Workers oppose merger of Albertsons and Kroger supermarkets

Thousands of workers at Albertsons and Kroger across the country are opposing the union of the two companies, arguing that it could seriously affect manufacturers, workers and customers.

Leaders from six United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) unions have arrived in Washington, D.C. to urge federal regulators to oppose the merger of the nation’s two largest supermarket chains ahead of a Senate Judiciary Subcommittee hearing. The subcommittee was to discuss the proposal that same Tuesday afternoon.

Faye Gunter, president of UFCW Local 3000, representing workers in Washington, Oregon and Idaho, said workers are concerned about the proposed merger and dividend payments as it directly impacts their lives, their families and their local communities.

Workers are concerned that the merger will pose a threat to consumers as it reduces competition and raises prices.

“We also oppose the proposed dividend payout because it would require Albertsons $4 billion in cash and give it to a select few wealthy individuals, including two private equity groups.”

He added that the money could be put to better use to make Albertsons stronger by providing lower prices for consumers, investments in store safety, higher wages and higher benefits for hiring and retaining key employees.

Gunther said that when they heard about the offer, local UFCW unions organized themselves by contacting their elected officials as well as their local and federal regulators.

“In the State of Washington, we have contacted our Attorney General and the local court has issued a temporary $4 billion dividend restraining order that will remain in effect until our next scheduled hearing in King County, Washington on Jan. 9. December, Gunther. said.

Representatives assured that they expect the two companies to succeed, but as separate organizations.

afraid to lose

Employees such as Andrés Becerril say they enjoy their work and customer service.

“I want to take a moment to remind the audience here in Washington that, like me, hundreds of thousands of essential frontline workers spend most of their lives in stores helping families get food to the table, no matter what, during natural disasters, unlike from active filming and, of course, during a pandemic,” Becerril said.

He assured that in recent years, many workers have sacrificed their health and families to do their job.

“It is because of this sacrifice that I am here today. I stand up for my fellow essential grocery store workers who are heroes and whose livelihoods are now at risk due to this proposed $25 billion program,” Becerril said.

“The merger will create a ripple effect for potentially tens of thousands of supermarket employees and their families; loss of wages and benefits such as hard-earned retirement plans, loss of health insurance, and higher food prices.”

Suppliers will also be affected, as the new “mega-company” will be responsible for monitoring shelf prices without competition. Large retailers Albertsons, Kroger and Walmart combined will control 70% or more of the market in 160 US cities, and there will be no competition.

In a letter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), more than two dozen antitrust and local trade union experts representing Albertsons employees denounced the dividend payment as “nothing less than looting the company” and a blatant attempt to destabilize the company. regulatory review of consolidation.

Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a lawsuit in state court to stop the dividend and received a temporary restraining order until Dec. 9 or until the case is fully resolved in accordance with antitrust criteria.

The leaders received the support of Senator Bernie Sanders, who, although he did not speak during the conference, met with them privately.