Colo. Safeway, King Soopers workers reject latest contract offer, ask for more talks

Safeway, King Soopers workers reject contract

DENVER — A union representing Colorado grocery workers says members statewide have voted to reject the latest contract offers from Safeway and the Kroger Co.’s King Soopers and City Market chains.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 said Tuesday that Safeway workers also voted to reauthorize a strike if the company doesn’t offer better wages and retirement benefits. The workers have asked the company to return to the bargaining table.

UFCW Local 7 didn’t release vote totals.

Safeway spokeswoman Kris Staaf says the chain is disappointed by the vote and is reviewing its options.

The union represents about 17,000 workers at Safeway, King Soopers, City Market and Albertsons. Albertsons workers are seeking more talks.