### Kroger and Albertsons Workers Vote Overwhelmingly to Authorize Strike

Thousands of workers at Kroger and Albertsons grocery stores, represented by the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) 3000, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike. This decision comes after nearly half a year of negotiations at the bargaining table.

The union, encompassing almost 30,000 grocery employees at chains like Fred Meyer, QFC, and Safeway, rejected the latest contract proposal from their employers with more than 97% voting against it. Workers are pushing for better wages, increased staffing, and fully funded healthcare plans to enhance the service quality for their customers.

Vickie Logerstedt, a cashier at Redmond Ridge QFC, expressed the workers' frustrations, stating, "We authorized a strike to fight for better wages, better staffing, and a fully funded healthcare plan so that we can deliver the kind of service our customers deserve. We have been more than patient for months, but these companies have offered nothing but crumbs and mealy language. Time has run out."

In response to the union's decision, Kroger emphasized its commitment to achieving a resolution through negotiations. "We remain actively engaged in bargaining with UFCW 3000 because we believe the best outcomes are achieved at the table, not through disruption," a spokesperson for Kroger said.

The contract covering these grocery store workers, which initially ended in May, was extended to facilitate ongoing negotiations. However, as the workers voiced their dissatisfaction, the possibility of a strike looms. The next negotiation sessions are scheduled for June 12 and 13. A strike could be initiated after a 72-hour notice period if the disagreements remain unresolved.

Todd Kammeyer, president of Fred Meyer, criticized the strike authorization as disruptive and unnecessary given the company's offer of significant wage increases and industry-leading healthcare benefits. He emphasized Fred Meyer's dedication to continuing the negotiations in good faith.

Despite the authorization to strike, stores like Fred Meyer and QFC plan to remain open while both parties return to the bargaining table with the hope of reaching an agreement.