Portland area Fred Meyer workers vote to authorize strike, citing unfair labor practices

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland Fred Meyer workers have officially voted to authorize a strike, claiming multiple unfair labor practices (ULPs) were committed by the grocery company.

This strike authorization also comes after the grocery workers union, UFCW Local 555, walked back its previous endorsement of a Kroger-Albertsons merger on Friday.

In a press release, the union noted they have been taking ULP strike authorization votes for expired contracts in Portland throughout the week.

In total, the union said there are approximately 4,500 workers at affected Fred Meyer locations throughout the region.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, UFCW Local 555 Communications Coordinator Miles Eshaia said, “On August 15, Kroger issued a press release, saying that ‘Fred Meyer Delivers on Their Promise to Accelerate Associate Wages.’”

“For Fred Meyer to say they have delivered on ‘Their Promise to Accelerate Associate Wages’ is misleading at best. They have not agreed to any increases other than those negotiated by UFCW 555 as a result of the 1-day strike in 2021. They have a proven track record of not living up to their obligations, and are falling short at the bargaining table. In fact, we were forced to file a federal lawsuit asking the courts to force Fred Meyer to live up to their commitments in the current contracts with UFCW 555. As a result, we are no longer in support of the Kroger-Albertsons merger for Oregon, Idaho and Washington,” Eshaia continued.

When reached out for comment on these recent developments, a spokesperson with Fred Meyer stated:

“The union’s move to seek a Strike Vote Authorization is premature, given our strong track record of investing in wages.

Our priority is to maintain a healthy business that allows us to increase associates’ wages, while keeping our doors open to serve customers with affordable food and essentials.

We urge the union to return to the scheduled negotiations on Monday and collaborate with us in good faith to secure the best possible outcome and stability for their members, our valued associates, without causing unnecessary disruption.”

The next bargaining session is slated for Aug. 19

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Jenna Deml

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