West Seattle scene: Grocery workers picket in The Junction

(WSB photo)

As announced earlier this week, grocery workers had informational picket lines outside two Junction supermarket this afternoon, calling attention to their ongoing contract talks with the Kroger (QFC and Fred Meyer) and Safeway/Albertsons chains. We took the photo above outside the Junction QFC. The picketers targeted Jefferson Square Safeway earlier, during which, according to the UFCW Local 21 Twitter feed, they had an unannounced high-profile visitor:

A message from @kcexec Dow Constantine— our community stands with us! #BetterJobsBetterLives pic.twitter.com/hA4zwrEy0x

— ufcw 21 (@UFCW21) July 31, 2019

The latest online update says they’ve reached tentative agreement on some issues but, “The major roadblocks that remain would likely be strike-level issues.” More talks are scheduled August 12-14.

Al July 31, 2019 (3:42 pm)

Well said Dow.

Mj July 31, 2019 (5:55 pm)

No pickets at 1630 when I rode by.

West Seattle Guy July 31, 2019 (9:34 pm)

It was only for an hour outside each store. It was more of a brief rally than a traditional picket.

Seriously? July 31, 2019 (6:50 pm)

Stand together! Stand Strong! “There’s a time when the operation of the machine becomes so odious, makes you so sick at heart, that you can’t take part. You can’t even passively take part, and you’ve got to put bodies upon the gears, upon the wheels, upon all the levers, upon all the apparatus and you’ve got to make it stop!” – Mario Savio December 2, 1964

Mike July 31, 2019 (11:07 pm)

If they strike, I’ll honor the picket lines.

Richard Maloney August 1, 2019 (6:44 am)

If the workers are serious about achieving a good deal, the pickets need to be full time. “Half in” does not inspire me to avoid those stores.

hj August 1, 2019 (9:34 am)

They are not actually striking (yet) so full time picketing is not warranted.

AT August 1, 2019 (7:25 am)

There’s still an industry with pensions?

Swede. August 1, 2019 (12:19 pm)

Most unions and especially government does it.
- West_Seattle_Steve August 1, 2019 (1:48 pm)
  
  Some unions have retirement investment plans rather than traditional pensions. It’s still a benefit to the workers.

Lola August 1, 2019 (9:09 am)

My husband collects a full pension from Cement Mason’s #528 retiring at 55 / 5 years ago. 37 years scrubbing cement. Yes their are still Pension’s to be had for all those hard workers out there that you see on a daily basis.

Tony August 1, 2019 (2:23 pm)

I fully support the UFCW workers. I won’t be shopping at either QFC or Safeway until they sign a reasonable contract with their employees. Solidarity!! TWIBEW 46 Electricians Union Live Better, Work Union