Sadly, this Company’s targeting of fixed-income retirees and other vulnerable populations only compounds its history of targeting consumers with predatory pricing,” union president

The union rejected what the grocery giant called its “last, best and final offer” pointing to staffing shortages and healthcare reserves.

A Kroger spokeswoman contacted by Progressive Grocer for comment noted: “While disappointed by the outcome of Local 7 obtaining strike authorization, King Soopers remains committed to its primary focus of increasing associates’ paychecks while keeping groceries affordable for customers.