Following a breakdown in negotiations with King Soopers, approximately 10,000 grocery workers from UFCW Local 7 are preparing to hit the picket line on Thursday. Employees will strike at 5 a.m. across 77 stores in the Denver Metro and Front Range, according to an announcement from the union. This industrial action, set to last for two weeks, comes in the wake of what the union has described as inadequate proposals and unfair labor practices by the grocery chain. KDVR reported the planned strike on February 3rd.
The catalyst for the strike was King Soopers' final wage offer, a $1.50 an-hour pay raise for retail clerks, which would bring the average hourly wage up to $29.48 for top-rate clerks. The union labeled the offer as "inadequate," asserting it would not benefit all employees. Furthermore, they highlighted issues such as severe staffing shortages and a need for enhanced workplace safety. The company's final proposal expired on January 31, and since then, there has been no further comment from the company's management, as detailed by The Colorado Sun.
Amidst allegations of understaffing and withheld information during negotiations, union representatives have taken a firm stance. Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, emphasized the intent behind the duration of the strike. "The strike will take place over the span of two weeks, to allow everyone to understand our concerns, and give the employer time to right their wrong," Cordova stated according to Denver7. Additionally, the union has filed charges of unfair labor practices against King Soopers for allegedly refusing to bargain in good faith with the National Labor Relations Board.
