DENVER (KDVR) — On Sunday, Safeway and Albertsons workers in several Colorado locations went on strike, and many more stores are expected to strike soon.
The union, led by UFCW Local 7, said it has been working for months on contract negotiations before deciding Wednesday to terminate its current contract extension, allowing for a strike. Then, on Sunday, workers across Colorado went on strike.
With Safeway being one of the most popular grocery stores in the state, with over 100 stores in Colorado, here’s everything you should know about the strike.
Why are Safeway, Albertsons workers striking?
Safeway and Albertsons workers said they are going on strike because of unfair labor practices. The union cited ongoing unfair labor practices, short-staffed stores and frozen wages. The union said that for over seven months, it has been trying to reach an agreement to bargain a new contract.
Meanwhile, Safeway said these claims are meritless.
“Safeway in Colorado remains committed to productive discussions with UFCW Local 7, and we are disappointed the union has chosen to strike some of our stores. We respect the rights of workers to engage in collective bargaining and are negotiating in good faith to achieve a balanced agreement that rewards our associates, benefits our customers, and is sustainable for our company in the competitive grocery industry. Allegations of unfair labor practices are without merit,” said Safeway in part of a statement.
What stores are striking?
Four stores went on strike on Sunday, including Safeway and Albertsons grocery stores in Estes Park, Pueblo and Fountain, along with a distribution center in Denver. It later expanded to Littleton and Castle Rock.
The union said it’s a “limited” strike for now, so people can understand what’s happening and show Safeway and Albertsons the seriousness of the resolve while reducing the effects on shoppers and workers. However, more stores will join as the strike goes on.
Where could other strikes take place?
The union said workers in the Denver metro, Boulder, Broomfield, Castle Rock, Conifer, Estes Park, Evergreen, Fountain, Grand Junction, Idaho Springs, Parker, Pueblo, Salida, Steamboat Springs and Vail all voted to authorize a strike by 99%.
This week, stores that haven’t voted in the strike authorization will also vote, which includes Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greeley, Loveland, and Longmont.
The union said stores in southern California and western Washington also authorized a strike in June.
How long will the strike last?
There is no set end date for the strike, but negotiations are underway. Earlier this year, Kroger-owned King Soopers workers set out for a two-week-long strike and went on strike for 10 days before securing a return-to-work settlement for the striking workers.
Can you still shop in Safeway, Albertsons stores?
While workers are striking, you can still shop at stores. Workers may be standing outside the store, but Safeway said all stores in Colorado are open.
