Once again, UFCW Local 135 has heeded the call to lend solidarity to our UFCW union siblings in need. Last month we sent two Union Reps to Texas, this time we’re sending two to the great state of Colorado!
UFCW Local 135 Union Reps, Chris Lopez and Ricardo Corona, as well as Reps from other UFCW Locals, have been sent to Colorado to help members of UFCW Local 7 in their contract battle with King Sooper, a subsidiary of Kroger. Additional UFCW Local 135 Union Reps will rotate in, as needed.
More than 8000 union members from King Sooper locations in Denver, Parker, Boulder and Broomfield will be going out on an Unfair Labor Practices strike at 5am on Wednesday, January 12. This ULP strike will last for three weeks.
UFCW Local 7 filed a complaint last month with the National Labor Relations Board charging that Kroger violated the collective bargaining agreement by hiring non-union temporary workers. They have filed a total of five complaints against King Sooper, including for bargaining in bad faith, refusal to furnish information and coercive actions that include surveillance.
Meanwhile, as these workers get ready to go on strike for better wages, benefits, and safe working conditions, shares of Kroger stock hit a record high last week of $49.69 a share and currently sits at $47.55 (as this writing) with a Market Cap of over $35 billion.
Kroger has the capital to provide their workers at King Sooper, who served and sacrificed for their communities and country during the pandemic, with wages and benefits worthy of the value they bring to the company.
UFCW Local 135 Union Reps Chris and Ricardo are proud to stand in solidarity with their union siblings in Colorado. Their energy and experience as dedicated unionists will be a boon to those they are working on behalf of. We look forward to keeping our members updated on the work and efforts these two are contributing in Colorado.
