By: Madelynn Loring, Staff Writer
King Soopers workers, as part of the UFCW Local 7 labor union, have voted to approve a contract with the Kroger corporation, effectively ending their first strike since 1966. The signed contract addresses rising concerns from employees about work safety and wage stagnation. It includes pay raises for all employees between an additional $2 to $5.99 an hour and more full-time positions to be filled by existing part-time employees. The contract, approved on January 24 by 95% of voting union members, also includes provisions for increased safety for these essential workers throughout the pandemic, as well as eventual increases in disability and medical benefits.
The fact that King Soopers workers went on strike in the first place is hardly surprising. I was very nearly one of them, as I almost accepted a position as a bakery clerk at the King Soopers on Sheridan Boulevard last fall. The interview process was strenuous, and I had to sign a stack of paperwork as thick as the Bible before they would even give me the wage associated with my job offer. And, when they did, I was shocked. I have been baking since I was four, and, at the time, had six months of professional experience, specifically in food service. The woman who ran HR was delighted to tell me that because I had so much experience, I qualified for a higher starting wage. Evidently, my “stellar” interview and experience was not even worth 50 cents over the minimum wage. They also demanded that their part time employees work between 20 and 30 hours a week, with no exceptions. Even the benefits they offered, such as tuition reimbursement, were thinly veiled attempts to trap employees into long term contracts in the company. The compensation offered to me in turn for assuming the rigid schedule and stress of an essential job during the ongoing pandemic is what ultimately led to me rejecting their offer. Quite frankly, it was obvious that the reason they even had positions open was because they refused to properly pay their workers and respect their lives, both inside and outside of the workplace.
Upon reflection of my own experience, but more importantly, the testimonies of current and former employees, the contract won by UFCW Local 7 is a huge victory for workers’ rights. Union membership has been declining in recent years, but the success of the strike at King Soopers clearly exhibits the necessity of unions. Kim Cordova, president of UFCW Local 7 has hailed this agreement as “industry-leading,” adding that she hopes the success of the strike will inspire other workers to combat unfair labor practices within their workplaces. With economic inequality on the rise, and seemingly apathetic law makers in office, the only people workers can count on to fight for their rights are the workers themselves, so it is critical that we as a society continue to encourage and support unions and their fight for economic justice.