Fred Meyer workers strike in Scappoose, around the Portland metro area

Employees of the Scappoose Fred Meyer went on strike Aug. 28, standing in solidarity with thousands of other workers in the Portland metro area.

The strike began on Aug. 28 at 6 a.m. at 28 locations around the Portland Metro area and includes around 4,500 Fred Meyer employees. The strike is expected to continue through Sept. 3 at 8 a.m. unless a deal is reached that includes a resolution to the alleged unfair labor practices.

"Participation is exceptionally strong. There's not workers in the stores," United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 555 Communications Coordinator Miles Eshaia said. "Fred Meyer need to be held accountable to the law."

UFCW Local 555 leadership has set strike dates for members working in Fred Meyer stores around the Portland metro area. The action was approved by a vote of impacted members taken from Aug. 13 through Aug. 16.

The strike has arisen because UCFW Local 555 is accusing Kroger subsidiary Fred Meyer of refusing to provide essential information about current negotiations.

"A strike is crucial to force Fred Meyer to comply with their obligations as an employer to their employees. 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. Our membership came out in overwhelming support of this action and the community has our back," UFCW Local 555 President Dan Clay said in a news release.

On Aug. 20, UFCW Local 555 filed an additional Unfair Labor Practice charge against Fred Meyer for advertising to employees that they have offered "additional funding for [their] pension," when no proposal at the bargaining table to increase pension funding had been presented, according to the union.

Additionally, the union says Fred Meyer has failed to pay all currently required pension contributions and has failed to process Local 555's grievances to correct the matter, leading in part to Local 555's lawsuit, filed in Federal Court, to compel Fred Meyer to process the grievance.

"Fred Meyer's blatant refusal to pay the contractually agreed-upon pension contributions and their failure to address Local 555's grievances have left us no choice but to file a lawsuit in Federal Court. This is a clear breach of contract, and we are determined to hold them accountable and ensure they meet their obligations to our members," UFCW Local 555 Secretary-Treasurer Sandy Humphrey said.

Fred Meyer President Todd Kammeyer released the following statement regarding the strike:

"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."

Negotiations with Fred Meyer are ongoing and will continue on Aug. 29 and Aug. 30.

Until there is a resolution, Eshaia urged consumers to take their business elsewhere.

"Our message to the community, is just don't shop Fred Meyer. You can go to Safeway, you can go to Albertsons, you can go somewhere else. Respect our lines, and stay out of Fred Meyer stores," Eshaia said.