Grocery Workers Set for Strike Vote Amid Stalled Bargaining

SEATTLE, Wash. — After three days of negotiations from May 19 to 21, grocery workers led by their union bargaining team are voicing strong opposition to a proposed contract from Kroger and Albertsons. The team reports that the companies have shown little urgency, causing long waits between proposals.

During the talks, the bargaining team felt that the employers’ attitude conveyed a lack of respect for workers’ rights and contributions. “They made us wait for hours between proposals, and their minimal movement on core issues of wages and staffing shows they don’t value our work,” said a member of the bargaining team.

In response to these frustrations, the union’s bargaining team unanimously recommends a NO vote on the current contract offer. They are also advocating for a YES vote to authorize a strike. This move aims to demonstrate to corporate leaders that workers are ready to take a stand for fair treatment.

More than 70,000 union grocery workers across Washington, Colorado, and Southern California are preparing to vote on strike authorization, building solidarity across the Western U.S. “Our union’s strength is in unity,” said another bargaining team member. “We need a strong response to fight for better staffing and higher wages.”

The strike votes are set for June 3, 4, and 5, and officials are urging workers to participate and organize carpools to voting locations. “Voting is better with friends,” they emphasized, encouraging union members to engage their co-workers in the process.

The workers eligible to take part in the contract vote include members from various grocery chains like QFC, Safeway, and Albertsons across King County, Kitsap County, and Snohomish County, among others. The Union represents over 50,000 members working in grocery, retail, health care, and more throughout the region.

As the bargaining negotiations continue, workers are determined to turn their frustrations into action. “Kroger and Albertsons won’t listen at the table, so we need to take it to the ballot box,” emphasized a union spokesperson.