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.