King Soopers union pushes to extend labor talks

Denver, Colo. As King Soopers employees remain deadlocked with the grocer regarding pension benefits and compensation, the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 7 asked the chain for another contract extension.

The union asked for an unconditional 10-week extension, which would override an original deadline set to expire on Saturday. King Soopers, a division of Kroger Co., Cincinnati, declined the 10-week suggestion and offered a deadline of June 15, as well as the option of a 24-hour lockout if a strike ensues, which the union rejected.

The union represents approximately 17,000 supermarket associates across King Soopers, Safeway and Albertsons who are working with contracts that expired on May 9.

While all contracts seem to have similar terms, retailers are handling negotiations differently. Safeway for example, has extended contracts until June 15 and is planning to resume chats with the union next week, according to Safeway spokeswoman Kristine Staaf.

Albertsons workers are reportedly working under terms of the last contract.

The union is fighting against 50% cuts in pension benefits, as well as the elimination of a two-tier pay scale that compensates employees hired after May, 2005 to earn $1 less per hour for the same jobs. They are also not being offered pension benefits and have reduced health plans.