February 6th, 2025
Press Release
Press Release
King Soopers Stands Firm for Fair Wages and Affordable Grocery Prices
Company remains committed to balanced approach to invest in wages and benefits while keeping groceries affordable
Denver, CO (February 6, 2025) – In alignment with Our Values, King Soopers respects our associates and their right to collectively bargain. However, UFCW Local 7 has called this strike, that is not about wages, healthcare or pension that our associates deserve, it is based on allegations that the National Labor Relations Board has yet to even investigate. The Union’s decision to call for a strike over alleged unfair labor practices (ULPs) is a deliberate attempt to create confusion.
“We want to be clear—the Union’s call for a strike is not about wages, healthcare, or pensions. It is based on allegations we believe lack merit and have yet to be validated by the NLRB or any court,” said Joe Kelley, President of King Soopers. “We are deeply concerned for our associates, who are being misled into a work stoppage that doesn’t serve their best interests. This also harms our customers, who will face higher prices at Safeway—often 10-12% more—or have to shop at non-union competitors,” Kelley added.
Here are the facts: The National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has not validated any of these allegations.
| Union Claims: | Fact: |
| King Soopers has illegally interrogated union members about our bargaining and surveilled members in discussions with union staff.
|
King Soopers remains confident that it has acted in full compliance with both the law and collective bargaining agreement obligations. We will vigorously defend ourselves against this claim.
|
| Illegally refusing to provide information necessary for the union to be able to make or consider proposals in contract negotiations including sales data necessary for staffing proposals
|
In response to the Union’s numerous requests, the Company has gone to great lengths to provide all relevant data on multiple occasions—at the bargaining table, in one-on-one sessions, and in written communications. We have even taken the extraordinary step of sharing confidential information under non-disclosure agreements. In one negotiation session alone, we dedicated six hours to answering every question raised, demonstrating our commitment to transparency and good-faith bargaining. |
| Illegally threatening members with discipline and sending home from work for simply exercising their union right to wear union clothing, buttons and other union gear that allow workers to stand in solidarity.
|
King Soopers is committed to fair and lawful negotiations and fully supports our associates’ rights under the National Labor Relations Act. The Company will vigorously defend itself against these allegations. |
| Unlawfully insisting on gutting $8 million in retiree health benefit funds to pay for wage increases for active workers.
|
The Company’s proposal is not unlawful and does not “gut” the retiree health fund to pay for wages. We continue to provide for our associates’ health care both during their employment and in retirement. |
On January 16, we presented our Last, Best, and Final Offer, yet instead of allowing a vote or continuing discussions, the Union chose a picket line. No one wins in a strike— not in 2022, when the Union struck and lost $18 Million in value for their members, and not now. The best way forward is through negotiations, not disruption.
King Soopers remains ready to continue discussions and encourages the Union to return to the bargaining table to reach a resolution that benefits all parties.
About King Soopers/City Market
At King Soopers/City Market, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are 23,600+ associates who serve customers daily through a seamless shopping experience throughout Colorado. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
###