Safeway labor strike enters week two, operating hours reduced

SUPERMARKET STRIKE

The Country Market of Estes Park adds staff, increases volume

By Jody Street

The latest labor negotiations between Safeway/Albertsons and Local Union UFCW 7 have failed, although operations at Safeway in Estes Park continue almost as usual.

The standoff has entered its second week, and as the town welcomes its usual influx of residents during the busy tourism season, residents and tourists alike are seeing reduced store hours and condensed shopping times.

Although Safeway store hours have been reduced to 7 am — 9 pm, the deli, fresh foods, and butcher departments have been closed intermittently throughout the week during normal business hours.

The staffing challenges have led to some limitations in restocking prepared foods, and in some areas, visible holes in shelves have become more prevalent.

Eggs have been scarce, with just a couple of eighteen-count packages remaining in stock on Monday, albeit each with a broken egg or two.

In response to the Trail-Gazette, union officials urged residents to shop elsewhere, adding, “We appreciate your community’s support as we fight for fair treatment,” according to the statement.

The Country Market in Estes Park welcomed a steady flow of customers into its doors and toward its fully-stocked shelves on Monday morning. Store owner Laura Kate Bishop, working in the dairy section, added, “It’s been like the 4th of July every day.”

The Country Market has hired three additional employees since last week and has increased food shipments to meet demand. “We have gotten so much great feedback from local people saying how impressed they are that we are stocked. So many locals that have come across town, and we so appreciate that,” said owner Bill Bishop.While business at the Country Store has seen an uptick, the sense of community is not lost on Bishop. “We have made multiple supply deliveries to the picket line at Safeway. Water, food, and other items to help and support them,” added Bishop.

Estes Park store management would not comment, referring the Trail-Gazette to their corporate office. Safeway/Albertsons corporate personnel have not responded to requests for comment.