Union members start 2-week strike of King Soopers stores across metro Denver

Union members kicked off a two-week strike of King Soopers stores across metro Denver early Thursday morning to protest what they say were unfair labor practices during contract negotiations.

About 10,000 employees of the supermarket chain were expected to walk picket lines at 77 stores in Adams, Arapahoe, Broomfield, Denver, Douglas and Jefferson counties, as well as in Boulder and Louisville.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 has said staffing levels are a major issue for employees as well as a proposal to pull $8 million in retiree health benefit funds to pay for wage increases.

The union also claims that King Soopers has illegally interrogated union members about bargaining and surveilled members in discussions with union staff. Union officials said company negotiators haven’t provided information they need to make or consider contract proposals.

King Soopers President Joe Kelley said in a recent interview that the company gave union negotiators a comprehensive offer in early December and the union hasn’t reciprocated. He called on the union to allow members to vote on what he said was King Soopers’ final offer.

Bargaining ended when King Soopers contracts with the union expired Jan. 17. Union members in metro Denver, Boulder, Louisville, Colorado Springs and Pueblo voted last week to authorize a strike.

No strike has been announced yet for Colorado Springs and Pueblo employees. Kim Cordova, UFCW Local 7 president, said earlier this week that strike votes will likely be scheduled for King Soopers workers in Longmont, Fort Collins and Loveland when their contracts expire Feb.  15.

Votes could also be scheduled for union members at City Market stores. Cincinnati-based Kroger owns King Soopers and City Market.