King Soopers employees across the Denver metro area have launched a two-week strike, demanding fair treatment and improved working conditions as contract negotiations with the grocery chain falter. Starting early Thursday, about 10,000 workers represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 are picketing at 77 stores stretching from the suburbs of Adams and Arapahoe counties to Boulder and Louisville.
This strike follows intense frustrations after more than three months of contract discussions, leading to claims of unfair labor practices against their employer. Union officials allege the company engaged in illegal actions, including surveilling workers and disciplining them for wearing union-related clothing. "After more than three months of contract negotiations, and after the contract expired last month, UFCW Local 7 grocery store members voted by 96% last week to authorize a ULP strike," explained Monique Palacios of UFCW Local 7.
With contracts expired since January 17, more than 10,000 employees feel compelled to voice their concerns. Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, emphasized the urgent need for proper staffing and safety improvements, arguing, "We have seen significant decrease not just in hours in the store but body count... they're disciplining workers for wearing union apparel and buttons, talking about the union.”
King Soopers, which employs these workers and is owned by Kroger, plans to keep all impacted stores operational during the work stoppage by hiring temporary workers. "We have an obligation to the community to make sure they have access to fresh and affordable food and pharmacy services," said company spokesperson Jessica Trowbridge, stating the stores will operate on modified hours and some might close on Sundays. During this period, affected stores will open daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m., with pharmacies operating from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The action could prove disruptive, especially with key shopping days like Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day approaching. While the union’s directive encourages customers to shop elsewhere—specifically targeting competitors like Safeway—King Soopers emphasizes its preparations to manage the strike and continue providing services to the community.
Union members have voiced concern about staffing shortages impacting work conditions. King Soopers has reportedly filled around 1,500 temporary positions to minimize disruption; yet this approach has drawn criticism from strikers who see it as undermining their bargaining power. Cordova noted, "The company has made it clear to us they don’t believe they have to discuss staffing, and they’re not listening to the workers who have worked under horrible working conditions through the pandemic.”
Adding to tensions, King Soopers President Joe Kelley has publicly denied the allegations made against the company. He asserted, "We urge Local 7 to reconsider their approach and prioritize the best interests of our associates, their members, and the communities they serve... This work stoppage only delays adding more money to their paychecks." Kelley expressed frustration at the strike, characterizing it as not stemming from legitimate grievances but rather from baseless claims against the company.
The timeline of this strike also draws comparisons to the significant walkout three years ago, which resulted in some bargaining success, leading to promises of wage increases. The previous strike, which garnered national attention, ended with around $170 million allocated for wage increases and health benefits. This time around, with inflation and rising costs weighing on employees, the stakes appear even higher.
With the strike poised to impact stores across multiple regions, including the prospect of future strikes extending the action beyond Denver, the community is encouraged to stay informed about the situation. Local union leaders have called on all consumers to recognize the challenges facing workers and to support their efforts for fair treatment. They invite shoppers to explore grocery alternatives, reinforcing the notion of solidarity with the strikers.
Whether the strike leads to negotiated improvements remains uncertain, but tension between King Soopers and the union highlights broader labor dispute themes such as wage equity, worker safety, and company accountability. Employees are making it clear they want more than just temporary measures—they are calling for sustainable changes to their working conditions.
This developing story will continue to evolve as both sides navigate through this impasse, with the impact rippling through Colorado’s grocery retail community.