Employees in Boise and Nampa Approve Strike Authorization
BOISE, ID — Albertsons employees in the Treasure Valley have voted to authorize a strike over alleged unfair labor practices, according to union officials representing the workers.
Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 555 voted over the weekend to approve the strike authorization. The union represents grocery employees across Oregon, southwestern Washington, Idaho, and Wyoming.
Allegations of Unfair Treatment Cited by Union
The strike vote stems from claims by the union that Albertsons violated federal labor laws. Among the allegations: the company reportedly threatened to terminate an employee following contract negotiations in retaliation for their role in advocating higher wages.
Union spokespersons stated that the authorization is a response to a pattern of behavior they believe undermines workers’ rights.
Albertsons Responds to Claims
In a statement, Albertsons said it is committed to constructive negotiations with UFCW Local 555 and respects the collective bargaining process.
“We are negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement that is fair to our employees, benefits our customers, and keeps our company competitive,” a spokesperson said. “The allegations of unfair labor practices are entirely without merit.”
No Strike Date Set, But Talks Continue
While the vote allows union leaders to call a strike if needed, no official work stoppage has been scheduled. Negotiations between Albertsons and UFCW Local 555 are set to resume on June 24.
The union is seeking wage increases to address cost-of-living pressures in Idaho, as well as stronger retirement protections for employees.
About UFCW Local 555
UFCW Local 555 represents more than 35,000 members across multiple sectors, including grocery, healthcare, and manufacturing. The union, originally chartered in 1936, is affiliated with the larger United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, which represents over 1.3 million workers.
