Tigard, Oregon – Portland Metro area Fred Meyer workers have voted to authorize an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike, with overwhelming support. The vote took place over August 13-16 at various locations throughout the region. The call for a ULP strike is in response to multiple ULPs committed by Fred Meyer, a subsidiary of national retail food giant, The Kroger Co. There are approximately 4,500 union represented workers at affected Fred Meyer locations.
At the time of this writing, no date for a ULP strike has been selected. The vote authorizes Local 555 Leadership to call for a ULP strike to encourage Fred Meyer to follow Federal labor laws.
In addition to authorizing a strike, UFCW Local 555 has pulled its support for the Kroger Albertsons merger.
“While our Local was the only Local to publicly support the merger of Kroger and Albertsons, we have changed our position as a result of new information as part of the bargaining process. Korger’s continued failure to not live up to their commitments in current contracts while being given every opportunity is disappointing. Their obnoxious decisions at the bargaining table have let down both their workers and their customers. We’ve had no other option but to file a federal lawsuit on the matter and withdraw our support for the merger.” Dan Clay, President, UFCW Local 555.
Additionally, on August 15, Kroger issued a press release, saying that “Fred Meyer Delivers on Their Promise to Accelerate Associate Wages.”
“For Fred Meyer to say they have delivered on “Their Promise to Accelerate Associate Wages” is misleading at best. They have not agreed to any increases other than those negotiated by UFCW 555 as a result of the 1-day strike in 2021. They have a proven track record of not living up to their obligations, and are falling short at the bargaining table. In fact we were forced to file a federal lawsuit asking the courts to force Fred Meyer to live up to their commitments in the current contracts with UFCW 555. As a result, we are no longer in support of the Kroger-Albertsons merger for Oregon, Idaho and Washington.” Miles Eshaia, Communications Coordinator, UFCW Local 555.
Negotiations with Fred Meyer are ongoing and will continue on August 19th.