Press Release
King Soopers Calls for Agreement to Ensure Stability for Associates & Customers; Invites Union to Negotiate for Fair Wages

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Denver, CO (February 15, 2025) – King Soopers formally requested UFCW Local 7 enter into an agreement that would ensure stability for associates, customers and the communities we serve while negotiations continue. This agreement would allow both parties to focus on reaching a new contract without the ongoing uncertainty associated with work stoppages.

“Let’s be clear—this work stoppage has never been about wages, healthcare, or pensions. Instead, the Union is using unsubstantiated unfair labor practice claims as a tactic to create unnecessary disruption and uncertainty. Our associates deserve stability, and our customers rely on us for affordable groceries—not ongoing turmoil,” said Joe Kelley, King Soopers/City Market Division President.

“We respect our associates’ right to make their own choices, and we ask UFCW Local 7 to do the same,” said Kelley. “The only place an agreement happens is at the bargaining table when both parties operate in good faith. That is why we remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that supports our associates with competitive wages and benefits while keeping groceries affordable for Colorado customers. On January 16^th we provided the Union with our last, best and final offer and their members, our associates, deserve the opportunity to vote our offer that puts more money in their paychecks.”

The Union has publicly stated additional strike activity could be called if a new agreement is not reached soon after the current work stoppage ends. King Soopers is ready to reach an agreement, but the Union has made no indication of returning to the bargaining table. Our associates deserve the ability to return to work with confidence, and our customers deserve the security of knowing their neighborhood stores will remain open.

By committing to an agreement that reduces disruption and provides our associates with a freer choice to work, both parties can place their energy on constructive negotiations and reaching a new contract as quickly as possible. King Soopers remains committed to its goal of exhausting its good faith efforts to secure a new deal.  Without the Union’s firm commitment to bargain without continued uncertainty and disruptions, King Soopers must consider other potential options geared toward the end of promptly reaching a fair agreement —one that provides excellent wages and benefits, protects the long-term stability of our business and the livelihoods of our associates, and keeps grocery prices affordable.

The company has made multiple attempts to reach a fair settlement, meeting with the union 13 times to seek an agreement. To date the Union has not responded with any substantive offer, has not provided a wage proposal and has made no request to return to the bargaining table.

Our priority remains reaching an agreement that provides fair wages and affordable groceries, and we remain committed to bargaining in good faith. We urge Local 7 to join us at the bargaining table in prioritizing stability for our associates and customers.

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 22,300+ 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.

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