Union members working at Safeway and Albertsons stores across Colorado have voted to go on strike after negotiations with the grocery chains failed to reach a deal.
This vote affects more than 90 stores and could lead to a major walkout if the companies don’t return to the table with an acceptable contract.
The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 announced the results on Sunday night, confirming that their members had overwhelmingly voted in favor of authorizing a strike. The union said they are fighting for better wages, improved working conditions, and more affordable health care.
Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7, said in a statement that workers deserve more respect, especially after keeping communities fed during the pandemic and continuing to deal with staffing shortages and safety concerns.
Talks between the union and grocery chains have been going on for weeks, but workers say the companies have not made a fair offer.
According to the union, some of the proposals from the employers could result in reduced hours, unfair scheduling, and even cuts to health benefits.
The strike authorization doesn’t mean workers will walk out immediately. The union will now decide when and how to move forward. Cordova stated that they hope the strike vote sends a clear message and encourages the companies to return to meaningful negotiations.
Safeway and Albertsons, which are both owned by the same parent company, have not publicly commented on the strike vote yet. However, a spokesperson earlier said they are committed to reaching a fair agreement.
Many of the affected stores are located in cities like Denver, Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and other parts of the state. If a strike happens, it could impact thousands of shoppers and disrupt grocery store operations across Colorado.
This strike vote also comes at a time when grocery prices remain high, and customers are already dealing with inflation and supply issues. A major service disruption could make the situation worse for families who rely on these stores for essentials.
The union is encouraging customers to stand with workers and respect their decision if they do decide to strike. They are also asking for community support as they push for fair treatment on the job.
This is not the first time grocery workers in the state have threatened to strike. In 2022, King Soopers employees held a 10-day strike in Colorado over similar contract disagreements.
As of now, the next steps will depend on whether Safeway and Albertsons return to the bargaining table. The union says its members are prepared to strike if needed but are still hopeful for a resolution that protects their rights and improves their workplace conditions.