began in October and spanned 13 sessions. King Soopers has extended its "last, best and final" offer until January 31, with the president of the company, Joe Kelley, describing it as "a very rich offer," according to KDVR, with a raise of over $4.50 during the term of the contract, along with what the company calls a best-in-class healthcare package and a strong pension. However, Union leaders have dismissed the proposal, with UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova stating, it is "disrespectful" and an indication of the company's unwillingness to adequately compensate and ensure the safety of its employees.
As reported by The Denver Gazette, the company appealed for the union to present the proposal to its members, expressing that the union's failure to do so shows a lack of respect for our associates, who pay their dues, and our communities, who depend on us for access to fresh food and other essentials.
Further complicating matters is the rejection of King Soopers' final offer by the union, with UFCW Local 7 describing the offer as "concessionary" that "disrespects workers, and ignores their proposals," as revealed by 9NEWS. The union is firm in its stance, and with the contract's expiration, any existing obligation to avoid striking is now nullified, hence the push for a strike vote, a move that could happen before the offer's January 31 deadline.
