WHAT: Grocery store workers voice their concerns about the proposed megamerger at a listening session with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chair Lina Khan and Colorado State Attorney Philip J. Weiser. This event is hosted by UFCW Local 7 based in Denver, Colorado.

WHO: Union members from UFCW Local 7 (CO & WY), UFCW Local 3000 (WA & ID),  Local 770 (Southern CA), UFCW Local 5 (Northern CA), UFCW Local 324 (Orange County CA/Southern Los Angeles County), and UFCW Local 1564 (NM).

Interviews with workers can be arranged upon request from the media.  

WHEN:         Wednesday, November 1, at 12 noon MST (2 PM EST, 11 AM PST)

WHERE:       Mi Casa Resource Center, 345 S. Grove St. Denver, CO 80219.

Event will also be live-streamed (we will send follow up advisory with link by Wednesday morning)

Background:

Seven local UFCW unions –representing workers in over a dozen  states and the District of Columbia, and over 100,000 Kroger and Albertsons workers have been speaking out in opposition to the proposed megamerger of Kroger and Albertsons. Grocery store workers from these UFCW local unions will join federal and state regulators who are scrutinizing the proposed megamerger of Kroger and Albertsons. Union members and other experts will discuss the devastating impacts the proposed deal would have on local communities and will call on federal and state regulators to stop the merger. UFCW local unions have strongly opposed the proposed megamerger between Kroger and Albertsons since it was announced last year.

Recently, Kroger and Albertsons announced their plan to divest over 400 stores, distribution centers, and private label brands, among other assets.

The $24.6 billion deal is a reminder of the debacle where Albertsons bought Safeway in 2015 and subsequently sold off more than 100 stores to a chain called Haggen to help them pass antitrust review. In less than a year Haggen declared bankruptcy and 100+ stores were shut down, and thousands of workers were laid off.

Our highest priority is to ensure our members’ jobs, wages, pensions, and benefits are protected, and that communities and customers are protected with access to stores, food choices and fair prices. We will use every resource to enforce our collective bargaining agreements and protect our members.