DENVER — More Colorado Safeway stores are expected to join an ongoing strike as negotiations between the workers union and the grocer’s parent company stalled for the week Thursday night.
The United Food and Commercials Workers Local 7 announced Thursday night that bargaining, which had resumed Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, had ended for the week with no future negotiation dates currently scheduled.
The union, which represents 7,000 Safeway and Albertsons employees across the state, is striking to demand better pay, benefits and staffing levels after a few months of negotiating with Albertsons Companies, Inc.
At least 11 Colorado stores were on strike as of late Friday morning in Boulder, Brighton, Lone Tree, Denver, Castle Rock, Grand Junction, Estes Park, Littleton, Fountain and Pueblo. The union said additional stores would be going on strike in the coming days after negotiations halted.
Denver7 has been following the Safeway strike throughout this week. Union leaders told us on Monday the strike would expand until an agreement was reached. Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, said Monday that the two sides were “far apart.”
On Friday, a spokesperson for Safeway sent Denver7 the following statement:
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 in Colorado. 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 -- especially in the competitive grocery landscape that includes the rapid growth of non-union competitors.
Contrary to recent claims made by UFCW Local 7, Safeway’s current proposal is competitive and, in many aspects, meets or exceeds offers made by King Soopers. Our proposal includes meaningful wage increases, continued investment in secure healthcare coverage, and the long-term stability of the pension plan, reflecting both the dedication of our associates and the real economic conditions facing our industry.
We strongly reject allegations that our healthcare and pension offerings are unstable or inadequate. Our health benefits provide comprehensive coverage and are fully funded. There are no proposed reductions to retiree healthcare benefits. Likewise, Safeway’s pension contributions are consistent, reliable, and designed to deliver long-term security for our associates and their families.
The accusations of unfair labor practices are without merit. Safeway upholds all applicable labor laws and remains focused on maintaining open, constructive communication with UFCW Local 7.
While negotiations continue, our stores across Colorado remain open and committed to delivering the exceptional service our customers deserve. We’re grateful to our associates for their continued dedication to the communities we serve.
The union planned to have workers on the picket lines Friday and over the weekend despite the potential for record-breaking heat. Cordova told Denver7 that the union was advising members to dress appropriately for the heat and that the members “choose what time and how long they picket.”
Read more about the union's demands on the flier below.
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