Starting Thursday, workers at 77 King Soopers stores in the Denver metro area have initiated a strike following unsuccessful contract negotiations over the past few months, with their previous contract expiring last month.

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7, representing about 10,000 workers at these locations, voted to support the strike, as stated in a union announcement on Monday. The union claims that King Soopers is employing “union-busting tactics” by hiring temporary staff to replace those on strike.

In a statement issued on January 31, King Soopers announced plans to employ temporary workers during the strike, which the union anticipates will last for two weeks.

Chris Lacey, a service manager and member of the negotiation committee, informed YSL News that the strike centers on the company’s labor practices considered unfair.

“We’re hoping they’ll return to negotiations and take our staffing issues seriously,” Lacey explained. “We care deeply for our customers, appreciate the solidarity we’re getting, and are committed to securing improvements for both our customers and our coworkers.”

Here are the key points to understand.

Union Claims Unfair Labor Practices

The union’s strike efforts aim to address perceived unfair labor practices by the company during the contract talks.

According to the union, King Soopers has interrogated its members regarding negotiations, monitored their conversations with union representatives, and even threatened disciplinary actions against those wearing union-branded clothing.

Furthermore, the union alleges that the company has attempted to use $8 million reserved for retiree health benefits to fund wage increases for current employees.

“These allegations against Kroger-owned King Soopers are serious. The company is breaking the law and attempting to push us into accepting a contract that would move us backward. We won’t allow that,” said Connor Hall, a King Soopers employee, in a union statement.

In response, King Soopers President Joe Kelley called the union’s allegations unfounded.

“We want to stress that the union’s strike call is not about wages, healthcare, or pensions. It hinges on allegations we consider unsubstantiated and which have not been upheld by the NLRB or any court,” Kelley stated.

King Soopers President Describes Demands as ‘Unreasonable’

In a message to employees, Kelley accused the union of using “unchecked power to create instability,” displacing customers to other stores in the area for what he termed “irresponsible tactics.”

Kelley mentioned in a Monday announcement that the union should return to negotiations, labeling their demands “unreasonable.”

“It’s time to set aside their excessive demands, misleading statements, and sensationalism, and instead work toward a fair and timely resolution that raises employee wages while ensuring groceries remain affordable,” Kelley said.

According to King Soopers, the average hourly wage for its employees is $22.68.

In reaction to Kelley’s characterization of the union’s demands as unreasonable, Lacey found the comments insulting.

“It’s disrespectful that he views our requests for better staffing and living wages as unreasonable,” Lacey shared. “He frequently discusses his commitments to our customers but has never acknowledged his obligations to us as employees.”

Which Stores Are Affected by the Strike?

Based on a Thursday announcement from King Soopers, the stores participating in the strike will operate on a limited schedule.

The affected locations will be open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. local time daily, with in-store pharmacies available from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Monday to Friday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturdays.

Here is a list of the stores currently on strike, as reported by UFCW 7, all located in Colorado.

Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter. Follow him on X @fern_cerv_.