Fred Meyer, QFC Strike Begins As Thousands Walk In Portland Area

Portland OR

17 December, 2021

10:50 AM

Description

PORTLAND, OR —More than 7,000 workers at Fred Meyer and QFC stores around Portland and the rest of the state walked off the job Friday morning. It's a week long strike against the two Kroger-owned stores. Workers will return to their jobs at 12:01 a.m. on December 24. "We are asking that you get substantial wage increases so you can afford to live in the community that you've sacrificed for over the past two years," the union representing the workers, United Food and Commercial Workers Loal 555, said in a statement to its members. "Almost a year-and-a-half ago, Fred Meyer / QFC stopped paying you hourly hazard pay. Since then, you have continued to deal with the pandemic, while the company enjoyed record profits. The hazard never ended for you." Fred Meyer and QFC say their stores will remain open throughout the strike. The stores have been advertising for temporary workers. Two years ago, the union had also authorized a strike but were able to reach a deal before a walkout started. The two sides have been negotiating since July 2021 on a new contract – even meeting over three days this week – but without success.