DENVER -- The accidental deaths of two union picketers here prompted the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 to return to the bargaining table last week with representatives of King Soopers and Safeway. The talks resumed May 28. Local 7 called a strike against 55 King Soopers here and in Colorado Springs, Colo., on May 14. Because King Soopers and Safeway are negotiating as a single bargaining unit, Safeway subsequently locked the union out of 55 area stores. The deaths occurred May 24, when a 55-year-old woman lost control of her car and swerved across the street, hitting two women who were picketing outside a Safeway supermarket. The victims were Juanita Ramsey, a 51-year-old deli supervisor who had worked for Safeway for 16 years, and Jacqueline Novak, a 57-year-old meat wrapper who had worked for Safeway for 15 years.
Several hours after the accident, Gary Hakes, president of Local 7, asked a federal mediator to help the union reopen negotiations with the employers.
In a statement to local media, Hakes said, "Let each of us, out of respect for them and their families, rededicate ourselves to finding the compromise that will get all members of Local 7 back on their jobs."
Safeway officials closed the store where the accident occurred "until further notice out of respect for our employees and their families." "All of us at Safeway are shocked and deeply saddened by the tragic accident. Our prayers are with the accident victims, their families, their friends and their co-workers. During this very difficult time, we will do everything possible to be supportive of our employees," said John King, manager of Safeway's division here.
