### UFCW 367 Workers Vote to Authorize Strike, Demand Fair Treatment and Labor Law Compliance

In a decisive move, grocery workers in Pierce County, represented by UFCW 367, have voted in favor of an Unfair Labor Practice strike against major retailers Fred Meyer, QFC, Albertsons, and Safeway. This decision follows allegations of unfair labor practices by these companies, specifically citing failures to provide crucial information to union negotiators and limitations on workers' activities in front of some stores.

According to a Thursday evening release from UFCW 367, the action stems from demands for adherence to labor laws, fair treatment, and respect as the union negotiates a new three-year labor agreement. This local action coincides with similar strike authorization votes by tens of thousands of grocery workers represented by UFCW in Southern California, Colorado, and Seattle.

UFCW Local 367, which represents grocery and retail workers in South Puget Sound and Southwest Washington, could see the proposed strike impacting 37 stores and approximately 4,500 workers. Additionally, UFCW 3000 members have rejected their latest contract offers from employers. This union also includes thousands of employees at Fred Meyer, QFC, Albertsons, Safeway, Haggen, and Saars in Washington state.

Corporate reactions to the strike vote have varied. Fred Meyer and QFC officials issued a statement recognizing the union's vote but emphasized that it doesn't necessarily mean a strike is imminent and assured the public that their stores remain open. They stressed their commitment to reaching an agreement that both rewards associates and keeps groceries affordable for customers. Todd Kammeyer, President of Fred Meyer, commented that a strike at this point is "unnecessary and disruptive," pointing to meaningful wage increases and industry-leading healthcare as their offers on the bargaining table.

Joann Gardner, an Albertsons employee and UFCW Local 367 representative, expressed the workers' commitment to ensuring these companies engage in good faith bargaining. Gardner highlighted the workers' demands for the information necessary to negotiate honestly and the freedom to inform the public about their needs.

Fred Meyer, through its media representative, disputed the union's allegations of unfair labor practices and reaffirmed its continuation of good faith negotiations. They cited their current offer, which includes wage increases of up to 8.28% for top-rate associates over the life of the agreement, along with ongoing investment in healthcare and pension benefits.

The UFCW 367 website outlines workers' demands, which include wages and raises that match the cost of living, consistent scheduling to ensure healthcare qualification, and solutions to address understaffing and safety protocol enforcement.

As of now, no strike date has been set.