King Soopers grocery workers in the Denver metro area have launched a strike today, impacting customers and stores. Around 50 employees were seen picketing outside a Lakewood store, with some customers expressing support for the strike. The workers are demanding better wages and improved working conditions, with some departments like the deli and meat counters being closed as a result of the strike.
The strike comes at a crucial time, with the Super Bowl weekend and Valentine’s Day approaching, which are typically busy periods for King Soopers. The union is urging customers to shop at competitors like Safeway during the strike. Safeway stores saw an increase in customers during the previous strike in 2022.
Workers are complaining about understaffed departments, increased workloads, and insufficient wages. King Soopers has responded by hiring temporary workers to fill in during the strike. The union, UFCW Local 7, has instructed picketing workers not to speak to the media.
As negotiations between the union and King Soopers continue, the impact of the strike on stores and customers remains uncertain. Impacted stores will have temporary hours, and pharmacies will operate on limited schedules. Union leaders are planning to expand the strike to more stores over the next two weeks. King Soopers president, Joe Kelley, denies the allegations of unfair labor practices and expressed frustration over the strike.
