Thousands of grocery store workers at King Soopers, a Kroger-owned supermarket chain in Colorado, have walked off the job in a two-week strike, protesting what they describe as unfair labour practices and deteriorating working conditions.
The strike, organised by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7, comes after the union’s contract with the company expired last month. With an overwhelming 96% of members voting in favour of the strike, workers are demanding improved staffing levels, fair wages, and the protection of benefits.
Allegations Against King Soopers
Union representatives have accused the company of engaging in tactics that undermine workers’ rights, including surveillance of employees, intimidating staff who discuss bargaining matters, and threatening disciplinary action against those wearing union pins. Additionally, the union claims King Soopers is attempting to scale back retiree health benefits and has refused to share critical information related to contract negotiations.
The company has pushed back against these accusations, arguing that it is committed to maintaining fair employment practices while ensuring grocery prices remain affordable for customers.
The Ongoing Staffing Crisis
Chris Lacey, a service manager at a King Soopers store in Littleton, highlighted a growing crisis within the company—chronic understaffing.
“Many of us are expected to do the jobs of three or four people,” said Lacey. “I work in one department but often get pulled into others to cover gaps. We’ve repeatedly raised concerns about staffing shortages, but the company won’t even discuss them with us.”
Lacey also criticised King Soopers’ restrictive policies on union representation, pointing out that while employees are free to wear pins supporting sports teams or musicians, union-related insignia is discouraged.
“Our wages don’t reflect the workload we’re carrying,” he added. “We’re fighting for better wages, fair staffing, and ultimately, better stores for our customers. They deserve well-staffed, well-run supermarkets.”
A History of Tensions
This is not the first time King Soopers workers have resorted to industrial action. A previous strike in January 2022 remains a key issue in an ongoing lawsuit filed by Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser. The lawsuit alleges that Kroger and its rival Albertsons engaged in a secret no-poach agreement designed to limit workers’ mobility and weaken their bargaining power.
Further complicating matters, the strike follows a December ruling by a federal court blocking Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons, a deal that had been met with significant pushback from labour unions and regulators.
Company Response
In a statement, King Soopers President Joe Kelley urged the union to reconsider its strike and return to negotiations.
“It’s time to move past headline-seeking tactics and work towards a fair and timely resolution that benefits both our associates and our customers,” said Kelley. “This strike only delays pay increases that we are ready to provide.”
King Soopers has denied the unfair labour practice allegations, maintaining that it prioritises staffing and is committed to offering competitive wages.
As the strike continues, both sides remain locked in a standoff, with the future of negotiations uncertain.