A labor dispute between King Soopers and its workers has escalated into a strike just as major retail days approach. With accusations flying and negotiations stalling, both sides remain firm in their stance.
Tensions Rise Over Alleged Fund Misuse
Union members claim King Soopers, owned by grocery giant Kroger, misused $8 million in retiree health care benefit funds to cover wage increases. This allegation, one of the key reasons for the strike, has intensified the standoff between the union and management.
Joe Kelley, president of City Market and King Soopers, strongly denied the accusations, pointing to a lack of findings from the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB).
“The National Labor Relations Board has not found us to have committed an unfair labor practice during these negotiations,” Kelley stated, refuting claims that the company acted unlawfully.
Strategic Timing of the Strike?
Beyond the financial allegations, the timing of the strike has added to the controversy. With the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day around the corner, King Soopers leadership argues the union deliberately chose a critical sales period to exert pressure.
Kelley directly blamed UFCW Local 7 President Kim Cordova, saying, “She did it so that she could affect us at a very busy time.”
The strike involves employees in Jefferson, Boulder, Denver, and Pueblo counties, though unionized City Market stores in Grand Junction and Fruita have not joined the walkout.
Stalled Negotiations Leave Workers in Limbo
While King Soopers has extended a final offer to the union, it has yet to be put to a vote. The company argues that workers deserve a chance to weigh in, but the union leadership has not facilitated a decision.
Kelley insists the strike isn’t about core employment issues, saying, “This is not about wages, health care, or pension. It’s about a union president who’s not doing the right thing for their associates and putting the offer in front of them.”
The union, for its part, has not publicly addressed why the offer has not been brought to a vote.
What Comes Next?
The longer the strike drags on, the more impact it will have on shoppers and workers alike.
- Grocery chains typically see a surge in sales ahead of major events like the Super Bowl and Valentine’s Day. The strike could disrupt shopping patterns and push customers to competitors.
- Workers who remain on strike risk losing income while negotiations remain stalled.
- If the NLRB ultimately finds any wrongdoing, King Soopers could face legal consequences, though no ruling has been issued so far.
With neither side budging, shoppers and employees are left in the middle of a heated dispute with no resolution in sight.
