King Soopers staff in metro Denver and Boulder will vote Jan. 29 and 30 on authorizing a strike towards the grocery store chain.
About 10,000 members of United Meals and Industrial Staff Native 7 can be eligible to vote. The staff’ contract with King Soopers expired Friday, Jan. 17 after the corporate made what it referred to as its “final, greatest and ultimate provide.”
Contracts at different Colorado King Soopers and Metropolis Market shops, all owned by Kroger, expire in February. Staffing ranges and security are two of the union’s main considerations, stated Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Native 7. She stated firm negotiators have been unwilling to debate severe points.
The provide consists of provisions on well being care and different matters that the union believes are illegal, Cordova stated.
King Soopers stated in a press release late final week that it has bargained in good religion with the union since October, has responded to greater than 250 requests for data and made a number of proposals on such topics as wages and advantages.
“Nonetheless, thus far, the Union has did not put ahead a single counter financial proposal on these matters, that are among the most necessary bargaining factors for our associates,” King Soopers stated.
King Soopers’ proposal features a wage improve of $4.50 an hour over the lifetime of the four-year contract for employees on the prime of the pay scale.
Cordova stated the corporate hasn’t supplied the info the union wants to handle staffing ranges. Union leaders contend staffing ranges have been insufficient for some time. Departments in shops have to shut early due to insufficient staffing, Cordova stated. And there aren’t sufficient individuals to hold all of the tags when costs are modified or inventory the cabinets, she added.
The union has countered with proposals on well being care and pensions, which contain economics, Cordova stated.
“Nothing in that contract is sweet for employees,” Cordova stated. “It’s one of many worst proposals I’ve seen in my 40-year profession.”
The union is in contract talks this week with Safeway. The union represents about 23,000 employees at King Soopers, Metropolis Market, Security and Albertsons in Colorado and Wyoming.
Up to date Jan. 21, 2025, so as to add proposed wage improve.
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