The leader of striking Oregon grocery workers argued the proposed merger would undermine unions ability to bargain, while a top Kroger labor relations official said unions would remain formidable even if the merger were approved.
By Kristine de Leon, oregonlive.comDozens of picketers were seen outside the Hollywood Fred Meyer store at 3030 Northeast Weidler Street in Northeast Portland Wednesday morning, August 28, 2024
Regulators from the Federal Trade Commission have made labor a pillar of their argument, saying allowing Kroger, parent of Fred Meyer and QFC, and Albertsons, which owns Safeway, to combine would create a monopoly on union grocery workers and undermine their leverage at the bargaining table. The union, which also represents workers at Albertsons stores, originally said it believed Kroger would be a preferable buyer to any viable alternatives.
He also said that Kroger’s bargaining team told the union that money to increase worker wages wouldn’t be available unless a merger with Albertsons were approved. Questioned by an attorney for Kroger, Clay testified that the union’s opposition to the merger “is not a reflection” of its opinion of C&S as a potential operator. The chain has agreed to maintain the union workforce in the unionized stores it acquired from the merger.
His testimony, though, suggested Fred Meyer and Kroger negotiators remain far apart in their contract talks.
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