Colorado Families Face Grocery Shortages as Safeway, Albertsons Workers Prepare to Strike

Colorado Springs, CO - In a move that threatens to disrupt grocery supplies across the state, workers at Safeway and Albertsons stores in Colorado have overwhelmingly voted to go on strike. The employees, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 7 union, are demanding higher wages and better benefits as the cost of living continues to soar for Colorado families.

The looming strike action comes as negotiations between the grocery giants and the union have stagnated, leaving local residents bracing for potential shortages and price hikes on essential food items. Some store locations reported unanimous votes in favor of the strike, underscoring the deep frustrations felt by hardworking Coloradans struggling to make ends meet.

"This isn't just about us - it's about supporting our families and communities," said Samantha Rodriguez, a 12-year veteran cashier at a Safeway in Denver. "Grocery prices are already sky-high, and a strike will only make it harder for Colorado parents to put food on the table."

The potential strike follows on the heels of the ongoing King Soopers labor dispute, which has already disrupted shopping for many Denver metro residents. Industry analysts warn that a combined walkout at Safeway and Albertsons could create a perfect storm of grocery shortages, leaving rural and suburban Coloradans struggling to find essential items.

• Safeway and Albertsons operate over 150 stores across Colorado, employing thousands of local residents
• UFCW Local 7 represents 17,000 grocery workers statewide, many of whom live paycheck-to-paycheck
• A prolonged strike could force some smaller, independent grocers to close due to supply chain disruptions

Small business owners and community leaders are urging both sides to return to the negotiating table before a strike cripples Colorado's grocery industry. With inflation already squeezing family budgets, the prospect of bare shelves and skyrocketing prices has many local residents worried about the impact on their quality of life.

"This isn't just about unions versus corporations - it's about ensuring Colorado families can afford to put food on the table," said State Senator Jack Tanner. "We need both sides to come together and find a solution that works for our hardworking neighbors."

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