Workers at 77 King Soopers stores on Colorado’s Front Range are preparing to go on strike due to disagreements with the company over wages and staffing levels. The strike, involving around 10,000 workers, is set to begin at 5 a.m. on Thursday with no resolution in sight. Workers are demanding cost-of-living increases and more staff to handle the demands of the business, with concerns about not having enough people to stock shelves, cashier orders, and bag orders.
King Soopers President, Joe Kelley, claims the company has hired temporary workers and is continually adding staff, but workers argue that they are still understaffed. Negotiations have been ongoing for over three months, with the union saying the company has not responded to requests for data on pricing and staffing. The company maintains that margins are smaller than before, and they have a responsibility to their customers, communities, and shareholders.
Front end supervisor, Chris Lacey, expressed his desire to stay with the company but emphasized the need for more staff. He mentioned struggles with affording to live on his own despite working for the corporation. The strike is expected to result in shortened store hours, with pharmacies closing at 7 p.m. if the strike lasts for two weeks. Workers are prepared to picket if the strike moves forward, with concerns about not being able to meet the demands of the business and take care of customers.
