King Soopers and grocery workers strike ends for 100 days as bargaining resumes

Over 10,000 King Soopers employees in Colorado ended a two-week strike on February 18, 2025, after reaching a temporary agreement to resume negotiations. The workers, represented by UFCW Local 7, had initially walked off the job due to unresolved disputes regarding staffing shortages, wages, and working conditions. While no new contract was agreed upon, both parties established a 100-day period of labor peace, ensuring continued negotiations without further disruptions.

The strike, which started on February 6, impacted 77 stores in Denver and some locations in Pueblo. The union’s demands included better staffing to alleviate customer service challenges and more competitive wages. The dispute escalated with both sides filing unfair labor practices claims, but the workers' concern over losing healthcare benefits during the strike ultimately led them back to the bargaining table.

King Soopers had proposed wage increases of $4.50 per hour over four years, with benefits raising hourly compensation to $29.48 by 2028. The return-to-work agreement also stated that the company's final offer would remain negotiable, signaling ongoing discussions between the union and the grocery chain.