Tigard, Oregon – Almost a year-and-a-half ago, Fred Meyer and QFC stopped paying hourly
hazard pay. In the time since then, workers have continued to deal with the pandemic, while the
company has enjoyed record profits. The hazard never ended.

Fast forward to today, Fred Meyer and QFC continue to refuse to deliver the wage increases
that workers deserve. We are asking for substantial wage increases to be able to afford to live in
the community we take care of. The company is currently offering long term employees a 50
cent raise for the next 2 years, and a 40 cent raise on the third year of the contract. They have
not offered any raises for a vast majority of employees.

“After nearly two years of breaking labor law to continue paying their employees less, Fred
Meyer has upped the ante by systematically ignoring the law and trampling on employee rights.
It’s absurd, and abhorrent.” said Dan Clay, President of UFCW Local 555.

“Fred Meyer’s callous disregard for their own essential workers is stunning considering the
sacrifice these employees have made throughout the pandemic. While so many were able to
stay safely in their own homes, essential grocery workers showed up to work helping feed our
communities. These employers should recognize their sacrifice by treating these workers with
the basic respect they deserve,” said Sandy Humphrey, Secretary Treasurer of UFCW Local
555.

On December 17, UFCW Members will be walking off the job in response to the Unfair Labor
Practices that Kroger continues to push, preventing our negotiations committee from getting the
contract that our members deserve.

“Fred Meyer and QFC’s continual disregard for the rules protecting their employees have left
members of UFCW Local 555 with no choice but to take action. All over the country, essential
workers are standing up and demanding to be treated fairly. And after facing the pandemic head
on, communities are standing with those who stood and risked infection to feed the communities
in which they live,” said Miles Eshaia, Communications Coordinator for UFCW Local 555.

The ULP strike will begin at 6 am, on December 17, 2021, and will end at 12:01 am on
December 24, 2021.