Special Negotiations Message from Joe Kelley

Video Transcript
Hi, this is Joe Kelley, Kings Soopers/City Market president.

I wanted to take a moment to thank you for your incredible hard work and dedication throughout the year.

You’ve gone above and beyond to serve our customers, especially during the busy holiday season, and I couldn’t be more proud of what you’ve accomplished.

I know this negotiation process has created uncertainty for many of you.

I want to acknowledge how stressful it can be to hear about the lack of meaningful progress in negotiations for your new contract, especially during the holiday season.

We share your concerns, and we are focused on working toward solutions that support you and your families.

Unfortunately, after nine bargaining sessions, we’ve seen the union continue to stall negotiations.

We shared a comprehensive offer with the union on December 4^th. On Monday, December 16^th the union rejected our offer without providing a counteroffer and they continue stall by failing to provide any wage, healthcare or pension proposals or their promised staffing proposal.

To protect the integrity of these negotiations, the company has filed an unfair labor practice charge with the National Labor Relations Board.

This step reflects our commitment to good faith bargaining and our belief that the union’s current tactics are designed to delay reaching an agreement by contract expiration on January 4^th.

We believe this violates labor law and does not represent your best interest as a union member.

We remain committed to negotiating in good faith to reach a fair agreement as soon as possible.

In the meantime, I encourage you to talk to your store leader for more detailed information about this important update.

Thank you again for everything you do to make King Soopers/City Market a great place to work and shop.