King Soopers strike will end at midnight Monday; negotiations to restart
DENVER (KDVR) — UFCW Local 7, the union representing 10,000 grocery workers on strike at King Soopers across Colorado, announced Monday night that it secured a return-to-work settlement for the striking workers.
According to the union, the settlement will allow the union to return to the bargaining table with Kroger, which owns King Soopers, while ensuring Kroger cannot implement any offer for at least 100 days and will not lock workers out during the return-to-work settlement.
Union rejects negotiation agreement with King Soopers
'This will give us the time to ensure we get what we need to make a staffing proposal and take action to protect our retirees,' UFCW Local 7 said in a release sent Monday night.
The union said the settlement also guarantees that no workers will lose healthcare in April 2025 'because of the employer's forced ULP (unfair labor practices) strike,' according to the Monday night release. Additionally, the union said this means Kroger's 'Last, Best and Final Offer' is no longer such.
'The Union and the Company are working to identify dates to return to the bargaining table and have agreed to spend the next 100 days focusing on trying to reach an agreement,' UFCW Local 7 said Monday night.
King Soopers said the agreement reflects the company's appreciation for its associates and commitment to serving local families.
Previous: Workers at these Denver area grocery stores will be on strike starting Thursday
'Our associates are more than just employees—they are the heart of King Soopers, and we recognize the challenges they have faced,' said Joe Kelley, president of King Soopers/City Market. 'Securing this agreement was about restoring certainty, not just for our business, but for the people who make it possible. It also ensures that eligible associates who were unable to meet hourly requirements due to the work stoppage will continue to receive their industry-leading, affordable healthcare coverage, fully funded by the Company to maintain continuity. We remain committed to securing a long-term contract that supports our associates, benefits our customers, and strengthens the communities we so proudly serve.'
King Soopers said the union has committed to removing all picket lines and resuming normal business operations as of Feb. 19 from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. Pharmacies will also reopen at usual times, the grocery giant said. The company said both parties 'agreed to a 100-day period of labor peace' to ensure good faith contract negotiations.
'Our focus remains on reaching a fair agreement that honors their hard work while ensuring we continue to provide fresh, affordable groceries for the families who rely on us. We appreciate their dedication and look forward to productive discussions in the weeks ahead,' Kelley said.
The announcement comes after the union rejected a new proposal on Friday, citing concerns for workers' healthcare access.
'We have taken a big step forward and ensured that Kroger knows that staffing is a key concern to workers and customers alike,' said UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova in a provided statement. 'We will go back to the bargaining table and continue our fight for a fair union contract for us, our customers and the communities we serve.
'This strike was about thousands of everyday grocery store workers, collectively standing together and facing one of the largest corporations in America and saying ENOUGH. Our strike was just the beginning of this effort and elevated staffing in grocery stores to a national level with more workers and allies joining together. Just like our successful campaign to stop the mega grocery merger, we won't stop until we win Better Staffing and Better Stores for grocery store workers and customers.'
King Soopers said prior to the strike that its offer would put more money into workers' paychecks while keeping grocery prices down. Meanwhile, UFCW Local 7 leaders said the offer 'failed to engage on the most important Union proposals.'
In an update shared on Facebook to union members, UFCW Local 7 said it ensured Kroger 'knows that staffing is a key concern to workers and customers alike,' and said the strike was just the beginning of the union's fight for a fair contract.
The strike impacted 77 Colorado stores and began on Feb. 6. It was scheduled to last two weeks, which would have concluded on Feb. 20.
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