Grocery workers authorize strike

UFCW Local 367 represented grocery workers join thousands of fellow workers ready to strike if employers force their hand

TACOMA, WA (June 6, 2025) — After a packed open bargaining session and a day of voting, grocery workers in Pierce County represented by UFCW Local 367 authorized an unfair labor practice strike against Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway, and Albertsons by 97% Thursday evening. The workers — 4,500 strong, in 37 stores — gathered at four different voting locations across the county yesterday to cast their ballots.

Local 367 members have been bargaining with Kroger and Albertsons since April. Under the slogan “Wage Up, Staff Up.,” workers are demanding fair wages, more hours, and safe stores, including addressing understaffing, enforcing safety protocols, and ensuring management takes action to protect the safety of both workers and customers.

“My co-workers and I are committed to holding these companies accountable to bargain in good faith,” said Joann Gardner, a longtime Albertsons employee with over 40 years of service in a statement. “All we’re asking for is the information we need to negotiate honestly and the freedom to inform the public about our needs. Is that too much to ask?”

Photo: UFCW Local 367

Fellow WA grocery workers represented by UFCW 3000 as well as grocery workers in Colorado represented by UFCW 7 also announced successful strike authorization votes Thursday. Workers in California are likewise taking strike authorization votes this week. Kroger is also facing a strike threat from Teamster drivers in Georgia, who voted last week to authorize a strike in their fight for a first contract.

Member engagement and community support for the workers is strong. UFCW Local 367 has been holding open bargaining sessions, encouraging all members as well as labor and community supporters to show up in strength to sessions, making sure management knows Washingtonians stand with the workers.

And in May, the executive board of the Washington State Labor Council (WSLC) unanimously approved a resolution in support of the workers, committing the WSLC’s full support to the workers’ fight for a fair contract and affirming the Council’s support should workers be pushed to strike. The WSLC will “support their campaign up to and including a strike, and encourage affiliate locals and members to not cross picket lines, to provide information to the community to identify grocery stores not impacted by any campaign up to and including a strike as alternative places to shop during the dispute, and pledge to stand with grocery workers for as long as it takes to achieve a fair contract.”

TAKE A STAND: sign the 2025 Grocery Community Support Letter in solidarity with the workers.