Fred Meyer Union Workers On Strike

Portland, Ore. –

Thousands of Fred Meyer employees in the Portland metro area are currently on strike, according to UFCW Local 555. The strike began Wednesday at 6 a.m. and will continue until 8 a.m. on Sept. 3, unless an agreement is reached.

The union, representing about 4,500 Fred Meyer employees, announced the strike after a vote earlier this month. The vote authorized the strike due to what the union describes as unfair labor practices during ongoing contract negotiations. UFCW Local 555 alleges that Fred Meyer management is engaging in wage discrepancies among stores and departments and is withholding essential information during negotiations. The union also claims grievances are not being processed.

In a statement, Dan Clay, president of UFCW Local 555, says the strike is intended to ensure Fred Meyer complies with its obligations to employees.

Fred Meyer’s president Todd Kammeyer says Fred Meyer and its parent company, Kroger, respects their employees right to collectively bargain, and that the grocery stores will stay open to serve the Portland community with food and pharmacy services.