Smith's grocery store employees threaten to strike

[left-of-center2012]

Smith's grocery store workers are threatening to strike.
The local union is in the middle of negotiations with Kroger Corp. The contract is up Jan. 30.

Greg Frazier, president of the local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union said they're asking for an additional $2 an hour for every employee and increased security at Smith's locations.

Smith’s Food & Drug Corporate Affairs Manager Aubriana Martindale sent KOB 4 a statement saying:

“Smith’s is negotiating with UFCW, which is an essential part of the collective bargaining agreement, before it reaches its expiration. Smith’s looks forward to continuing to negotiate in good faith a contract that puts more money in our associates’ pockets, maintains industry-leading healthcare and a retirement for our associates’ future. We will continue to balance our desire to invest in our associates, while keeping groceries affordable for our customers and maintaining a sustainable business for the future. Our associates are the most important piece of our business and we will continue to negotiate for an agreement that is in the best interest of our people.”

When Jan. 30 gets here, the employees can decide if they want to accept what's being offered at that time. If they don't, they could move to strike. It would take a two-thirds vote. That would mean they stop working and ask others to stop shopping at those stores.

https://www.kob.com/albuquerque-news/smiths-grocery-store-employees-threaten-strike-in-new-mexico/6366526/?cat=500