Safeway, Albertsons Workers Begin Limited Strike in Colorado Cities

Safeway and Albertsons grocery workers in Colorado began a limited strike Sunday after nine months of stalled contract negotiations failed to address union demands regarding understaffing, livable wages, and protection of health and pension benefits. The initial walkout, organized by UFCW Local 7, targets stores in Estes Park, Fountain, Pueblo, and a Denver distribution center, with plans to expand to additional locations if negotiations do not progress. Union leaders cite ongoing unfair labor practices and accuse Safeway/Albertsons of bad faith bargaining, surveillance, and threats against workers. Safeway/Albertsons maintains it is negotiating in good faith and committed to a fair agreement for employees and customers. Additional strike authorization votes are planned this week in other Colorado cities, and the union aims to minimize hardship for both workers and shoppers by phasing the strike. The situation follows similar recent labor disputes in the Colorado grocery sector, highlighting broader tensions over worker conditions and benefits.