Safeway, Albertsons Workers Across Colorado Authorize Strike Over Labor Disputes

Safeway and Albertsons workers across Colorado, represented by UFCW Local 7, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike following nine months of failed contract negotiations. The union accuses the companies of unfair labor practices, including retracting previously agreed-upon provisions for retroactive pay and benefit increases, and proposing cuts to healthcare and pension plans while ignoring chronic understaffing issues. Although both Safeway and Albertsons state they are negotiating in good faith and remain committed to reaching a fair agreement, union leaders argue the companies have walked away from a prior tentative deal and are bargaining in bad faith. The strike authorization covers workers in multiple cities, including Denver, Boulder, Pueblo, Grand Junction, and Steamboat Springs, with 99% of workers in metro Denver voting in favor. No specific strike date has been set yet, but the union must provide a 72-hour notice before any walkout. The labor dispute coincides with concurrent negotiations at King Soopers, highlighting broader tensions in Colorado's grocery sector.