Urgent Strike Action Set to Begin

Workers from Safeway and Albertsons are gearing up to take to the picket lines this Sunday morning in Estes Park, Fountain, Pueblo, and a Denver distribution center. This strike comes after a grueling nine months of stalled negotiations that failed to yield a new contract.

Limited-Scale Walkout with a Big Message

Unlike the massive strike earlier this year at King Soopers, which saw 77 stores affected, the UFCW Local 7 is launching a targeted strike, designed initially to impact just four Colorado cities. However, union leaders warn that this is just the beginning—more locations may join the walkout as the situation unfolds.

Why Strike? Demands Not Met!

The union turned down the latest contract offer, which they claim neglects crucial issues like adequate staffing, fair wages, and essential protections for health and pension benefits. After a contract extension in January and a strike-authorization vote, both parties have been unable to reconcile their differences.

Worker Determination Amidst Challenges

"It’s unfortunate we’ve reached this point, but ongoing unfair labor practices and threats against workers have left us no choice but to strike," said Monique Trujillo, a Safeway employee in Fountain. Her sentiments resonate with many who feel trapped by the circumstances.

Potential for Widespread Impact

Metro Denver stores, including those in Boulder, Castle Rock, and a slew of towns like Grand Junction, Parker, and Vail, are jeopardized should the strike broaden. In addition, strike-authorization votes are slated for next week in further locations including Colorado Springs and Fort Collins.

A Strike with Historical Significance

This strike marks the first walkout by Safeway workers in Colorado over unfair labor practices since 1996, when workers stood in solidarity with King Soopers employees. Historical echoes loom large as both sides resume negotiations after a tragic incident involving two female employees struck by a driver.

A Year of Labor Unrest

This strike is part of a wider wave of labor unrest in Colorado. Earlier this year, Alamo Drafthouse employees and around 320 Lockheed Martin workers also participated in strikes over contract disputes.

Union Strength in Numbers

UFCW Local 7 proudly represents 23,000 members across Colorado and Wyoming, advocating for workers in grocery stores, food processing plants, healthcare, and beyond. As tensions rise, the union’s resolve is being tested, but their call for fair treatment continues to echo in the halls of labor rights.