Press Release
King Soopers Stands with Colorado Associates and Communities Against Union’s Unlawful Agenda

Company files lawsuit in response to Union’s federal labor law violations

Denver, CO (February 10, 2025) – King Soopers is taking a stand to protect its associates, customers, and Colorado communities from a union-driven agenda that prioritizes out-of-state special interests over the hardworking people who call this state home.

On Friday, February 7, King Soopers filed a federal lawsuit against UFCW Local 7 for unlawfully forcing the Company to bargain with labor unions from Washington and California – that do not represent its associates – to push an impermissible agenda at the bargaining table. Rather than negotiating in good faith for its Colorado members, the Union has chosen to serve the interests of outside groups with no stake in the well-being of King Soopers associates or the communities they serve.

“Our associates work hard every day to serve their neighbors and families in Colorado. They deserve a union that puts them first, not one that prioritizes a strategy orchestrated by out-of-state special interests,” said Joe Kelley, President of King Soopers. “We’re committed to a fair contract that delivers real wage increases, affordable healthcare, and pension stability—just like we always have. But we won’t be pressured by illegal actions that hurt our stores, our associates, or the communities that rely on us.”

King Soopers has proposed a Last, Best, and Final Offer that includes:

• $180 million in additional wages for associates.
• A $4.50 per hour wage increase for top-rate associates over the life of the contract.
• Pension stability to protect retirement security.
• Comprehensive, affordable healthcare benefits.

Despite these significant investments, Local 7 is pushing for demands that are influenced by unions in Washington and California—unions that do not represent King Soopers associates.

“Colorado deserves better. Our associates deserve a union that fights for them, not one that’s distracted by out of state interests,” Kelley continued. “We urge Local 7 to return to the bargaining table and put Colorado associates first.”

King Soopers remains committed to negotiating a fair contract that rewards associates while keeping groceries affordable for customers. The Company is calling on the Union to end its unlawful tactics and refocus on what truly matters—the people of Colorado.

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.

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