Grocery Workers Union Calls for a Boycott of Local Supermarket Chain Fred Meyer

The Pacific Northwest’s grocery unionizing effort is fully in the weeds now: A local grocery union that represents workers across Oregon and Southwest Washington is calling for a boycott of Fred Meyer stores, Oregon Public Broadcasting reports.

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555, which includes grocery store employees from Safeway, Albertson’s. Fred Meyer, and QFC, says union members are reporting union-based harassment at various Fred Meyer stores: Union communications director Kelley McAllister told OPB that managers at certain Fred Meyer locations have “threatened and harassed” union members, insinuating that they’re worthless and easily replaceable. Fred Meyer told the radio station that these claims are a “misrepresentation” of the company and its managers, and that a boycott will only hurt employees and help non-union competitors.

This recent development comes after months of rising tensions between the company and its union, who have been at a relative standstill as they negotiate a contract for union employees. At the end of August, the union decided to cancel all contract extensions because of the lack of progress. Earlier this month, the Portland Mercury shared photos of advertisements at a local Fred Meyer chain, seeking replacement workers in the event of a strike. The union has filed a unfair labor practice complaint with the National Labor Relations Board.

• Northwest Grocery Worker Union Calls For Fred Meyer Boycott [OPB]
• Fred Meyer Advertises for Replacement Workers In Case of Strike [Portland Mercury]
• Portland Grocery Workers May Go on Strike [EPDX]