COLORADO, USA — The labor union representing King Soopers employees in Colorado announced Friday that workers will begin their strike at 5 a.m. on Jan. 12 and plan to strike for three weeks.
Contracts for King Soopers employees in Denver, Boulder, Broomfield, Parker and retail clerks in Colorado Springs expire Saturday night, according to United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7.
UFCW Local 7 said the following groups of employees voted this week to preauthorize picketing:
- Denver Retail - 98% voted to strike
- Denver Meat - 97% voted to strike
- Colorado Springs Retail - 95% voted to strike
- Colorado Springs Meat - 97% voted to strike
- Broomfield Retail and Meat - 100% voted to strike
- Boulder Meat - 100% voted to strike
- Parker Meat - 100% voted to strike
UFCW Local 7 said Friday that the strike will begin on Jan. 12 and last through Feb. 2.
"In the meantime, continue to report to work until and unless you hear otherwise from the Union," she said in a letter to union members.
Cordova accused King Soopers of failing to bargain in good faith when calling for employees to strike.
"After repeated attempts to bring about an end to King Soopers’ unfair labor practices, which have sought to prevent grocery workers from securing an industry-leading contract, King Soopers has left us with no choice but to call for an unfair labor practice strike," Cordova said in a statement.
> Video above from November: Colorado labor unions take action as demand grows and shortages continue.
King Soopers released the details of its latest offer Thursday, which includes wage investments and signing bonuses of more than $148 million over the next three years:
- Wage increases of up to $4.50 an hour in the first year with additional increases over the life of the contract.
- Starting pay increased to $16 an hour.
- Ratification bonuses for active associates: $4,000 for 10+ years of service, $2,000 for less than 10 years.
The offer also includes an additional company investment into health care benefits that would results in "zero impact" to current premiums based on current projections, King Soopers said.
"At King Soopers, we want what is best for our associates, and our goal is to continue providing market competitive wages and benefits that we know are so important to our associates and their families,” stated Joe Kelley, president of King Soopers/City Market. “Meanwhile Local 7 is threatening disruption instead of focusing on what is best for our associates, their members."
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