Major Strike Alert: Safeway and Albertsons Workers Set to Begin Walkout in 4 Colorado Cities This Sunday!

Workers from Safeway and Albertsons in Estes Park, Fountain, and Pueblo, as well as those at a distribution center in Denver, will begin striking on Sunday. This decision comes after nine months of failed contract negotiations.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7, the union representing these workers, said the strike will start small, focusing on just a few cities. This gradual approach aims to raise public awareness about worker issues and allow the companies to see the seriousness of the situation.

The union rejected the latest contract offer, stating it did not address crucial demands like better staffing, fair wages, and the security of health and pension benefits. A contract extension was made in January, but no agreement was reached after a strike authorization vote in late May.

Monique Trujillo, a Safeway employee in Fountain, emphasized the frustration over unfair labor practices and alleged bad-faith negotiations from the company.

If the strike grows, it could affect more stores across Colorado, including locations in Boulder, Castle Rock, and beyond. In fact, the union plans additional strike-authorization votes in cities like Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.

This strike marks a significant moment for Safeway workers, being the first time they’ve voted to strike over unfair labor practices since 1996. In that year, they stood in solidarity with King Soopers workers, but Safeway locked them out.

Interestingly, earlier this year, approximately 10,000 King Soopers and City Market workers also struck, making it one of the largest labor actions in recent times. This year has seen a trend of labor disputes, highlighted by strikes at Alamo Drafthouse and Lockheed Martin over contract disputes.

Labor experts suggest these strikes reflect a growing movement among workers to demand better conditions, especially in the wake of the pandemic. According to a recent survey by the Pew Research Center, around 63% of workers reported feeling inspired to fight for better pay and working conditions.

UFCW Local 7 represents about 23,000 members across various sectors in Colorado and Wyoming, from grocery stores to health care facilities. This ongoing labor activism signals a shift in the landscape of workers’ rights, making it a pivotal time for employees across industries.

For more updates on this issue, check out the latest from UFCW Local 7 and consider following Denver Post for broader business news.

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