DENVER—Thousands of union workers at Safeway were voting Friday and Saturday on whether to authorize a strike as contract talks continue.
Contracts expire Saturday night for workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7.
Safeway said it has offered workers a five-year contract that includes an increase in pension contributions and some pay raises, plus a health and wellness plan. But union spokeswoman Laura Chapin said many workers won’t receive a raise and still face cuts in pension benefits.
UFCW Local 7 represents about 17,000 King Soopers, Safeway and Albertsons workers whose contracts are expiring.
King Soopers and workers were discussing a proposal to extend their contract while negotiations continue, King Soopers spokeswoman Diane Mulligan said Friday.
She confirmed that King Soopers has an agreement with Safeway that allows either chain to lock out employees if workers at the other chain go on strike.
“We signed this agreement to protect our companies, our customers and our employees’ jobs, in the event of a union strike,” she said.
Meanwhile, Gov. Bill Ritter issued a statement Friday night urging the workers and stores to “redouble their efforts” to reach an agreement on their contracts.
“These are tough economic times for all Colorado families, and I am deeply concerned about the impact of any labor action—a strike and/or a lockout of employees—on grocery workers and shoppers across the state,” Ritter said. “I know that both sides have spent many long, hard hours working through their issues, and I appreciate their commitment to reaching an agreement.”
