Around 10,000 unionized workers from 77 King Soopers stores located in Denver, Colorado, went on strike this Thursday; the union plans to continue the mobilization for at least two weeks.
The company indicated that it has already started hiring temporary staff to cover the positions of the workers who remain on strike; however, it is still unclear how much this protest will affect the operation of the stores.
Why are King Soopers workers on strike?
This strike follows months of negotiations between the UFCW Local 7 union and the company, after it decided to terminate the labor contract.
In a statement, union representatives accused the company of unfair labor practices, claiming that it not only monitored them during discussions with staff but also threatened them with disciplinary actions.
They also pointed out that King Soopers intended to use $8 million in health benefits for retirees to pay for wage increases for current workers.
The union members stated that the company wants them to sign a new contract with different working conditions, and they demand another round of negotiations for the company to realistically address their concerns.
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Which King Soopers stores are on strike?
In addition to Denver, the workers’ strike has so far affected all 77 stores located in the following Colorado locations:
- Adams
- Arapahoe
- Broomfield
- Douglas
- Jefferson
- Boulder
- Louisville
The protesters warned that the strike could extend to Longmont, Fort Collins, and Loveland when their contract expires on February 15.
Is there service at King Soopers stores that are on strike?
The company reported that, due to the strike, all affected branches will have shorter opening hours. The stores will open from 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM, Monday through Sunday, while the chain’s pharmacies will operate from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturdays, and will be closed on Sundays.
King Soopers responds to employees after the strike
Following the strike organized by union members, Joe Kelley, President of King Soopers, issued a statement calling the accusations unfounded and the demands “unreasonable.”
Kelley stated that the workers’ strike is not about wages, as they earn an average of $22.68 per hour. He also dismissed claims regarding the lack of medical attention or pensions.
“It’s time to put aside their unreasonable demands, false rhetoric, and headline-grabbing tactics and work toward a fair and timely resolution that increases associate wages while keeping food affordable”, he said.
What is King Soopers?
King Soopers is a U.S. supermarket chain that started as an independent brand and is now a subsidiary of Kroger. Its headquarters are in Denver, Colorado, where it has a strong presence.
Its stores stretch across the Front Range area, from Cheyenne, Wyoming, to Pueblo, Colorado. It also has some locations in the hills west of Denver and in Colorado Springs.
How many King Soopers stores are there in Colorado?
Currently, the company operates a total of 120 grocery stores located in 36 cities across Colorado, United States.
Who founded King Soopers?
Lloyd J. King is the founder of the supermarket chain. After his service in the Navy in 1947, he opened the first King Soopers in Arvada, at the intersection of W. 57th and Webster St.
In 1952, it became the first retailer in the country to have a pharmacy in its store. The original location moved to Arvada Plaza around 1960 when the Plaza shopping center was built. The original building was demolished in 2005, and now the site is home to the Arvada Library.
