Essential Voice
an Essential Workers for Democracy newspaper to share with your coworkers!
Issue #7 - Summer 2026
WATCH: Legal Rights of Union Stewards
Did you know that you have special legal rights as a union steward? Learn the basics in this training specifically for UFCW stewards. Click here to register for the Legal Rights of Union Stewards, a free online webinar for UFCW members on Wednesday, July 23 at 4 PM PT/5 PM MT/6 PM CT/7 PM ET.
Indiana Contract Fight Rages On — Essential Voice Strike Ready Edition #8
After 8,000 Kroger workers in UFCW Local 700 voted down their contract by 74% on May 31, they’re amping up the fight for a fair contract. Plus, 25,000 Washington grocery workers reach a Tentative Agreement and Safeway workers strike in Colorado.
25,000 Washington Grocery Workers Reach Tentative Agreement
Over 25,000 grocery store workers in Washington state reached a tentative agreement between UFCW Local 3000 and Safeway (Albertsons), Fred Meyer (Kroger), QFC (Kroger), Town & Country Markets, Metropolitan Market and other independent grocery stores. The tentative agreement was announced Sunday, June 15th after months of negotiations.
Safeway Workers Strike in Colorado
Safeway workers at select locations in Colorado walked out on Sunday, June 15, in an Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) strike against the Albertsons-owned employer.
Strike Ready Toolkit: Organizing Tools for Winning the Contract We Deserve
Check out the Strike Ready Toolkit, including information on Strikes and Your Rights on the Picket Line.
Labor Notes: ‘Kroger Workers Vote Down Contract in Indiana by 74 Percent’
United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 700 members in Indiana voted down a tentative agreement May 31 covering 8,000 Kroger retail workers, with 74 percent voting no. Rank-and-file members bucked the recommendation for a ‘Yes’ vote by local union leadership and the bargaining committee.
WATCH: Strike Ready! National Webinar & Organizing Training
Watch the recording of our national Strike Ready Webinar, featuring organizing stories from rank and file members in UFCW Locals 7, 700, 770, and 3000.
Members Vote No in Ind.; Calif., Colo. & Wash. Take Strike Authorization Votes — Essential Voice Strike Ready Edition #7
Members of UFCW Local 700 across Indianapolis and central Indiana successfully voted NO on a concessionary tentative agreement covering over 8,000 Kroger workers. Plus, UFCW Locals 7, 135, 324, 770, 1167, and 3000 are voting simultaneously this week to authorize a strike against the Big Grocers.
JBS Meatpackers Win Back Pensions With Coordinated Bargaining
In a contract covering 26,000 JBS workers at 14 facilities nationwide, JBS Meatpacking workers won significant gains. The new contract includes paid sick time, wage increases, and the reinstatement of the pension plan, which was taken away almost 40 years ago.