Major Closures in Western Washington

In a shocking move, Kroger has announced the permanent closure of two Fred Meyer grocery stores in western Washington come mid-October. The stores, located in Kent and Everett, will close their doors on October 17 and 18, affecting the livelihoods of 360 employees.

The Reason Behind the Closures

Kroger cited an alarming rise in theft and a complex regulatory landscape as the main culprits behind this decision. In a statement to KOMO News, they emphasized, 'We can no longer make these stores financially viable,' despite having doubled their investments in safety and security in recent years.

Impact on Communities and Workers

The union representing the workers, UFCW 3000, strongly criticized Kroger's move. President Faye Guenther stated that these closures will create food deserts in working-class neighborhoods, exacerbating issues of access to affordable fresh food. She remarked, 'Kroger’s closures put profit over people, plain and simple.'

Future of Affected Employees

Despite the closures, Kroger confirmed that every affected employee will be offered positions at nearby locations, although they may face longer commutes. The union has called for elected leaders to implement policies that ensure better access to nutritious food for all.

Ongoing Union Negotiations and Challenges

UFCW 3000 has plans to meet with Kroger at the bargaining table soon and has made it clear that they are prepared to address these serious issues when the contract discussions resume in 2027. The union also mentions that grocery workers recently ratified a new contract following a previous strike authorization, asserting that their push for better conditions will continue.

The Broader Context

These closures come amidst Kroger's controversial merger attempts with Albertsons, which faced regulatory scrutiny and backlash. The union, representing over 55,000 workers across various sectors, is determined to fight for job security and community food access as larger corporate decisions unfold.

Stay tuned for more updates as this situation evolves!