Fred Meyer and QFC Grocery Workers Authorize Strike in Oregon and SW Washington

(Portland, OR) -- Retail workers in Oregon and Southwest Washington have voted in favor of going on strike. The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 says its members voted Saturday to authorize a strike against Fred Meyer and Quality Food Centers--both of which are owned by Kroger. The union says the chains disregard federal labor law, engage in unfair labor practices and have failed to negotiate in good faith.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 555 represents over 29,000 essential workers in Oregon and SW Washington. Workers in the area have been pushing for a new contract since July. The bargaining process is slated to resume this week; it's possible both parties may still avoid a full-on strike.