Over 8,000 workers at Kroger go on strike for better pay

• The workers at Kroger’s King Soopers in Denver started the strike at 7:00 a.m. ET and would continue for three weeks

• King Soopers stores remained open as the company hired temporary staff and also promoted online ordering

More than 8,000 workers at supermarket operator Kroger Co went on strike on Wednesday for better wages and more benefits.

The workers at Kroger’s King Soopers in Denver started the strike at 7:00 a.m. ET and would continue for three weeks, said UFCW Local 7.

King Soopers stores remained open as the company hired temporary staff and also promoted online ordering.

The workers demand an increase in wages of at least $6 per hour for all, while the company on Tuesday proposed raises of up to $4.50 per hour based on job classification.

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Company’s proposal

The company’s proposal provides for investment of $170 million in wages over the next three years, more healthcare benefits and a starting pay of $16 per hour.

King Soopers offered $18 per hour for the temporary working at location including Denver, Evergreen, Golden and Littleton, which is higher than the company’s proposal to its workers.

Workers in the United States have been demanding higher wages and better working condition since the Covid-19 outbreak and inflation push. Similar strikes by workers were held at Kellogg Co’s U.S. cereal plants and Deere & Co.

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Kim Cordova, the president of UFCW Local 7, said that the new base pay was only pennies more than Denver’s minimum wage.

Kroger said that it has hired temporary staff from across the country to replace the workers who are striking.

The company also reduced its delivery fees to $1 on online orders of more than $35 for a limited time to promote online orders. It also opened up alternative pickup locations.

Picture Credits: Reuters