The union representing Portland Fred Meyer workers may call for a strike as a tactic at the bargaining table
Union members voted late last week to call a temporary strike if necessary as union leaders and representatives from Fred Meyer’s parent company, Kroger, began collective bargaining. In this Dec. 17, 2021, file photo, about 4,500 workers are seen at Fred Meyer stores in the Portland area, including the store in Hawthorne in southeast Portland.
Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB
Late last week, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 voted for approval a possible, time-limited strike at 28 stores in the Portland area, if necessary. This will take place while union leaders and representatives of Fred Meyer’s parent company, Kroger, sit at the bargaining table. About 4,500 Fred Meyer workers in the metropolitan area are represented by the union.
The local union also withdrew its support for Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons, citing information that came to light during the negotiation process. Until then, it was the only section of the international union UFCW to support the merger of the two major grocery chains.
“Kroger’s continued failure to meet its obligations in the current contracts despite being given every opportunity is disappointing,” Dan Clay, president of UFCW Local 555, said in a statement. “Their abhorrent decisions at the bargaining table have disappointed both their workers and their customers.”
The merger would impact Kroger and Albertsons stores across the country and would likely mean closures and sell-offs in Oregon and elsewhere. The deal still needs to be approved by the federal government.
In February, the Federal Trade Commission sued to block the $24 billion dealand described it as anti-competitive.
“However, a merged Kroger/Albertsons would gain more influence over workers and their unions – to the detriment of workers, the FTC contends,” the agency wrote. “The merged Kroger and Albertsons would have more power to impose substandard conditions on unionized grocery workers, slowing wage improvements, reducing benefits, and potentially worsening working conditions.”
Kroger management criticized the FTC’s action, arguing that it would harm both workers and consumers overall.
“Kroger has a proven track record of lowering prices so more customers can enjoy fresh, affordable food,” the company said. said in a statement to the FTC“and our planned merger with Albertsons will mean even lower prices and more choice for American consumers.”
