Safeway Workers Expand Strike Across Colorado Amid Contract Dispute

Safeway workers across Colorado, including locations in Greeley, Boulder, Colorado Springs, and Fort Morgan, have joined a growing strike organized by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 demanding better wages, benefits, and staffing levels. The strike, which has spread to more than twenty stores, is fueled by frustrations over unfair labor practices, healthcare plan concerns, and contract negotiations that have lasted months without resolution. Safeway and its parent company Albertsons, which reported substantial profits last year, have engaged in negotiations but have not reached an agreement, with union leaders accusing the company of attempting to cut retiree health funds to fund wage increases. Safeway maintains it is negotiating in good faith and claims its current proposals are competitive within the industry. The strike has resulted in reduced store hours and disruptions, with some customers showing support while others avoid picketing stores. Union members hope the expanding strike will pressure Safeway to meet their demands and return to the bargaining table.