UFCW Local 135 Applauds Federal Ruling Blocking Kroger-Albertsons Merger
“This is a huge win for workers, shoppers, and the communities we serve”
San Diego, CA – United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 135 acknowledges the significant victory for grocery workers and consumers after a federal judge in Oregon blocked the proposed $25 billion merger between Kroger and Albertsons. This decision affirms what has been argued from the beginning: this merger would have stifled competition, raised grocery prices for millions of families, and harmed workers.
The ruling by Judge Adrienne Nelson determined that combining the two supermarket giants—responsible for dozens of grocery chains including Ralphs, Vons, and Albertsons—would severely diminish competition and unfairly disadvantage consumers. The court agreed with the Federal Trade Commission’s argument that the merger would eliminate head-to-head competition between Kroger and Albertsons, and found the proposed divestiture of stores to C&S Wholesale Grocers inadequate.
“This is a huge win for workers, shoppers, and the communities we serve,” said Todd Walters, President of UFCW Local 135. “UFCW, alongside a coalition of labor, lawmakers, and community organizations, has fought against this merger because it would have harmed our members and raised prices for working families already struggling with high costs. This ruling reinforces the importance of standing up to corporate greed.”
While this is an important victory, UFCW Local 135 remains vigilant. Kroger and Albertsons may still appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, and the possibility of future merger attempts under a different administration looms large. We must remain steadfast in our efforts to protect union jobs, fair wages, and safe working conditions.
“This ruling is a testament to the power of worker solidarity and public advocacy,” said Walters. “But the fight isn’t over. We must continue to watch for further corporate attempts to prioritize profits over people. We will always stand firm against any threats to our members’ livelihoods and the communities we serve.”
We call on our members, partners, and allies to stay engaged in case the merger redevelops. Together, we can ensure that workers’ voices remain at the forefront and that corporations are held accountable for their actions.