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Albertsons is under fire as grocery workers across multiple states threaten to strike over low staffing levels, stagnant wages, and unfair labor practices.

The United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) unions have authorized strikes in at least five states, and tensions are rising just as parent companies like Albertsons and Kroger face growing criticism.

In Colorado, members of UFCW Local 7 have already walked out and begun picketing at more than a dozen Safeway and Albertsons locations.

According to USA Today, their signs read "Please Do Not Patronize Safeway" and "Unfair Labor Practices Strike," demanding improvements in pay and working conditions.

A union spokesperson said, "Safeway and Albertsons started off showing interest in a deal, but now they're acting just like Kroger's King Soopers—asking for cuts from workers and retirees."

Albertsons, based in Boise, Idaho, owns over 2,200 stores across the country. Its negotiations with UFCW Local 7 have been ongoing since late 2024, after the last contract expired in January.

Workers are frustrated that progress has stalled and say their concerns are not being taken seriously.

Albertsons, Kroger Face Strike Threats in Multiple States

Meanwhile, Kroger—another major grocery chain—is also under pressure. The company recently announced plans to close about 60 US stores over the next 18 months to improve profits, AP News said.

However, unions say the closures may be part of a broader attempt to weaken labor power after the failed $24.6 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons was blocked last year.

Across the country, workers in California, Idaho, New Mexico, Washington, and Indiana are preparing for similar walkouts.

UFCW Local 1564 in New Mexico says a strike could start as soon as June 29, while members in Southern California, representing 45,000 workers, have already voted to strike.

In Idaho, workers claim Albertsons even threatened an employee for speaking out—an allegation the company denies.

Union leaders point to chronic understaffing as a major issue, saying it leads to long lines, pricing errors, and burnout.

"When Kroger cuts worker hours, customers suffer too," said UFCW Local 7 president Kim Cordova, referencing a recent Consumer Reports investigation that found pricing errors at multiple Kroger-owned stores.

Albertsons responded by saying, "We are negotiating in good faith and want a deal that is fair to our workers and good for customers."