Approx. 10,000 Employees Join King Soopers Strike

In a bold display of solidarity, approximately 10,000 King Soopers workers across Colorado have launched a strike. They are citing unfair labor practices and the company’s refusal to address critical issues in their “Last, Best, and Final Offer.”

The strike, organized by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union Local 7 (UFCW Local 7), affects 77 stores throughout Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas, and Jefferson counties, and King Soopers stores in Boulder and Louisville.

Union leaders argue that King Soopers, a subsidiary of Kroger, has consistently engaged in tactics designed to undermine worker rights and suppress union activities. According to UFCW Local 7, the company has engaged in illegal surveillance and interrogation of union members, withheld critical information necessary for contract negotiations, and even targeted retiree health benefits to fund wage increases for current employees.

“This strike is about holding one of the largest corporations in America accountable when they break the law and cause harm to workers and our customers,” noted Kim Cordova, president of Local 7, which has offices in Colorado Springs, Cheyenne, Wheat Ridge, Grand Junction, Greeley and Pueblo, Colo. “We are holding this strike for a two-week period to allow everyone to understand our concerns and give the employer time to right their wrong.”

 

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The union also alleges that King Soopers has retaliated against workers for wearing union attire and participating in union activities, actions that are protected under federal labor laws. Such behavior, according to UFCW Local 7, is part of a broader strategy to intimidate and weaken the union’s bargaining power.

In response to the strike and the union’s allegations, King Soopers filed a federal lawsuit against UFCW Local 7. The company claims that the union is engaging in unlawful tactics by trying to force King Soopers into bargaining with other labor unions that do not represent its employees. The lawsuit accuses the union of threatening illegal strikes and coordinating bargaining efforts with unions outside Colorado, such as the Teamsters and other UFCW locals.

“This litigation is nothing more than an attempt to distract from King Soopers’ efforts to silence its workforce and prevent workers from reaching an equitable contract that addresses major issues like staffing, safety, and health care,” the union said. “Kroger will go to any length to hide its corporate greed in price gouging and shareholder buybacks.”

King Soopers maintains that its “Last, Best, and Final Offer” includes significant wage increases and benefits. The company expressed disappointment over the union’s decision to strike, arguing that the offer was designed to benefit associates while keeping groceries affordable for customers. However, workers and union leaders argue that the proposed wage increases come at the cost of critical protections, such as seniority-based scheduling and retiree health benefits.

The strike has garnered widespread support from the community, with customers and local organizations standing in solidarity with the workers. Many shoppers have chosen to boycott King Soopers stores during the strike, opting to support other local businesses or shop at union-friendly stores.

The strike also raises broader questions about labor practices within the grocery industry and the role of unions in protecting worker rights. As one of the largest grocery chains in the country, Kroger’s handling of the situation could set a precedent for labor relations across the industry.

As the strike continues, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. UFCW Local 7 has vowed to continue the strike until King Soopers addresses their demands and negotiates in good faith. Meanwhile, the company’s legal actions and public statements suggest a prolonged battle ahead.

For the workers on the picket lines, the fight is about more than just wages—it’s about dignity, respect, and the right to a fair workplace.

The outcome of this strike will not only impact King Soopers employees but could also influence labor movements across the country. As the battle unfolds, one thing is clear: the voices of the workers will not be silenced.