After States Sue to Block Proposed Albertsons + Kroger Mega Merger, Opposition Led By UFCW Local Unions Gains Momentum
Our coalition has been outspoken in its opposition to the proposed mega merger of Kroger and Albertsons since it was first announced by those companies in October of 2022. Over the last 16 months our opposition has both deepened and broadened. The revelations contained in the lawsuits filed by the Attorney General of Washington last month and the Attorney General of Colorado last week, have only increased our opposition to the proposed merger and further exposed the damage it would inflict on consumers, workers, and communities if it were allowed to proceed. The addition of the companies’ deeply flawed divestiture plan has likewise increased our opposition as we believe it would result in the closure of grocery stores in hundreds of communities. Again, we oppose this merger in the strongest terms possible, and remain hopeful for federal enforcement action to block it and protect consumers, workers and the public.
Background: In addition to our coalition’s volumes of actions and press statements over the past 16 months and actions by others in the NoGroceryMerger.com coalition, the below are statements from the two International Unions representing most unionized grocery store and grocery warehouse workers:
- Statement from UFCW International after a unanimous vote at the UFCW Convention to oppose the proposed merger:
- Statement from the Teamsters International in opposing the proposed divestiture (https://teamster.org/2023/12/teamsters-call-on-ftc-to-reject-kroger-albertsons-proposed-asset-sales-to-cs/)