‘Wage up, Staff up!’

Grocery workers represented by UFCW Local 367 are in a tough contract fight. Here’s how you can support them.

TACOMA, WA (May 8, 2025) — Grocery workers in the midst of a tough contract negotiation across the South Sound are calling on the community to stand with them as they fight for a fair contract from Kroger and Albertsons.

United under the slogan, ‘Wage up, Staff up,’ bargaining began in April, with UFCW Local 367 members from across the region coming together in Tacoma. Like their counterparts across the U.S., grocery workers in Washington are facing chronic understaffing, a rising cost of living, and low wages — all while major grocery chains report record-setting profits.

UFCW Local 367 is engaging in open bargaining, where all bargaining unit members are invited to attend bargaining sessions and see first-hand what’s happening at the table. 367 is also sharing details of offers and counteroffers on their website, radical transparency for the membership. It’s the first time an open bargaining strategy has been used in the Local’s 100 year history, according to UFCW Local 367 president Michael Hines. By packing the room, members are both demonstrating the power of their solidarity and making sure the companies know that the employees — whose labor generates their profits — are watching.

Workers held an informational picket on May 3. Photo: UFCW Local 367

Despite this show of strength, these massive grocery companies are digging in. In the most recent update on the union’s website, the bargaining team reports that the companies are bringing counterproposals to the table that would weaken overtime protections, alter the “no strikes or lockouts” clause, and introduce job role takeaways and third-utilization changes.

In response, workers held an informational picket on May 3, getting the word out to the public and ramping up pressure on the companies to get serious at the table. For the membership, the companies’ delays only strengthen their determination to win a fair contract.

The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for May 28 and 29, per the union.

TAKE A STAND: sign the 2025 Grocery Community Support Letter in solidarity with the workers. Make clear to these companies that Washington is a union state and the community stands with the workers.