Fred Meyer workers in Portland region announce week-long strike

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Fred Meyer workers across the region have announced their plans to go on a week-long strike starting Wednesday morning.

The strike, set to last through Tuesday, Sept. 3, will impact all grocery store locations in the Portland metro area as members of the union accuse the company of unfair labor practices.

Union members say Fred Meyer has refused to provide “essential information for current negotiations,” prompting the union to file a formal charge against the company on Aug. 20.

“Our members are united in demanding fair treatment, which can only be reached if Fred Meyer actually stands behind its public statements and is willing to fulfill all their obligations and legal requirements,” UFCW Local 555 President Dan Clay said. “Our membership came out in overwhelming support of this action and the community has our back.”

Communications Coordinator Miles Eshaia said the grocery chain has advertised to employees that they offered “additional funding for [their] pension,” without presenting a proposal to increase pension funding at the bargaining table.

“This dishonesty undermines the bargaining process and shows a blatant disregard for workers' rights,” Eshaia said.

Meanwhile, the union also accuses Fred Meyer of failing to pay the currently required pension contribution. UFCW Local 555 Secretary and Treasurer Sandy Humphrey said doing so was a “clear breach of contract.”

“Fred Meyer’s blatant refusal to pay the contractually agreed-upon pension contributions and their failure to address Local 555’s grievances have left us no choice but to file a lawsuit in Federal Court,” Humphrey said. “We are determined to hold them accountable and ensure they meet their obligations to our members.”

Negotiations are expected to continue on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.

KOIN 6 News has reached out to Fred Meyer for comment. In response, they sent us the following statement from Fred Meyer President Todd Kammeyer:

“Fred Meyer and Kroger respects our associates’ right to collectively bargain. The company believes associates should have a voice in choosing what is right for them and their families because the bargaining process ultimately impacts their paychecks. From the beginning it has always been our goal to put more money in our associates’ pockets.

"While the company supports our associates’ decision, Fred Meyer will remain open to serve the Portland community with access to fresh food, essentials, and pharmacy services.

"Protecting our associates’ right to collectively bargain is why it is so important to secure the future of unionized grocery stores in America, and that is exactly what Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons will do.

"If the merger is blocked the only winners will be non-union food retailers such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon.”