Portland-area Fred Meyer workers will vote on whether to authorize strike
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) — Portland-area Fred Meyer staff are planning to vote on whether to authorize a strike against the grocery chain.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 announced on Wednesday that the affected employees will begin casting their votes Tuesday, Aug. 13.
The union consists of over 35,000 workers in Oregon, Southwest Washington and Idaho, including 4,500 members who work at Fred Meyer. Although a “yes” vote wouldn’t immediately launch a strike for all employees, it would allow union leaders to call a strike if they fail to reach a deal with the company.
UFCW 555 alleged Fred Meyer has committed multiple unfair labor practices.
“Fred Meyer continues to violate the law and their commitments made to Local 555,” President Dan Clay said, in part, in a statement. “The most outrageous examples include refusing to provide essential information for current negotiations and refusing to process grievances, despite a longstanding history of doing so over the many decades between Fred Meyer and Local 555.”
According to Clay, the union has already filed a federal lawsuit urging the company to adhere to the terms of its contract.
Local 555 will continue negotiating with the grocery chain on Aug. 14 and 15.
In a statement, Fred Meyer spokesperson Tiffany Sanders said the company is “actively engaged” in the negotiations. She also said leaders are “confident” that the union’s allegations against the company will be unsubstantiated.
“We are committed to continuing negotiations in good faith and encourage the union to do the same on behalf of our dedicated associates,” Sanders added. “Our goal is to ensure our hardworking associates receive fair compensation, industry-leading healthcare, and a secure pension for their retirement. We value their contributions and are focused on rewarding them.”
The union has not selected a date for the potential strike.