Fred Meyer workers in Portland authorize strike

While the union that represents thousands of grocery workers continues to negotiate a new contract with Fred Meyer this week, a strike in Portland, Ore., is a real possibility.

The 4,500 workers voted to authorize a strike and are accusing the grocer of unfair labor practices. 

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 also said Kroger, which owns Fred Meyer, released a misleading statement that Fred Meyer had delivered on promised raises for employees. 

Miles Eshaia, a spokesperson for UFCW Local 555, said the only negotiated wage increase happened during a one-day strike in 2021. Eshaia added the union filed a federal lawsuit to get Fred Meyer to “live up” to commitments in current contracts. 

The fallout with the Portland workers has UFCW Local 555 pivoting on its support of the Kroger- Albertsons merger. The union said it no longer approves of the deal, after originally endorsing it.

“The union’s move to seek a strike vote authorization is premature, given our strong track record of investing in wages,” Fred Meyer said in an emailed statement to Supermarket News. “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.

Related:No Fred Meyer stores are included in Kroger, Albertsons deal with C&S

“We urge the union to return to the negotiation table (Monday).”