Since negotiations began at the end of January, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) has been seeking significantly higher and equal pay, as well as sufficient staffing and working hours.
Amid a spiralling cost of living crisis, employees are demanding big corporations that have been posting record profits pay out higher wages. For the quarter ending October 31 2021, Kroger revenue hit $31.860 billion, a 7.19% increase year-over-year. Politicians including Elizabeth Warren, Bernie Sanders, and even President Joe Biden have expressed support for workers demanding higher pay.
In a statement, the UFCW said it would notify workers if the decision to strike was made.
The union said there was a significant disconnect between its proposal and the offer of an hourly increase of 60 cents by the grocers, including Ralphs, Albertsons, Pavilions and Vons.
Ralphs told Reuters that it hoped the UFCW would return to the bargaining table with renewed interest in reaching a fair deal.
