Safeway workers in Colorado initiated a strike on Sunday in four cities—Estes Park, Fountain, Pueblo, and a distribution center in Denver—after contract negotiations between Safeway/Albertsons and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 failed to reach an agreement.
The union had issued a 72-hour notice on Wednesday, hoping it would pressure the company into settling terms before the expiration of the extended contract. However, the breakdown in discussions led to the beginning of what the union has described as a strategic and limited strike.
Union Launches Targeted Strike to Spotlight Ongoing Disputes and Worker Concerns Statewide
The UFCW Local 7 emphasized that the initial strike is meant to raise public awareness of the ongoing negotiations without immediately causing widespread disruption. By starting with select locations, the union hopes to minimize the negative impact on both consumers and workers while still conveying the seriousness of their grievances. This targeted approach is intended to bring attention to the situation and encourage further dialogue between the union and the company.
Safeway Workers Launch Strategic Strike in Colorado Amid Stalled Contract Talks and Worker TensionsThe union has been engaged in negotiations with Safeway/Albertsons for over seven months and claims that the company is demanding concessions that would adversely affect workers and retirees, particularly those on fixed incomes. Among the union’s major concerns are alleged unfair labor practices, chronic understaffing, and stagnant wages. These ongoing challenges culminated in an overwhelming vote by workers, 99% in favor, to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice strike earlier this year.
Union Criticizes Safeway’s Tactics as Strike Support Grows Across Colorado Cities
In response to the strike notice, Safeway issued a statement reaffirming its respect for collective bargaining and its commitment to a fair agreement that balances the interests of employees, customers, and business competitiveness. Workers in several Colorado cities, including Metro Denver, Boulder, Grand Junction, and others, have already voted to strike. Additional votes are scheduled in more cities, such as Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, and Greeley, in the coming week, potentially expanding the scope of the strike.
Kim Cordova, president of UFCW 7, criticized Safeway/Albertsons for failing to engage seriously in negotiations and accused the company of trying to weaken healthcare and pension benefits by aligning with competitors like King Soopers and City Market. Cordova asserted that the strike is not only about worker rights but also about creating better shopping environments for the public. She underscored the union’s resolve to fight for dignity and fairness for all employees, both active and retired.
