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Following strike, union now calls for shopper boycott of Fred Meyer stores in Portland, Oregon
Negotiations are expected to continue next week
2 Min Read
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 issued a press release on Thursday urging community support of the workers.Fred Meyer
After a six-day strike, some 4,500 grocery workers at Fred Meyer in Portland, Ore., are now calling for a shopper boycott to put continued pressure on contract negotiations.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 issued a press release on Thursday urging community support of the workers by not shopping at Fred Meyer stores until the two sides can agree on a new contract.
“Fred Meyer was held accountable [during the strike], and the company now understands just how many of its workers are committed to change,” said Miles Eshaia, communications coordinator for UFCW Local 555.
Negotiations are expected to continue on Sept. 11 and Sept. 12.
“We remain committed to returning to the bargaining table next week to reach a resolution that supports our associates and keeps groceries affordable to our customers,” a Fred Meyer spokesperson said in an emailed statement to Supermarket News. “The alleged allegations made by Local 555 should not be a deterrent to us reaching an agreement that will build on our industry-leading wages.”
UFCW Local 555 is accusing Fred Meyer of unfair labor practices and said the grocer is refusing to offer essential information for current negotiations.
Specifically, the union said the grocer has advertised to employees an offer of additional pension funding without presenting a proposal to increase pension funding during contract negotiations.The union filed an unfair labor practice charge against Fred Meyeron Aug. 20.
The union is also accusing Fred Meyer of failing to pay the current required pension contribution, a charge the grocer disputes.
Workers went on week-long strike on Aug. 28 before returning to work on Sept. 3. The union is calling the temporary protest a success.
The grocer said it has met with UFCW Local 555 at least 12 times to try and resolve issues concerning a new contract and has offered the following:
A $37 million investment in additional wages
An hourly wage rate increase of 8% in the first year and 17% over a three-year agreement
Hourly rate increases of $3.50 over the life of the contract, including $1.50 in year one, $1 in year two, and $1 in year three
Health care benefit improvements at no cost to associates
Continued funding of pension benefits
A bonus for all workers: $1,000 for less than one year of service, $2,000 between one and 10 years of service, $4,000 for those with 10 or more years of service
