Fred Meyer, union at odds over wages as talks resume

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Not surprisingly, officials with Fred Meyer and leaders with the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 disagree about money.

Union leaders claim Fred Meyer refuses to share crucial information and process grievances that would aid in negotiations with the local union which represents 4,500 Portland metro Fred Meyer workers. That includes information about employees who were let go or disciplined.

The employees voted to authorize a strike, though no date for the strike is set.

In a statement to KOIN 6 News, Fred Meyer said, in part, "The union's move to seek a Strike Vote Authorization is premature, given our strong track record of investing in wages."

Miles Eshaia, the communications coordinator for UFCW Local 555, told KOIN 6 News they had a one-day strike in 2021.

"We forced Fred Meyer to give us what we think our workers needed. We negotiated those wage increases," Eshaia said. "We're not something Fred Meyer is doing out of the goodness of their heart."

This is happening on the heels of the union reversing its support on the Kroger-Albertsons merger. The union claims they see signs Fred Meyer will not keep promises made to support the workforce.

The Fred Meyer statement also said their "priority is to maintain a healthy business that allows us to increase associates’ wages, while keeping our doors open to serve customers with affordable food and essentials."

The strike authorization vote gives the union the green light to call for a strike if or when that time comes. Contract negotiations are scheduled to resume Monday.

KOIN 6 News will continue to follow this story.