Colorado Safeway and Albertsons grocery store workers strike

After nine months of negotiations with Safeway and Albertsons, workers in Estes Park, Fountain, Pueblo, and a Denver distribution center will begin striking on Sunday morning. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 announced the strike, citing unresolved issues such as staffing, livable wages, and the protection of workers’ health and pension benefits.

Unlike the previous strike at King Soopers, this walkout will start on a smaller scale in just four Colorado cities to allow time for public awareness and to minimize disruption. However, the strike is expected to expand to more locations, including metro Denver, Boulder, Castle Rock, and other cities around the state.

Despite efforts to reach an agreement, including a contract extension and strike authorization votes, both parties were unable to find common ground. The strike, if extended to all participating stores, could become the second-largest this year in Colorado.

This strike marks the first time Safeway workers in the state have voted to walk out since 1996. The decision to strike follows alleged unfair labor practices and a tragic incident where two employees were killed by a driver at a picket line.

Other notable strikes in the area this year include Alamo Drafthouse employees and Lockheed Martin workers. UFCW Local 7, representing 23,000 members in Colorado and Wyoming, covers various industries such as grocery stores, food processing plants, and healthcare facilities.

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Originally Published: June 14, 2025 at 10:22 AM MDT