King Soopers and UFCW Local 7 both praised the temporary truce as a positive step toward negotiating a new contract. “Securing this agreement was about restoring certainty, not just for our business, but for the people who make it possible,” Joe Kelley, president of King Soopers and City Market, said in a statement. The grocery giant’s agreement with the local union reflects a goal of “securing a long-term contract that supports our associates, benefits our customers, and strengthens the communities we so proudly serve,” Kelley said.
The strike began after workers voted to take action against King Soopers, citing union allegations of unfair labor practices. The employees’ previous contract, which included a no-strike clause, expired on January 16th, paving the way for the walkout. The strike affected several regions, including Denver and the Colorado cities of Pueblo, Boulder, Broomfield, and Parker. According to a February 17th statement from the union, the agreement ensures that King Soopers cannot unilaterally implement any proposal for at least 100 days and will not lock out workers during that period. Additionally, King Soopers confirmed that eligible employees will continue receiving healthcare benefits, even if they are unable to meet hourly work requirements due to the strike, which began on February 6th and was set to last two weeks. “We appreciate UFCW Local 7’s willingness to return to negotiations, and we are ready to collaborate toward a fair and balanced resolution for our associates,” the grocer said.
The union stated that King Soopers will no longer characterize the contract terms it presented on January 16th as its “Last, Best, and Final” offer and expressed its commitment to negotiating a deal with the grocer in the coming weeks.
“We have taken a big step forward and ensured that Kroger knows that staffing is a key concern to workers and customers alike. 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,” UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova said in a statement.
King Soopers workers also went on strike against the grocer in January 2022.
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