Fred Meyer employees begin week-long strike

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Workers at all Fred Meyer stores across Portland are now on strike citing unfair labor practices.

The strike began at 6:00 a.m. Wednesday and is expected to last until Tuesday, Sept. 3.

Union members have said that Fred Meyer has refused to provide “essential information for current negotiations,” leading to the union filing a formal charge against the company on Aug. 20.

“Our members are united in demanding fair treatment, which can only be reached if Fred Meyer actually stands behind its public statements and is willing to fulfill all their obligations and legal requirements,” UFCW Local 555 President Dan Clay said. “Our membership came out in overwhelming support of this action and the community has our back.”

In a statement from Fred Meyer, the company said they respect their associate's right to bargain and they shared that the Kroger and Albertsons merger would help ensure a future for unionized grocery stores.

“Protecting our associates' right to collectively bargain is why it is so important to secure the future of unionized grocery stores in America, and that is exactly what Kroger’s proposed merger with Albertsons will do."

In a statement issued Tuesday night, Fred Meyer said stores would remain open "to serve the Portland community with access to fresh food, essentials, and pharmacy services" during the strike.

Oregon Senator Ron Wyden reacted to the strike on X (formerly known as Twitter) saying that he stands in solidarity with the striking employees.

"I love a Freddie’s rotisserie chicken as much as the next guy, but not even that’s worth crossing the picket line for. I stand in solidarity with the workers striking today for better working conditions," Wyden said.