PORTLAND, Ore. ( KOIN ) — Would-be Fred Meyer shoppers are voicing their support for workers as a strike due to alleged unfair labor practices continues across dozens of Portland area stores.
It’s hard to miss the signs posted outside the 28 stores in the city since about 4,500 union workers decided to strike early Wednesday morning. It’s expected to last until at least Tuesday, Sept. 3.
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At one Fred Meyer store along West Burnside Street, barely any customers could be seen on Thursday night as the store displayed near empty shelves attended by temporary workers.
The full-time employees who are striking are asking people not to shop at the stores as they ask for higher wages and better treatment from Fred Meyer’s parent company, Kroger.
Some would-be customers outside the store told KOIN 6 News they were there to simply check out if the strike was still going on.
“I was going to buy some coconut water and some milk and some fruit,” said Mary Avalon, adding she ultimately decided to shop somewhere else.
Tori Hudson told KOIN 6 she was at Fred’s for medicine. However, she said she checked in with the workers on the picket line first, who told her, “Prescriptions are ok.”
The union representing the workers told KOIN 6 that while they are encouraging the general public not to shop at Fred Meyer while the strike was going on, they understand some prescriptions are urgent and can’t be moved. However, they’re asking people to not buy anything else in the store while picking up the medication.
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The West Burnside Street Fred Meyer had been Hudson’s go-to location for 27 years. She said she’d be ready to keep shopping there if they come to an agreement.
“I believe in the spirit of compromise so I assume that everybody will have to make a compromise, I imagine,” Hudson said.
Desi Hollyman told KOIN 6 she’s in a similar situation. She moved out of the neighborhood just a few weeks ago and hasn’t switched her prescription yet. However, she said she just came in and out of the story quickly to stand in solidarity with the workers.
“I worked at Fred Meyer through my whole 20s,” Hollyman said. “It’s honestly really hard work. It gave me a very good ethic work so I am grateful for that.”
Though the strike is set to continue until Tuesday, there’s a slim chance it could end sooner if Kroger successfully strikes a deal with the union that they find favorable over the long Labor Day weekend.
TriMet takes steps to enforce OR drug possession law Fred Meyer said it supports employees’ choices and will continue to serve the community. In a statement sent to KOIN 6 News on Tuesday , Fred Meyer President Todd Kammeyer said in part:
“Fred Meyer and Kroger respects our associates’ right to collectively bargain. The company believes associates should have a voice in choosing what is right for them and their families because the bargaining process ultimately impacts their paychecks. From the beginning it has always been our goal to put more money in our associates’ pockets.
“While the company supports our associates’ decision, Fred Meyer will remain open to serve the Portland community with access to fresh food, essentials, and pharmacy services. “
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