Safeway Strike Resolved: Albertsons and Local Union Reach Resounding Agreement

Safeway workers in Colorado recently struck a deal with Albertsons, bringing an end to a two-week strike. This agreement follows intense negotiations that took place on the Fourth of July. Union leaders met with company representatives for a full day, and by Saturday morning, they announced a tentative agreement on social media.

The union, UFCW Local 7, shared, “The strike is over,” stating that this new agreement includes fully funded healthcare and pension benefits, along with significant wage increases. However, the agreement still needs to be ratified by union members, and no date has been set for the vote.

During the strike, workers protested outside various Safeway locations, advocating for better working conditions. On July 4, about 20 picketers stood outside a Denver store, urging customers to shop elsewhere. This strike began with six stores but expanded to 43 stores and one distribution center, driven by concerns over understaffing and the need for guaranteed healthcare and pension coverage.

Negotiations with Albertsons have been ongoing since January when the previous contract expired. The union aimed to start small with the strike to raise awareness without overly burdening the public.

Interestingly, while Safeway workers were negotiating, the UFCW Local 7 reached a separate agreement with King Soopers and City Market, also owned by Kroger. After lengthy talks, they settled on key issues like healthcare and pensions.

In Colorado, grocery giants Safeway and King Soopers dominate the market, each operating over a hundred locations. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the retail grocery sector has seen increased labor disputes recently due to rising living costs and workers demanding better pay and conditions.

As labor negotiations continue to evolve, many are watching closely to see how these agreements impact workers’ rights and the broader industry.



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