Some 200 workers in King Soopers’ produce and perishable-food warehouse are threatening to strike when their labor contract expires Saturday night.
The workers are employed by third-party vendor Atlas Logistics. A contract between the company and members of Teamsters Local Nos. 435 and 537 was to have expired Sept. 17 but was extended to 11:59 p.m. Saturday.
Customers aren’t likely to notice an interruption if workers strike because the company has a contingency plan in place, said Kelly Berens, a labor attorney for Atlas Logistics.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, officials from both unions said they are concerned about maintaining seniority rights, the existing grievance and arbitration process and “certain fringe benefits.” Berens declined to discuss the specifics of the company’s offer but said many aspects remain the same as the previous contract.
Earlier this month, the Teamsters reached new labor agreements with Advantage Logistics, which employs workers in King Soopers’ nonperishable warehouse; Transervice, which employs King Soopers transportation workers; and with Safeway.
Should the Atlas employees strike, unionized grocery workers at King Soopers stores have the right to refuse to cross picket lines, although they are not required to do so, said Dave Minshall, a spokesman for United Food and Commercial Workers Local No. 7, which represents employees in King Soopers stores.
In a separate contract negotiation, UFCW Local No. 7 and Service Employees International Union Local No. 105, today will announce the results of a new five-year labor deal with Kaiser Permanente. The unions represent 3,165 workers.
Staff writer Kristi Arellano can be reached at 303-820-1902 or karellano@denverpost.com.
