DENVER (KDVR) — King Soopers workers ratified what the union called an “industry-leading contract” with the grocer after months of contentious negotiations and a 10-day strike.
The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 called the three-year agreement “the most significant wage increase ever secured by a UFCW local for grocery workers.” The union said it ensures the essential workers are “respected and protected in the workplace and compensated with wages they deserve.”
Union workers received and voted on the contract Monday. According to the union, here’s what the deal includes:
- first-year wage increases for long standing employees
- wage increases in excess of $5 per hour for some workers
- better healthcare and protected pension benefits
- more stringent safety measures in the workplace to protect employees and customers
- new paths to full-time employment opportunities for King Soopers and City Market workers
More than 8,000 workers at 78 stores in the Denver metro went on strike Jan. 12 with the intent to negotiate an “industry-leading contract.” The strike ended on Jan. 21.
Kim Cordova, UFCW Local 7 president, released this statement on behalf of the union:
“From the beginning of this process, we promised our members that we would procure the very best contract we could. We are excited that our members voted overwhelmingly to ratify this industry-leading contract that will ensure King Soopers will respect and protect Essential Workers as well as pay them fairly.
“Getting here has been arduous. Full credit goes to the bargaining committee and workers who made their voices heard through negotiating, standing united at the picket line, or sharing their stories with the media. This fight was always about them, and now they have a contract they deserve and can be proud of.
“This would not have been possible without the support of our allies throughout Colorado and across the country. To those who stood alongside our members, honored the picket line, and showed up in solidarity, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Kim Cordova, presdident of UFCW Local 7
In a statement, King Soopers and City Marker President Joe Kelley said, “Our goal since day one has been to put more money in our associates’ paychecks and we are thrilled that our associates in the Denver metro bargaining area have voted yes on this offer.”