Tensions are boiling over at King Soopers stores across Colorado’s Front Range as 10,000 workers prepare to strike on Thursday at 5 a.m. With negotiations stalled, United Food & Commercial Workers Local 7 and the company remain divided over key issues such as wages and staffing.
The impending strike affects 77 King Soopers locations, prompting the grocery chain to make contingency plans. According to King Soopers President Joe Kelley, about 1,500 temporary workers have been trained and are ready to step in. However, with nearly 10,000 employees potentially walking off the job, stores are expected to face operational challenges. Store hours will be reduced, with closures at 8 p.m. and pharmacies shutting at 7 p.m. if the strike lasts for the planned two weeks.
Central to the conflict is the issue of wages. Many workers argue that the rising cost of living has outpaced their paychecks, leaving them unable to achieve financial independence. Chris Lacey, a front-end supervisor, shared his struggle to make ends meet despite his full-time position.
“I make enough money to afford a vehicle, but not enough to live on my own,” said Lacey, who still lives with his mother. “I’m 38 years old. The American Dream has shifted from what it was.”
Lacey’s concerns extend beyond wages. He emphasized the store’s chronic staffing shortages, which have made it difficult to meet customer needs.
“I’m spreading myself thin to make sure the demands of the business are met,” he explained. “We just don’t have enough staff to do that. I pride myself on the work I do, and I think that should be reflected in our staffing levels. And it’s just not.”
The understaffing issue, according to Lacey, affects nearly every aspect of store operations. “We don’t have enough people to stock shelves, cashier orders, or bag groceries,” he added.
Kelley pushed back on claims of inadequate staffing, asserting that the company has significantly increased its workforce since the COVID-19 pandemic. “Our staffing is 3,000 to 4,000 people better than it was pre-COVID,” Kelley stated. He also noted that the company’s turnover rate is at a four-year low.
However, Kelley criticized union President Kim Cordova for not presenting a formal staffing proposal. “Our staffing model is constantly evolving, and we’re always hiring people,” he said. “We have a responsibility to our customers, communities, and shareholders to run our business effectively.”
Negotiations, which have been ongoing for over three months, appear to have reached a breaking point. The union has accused the company of failing to provide crucial data on pricing and staffing, further complicating discussions.
For workers like Lacey, the strike represents both a last resort and a statement of loyalty to the company. Despite his frustrations, he expressed a deep commitment to King Soopers.
“I don’t want to go anywhere else,” Lacey said. “I love this corporation and what I do. I don’t want to be forced out because I’m asking for more staff.”
As the strike deadline looms, both sides remain entrenched in their positions. Kelley reiterated that the company must balance the needs of employees with its financial obligations. Meanwhile, union leaders have vowed to continue fighting for better wages and working conditions.
If the strike proceeds as planned, it will be one of the largest labor actions in Colorado in recent years. Customers are being advised to prepare for potential disruptions in-store operations, including reduced hours and longer wait times.
With negotiations at a standstill, the next steps remain uncertain. Workers are ready to take to the picket lines, demanding that their voices be heard. Whether the strike leads to a resolution or prolonged tensions, the coming days will be pivotal for both employees and management at King Soopers.
