Albertson’s, Union Exchange Lawsuits

Albertson’s Inc. and the union representing many of the grocery chain’s workers have sued each other over alleged unpaid, off-the-clock work.

On Sept. 9, the Boise, Idahobased chain filed suit in federal court to block lawsuits by the United Food & Commercial Workers or employees before the grievance procedure in the union’s contract has been exhausted.

The union countered by filing an unfair labor practices complaint with the National Labor Relations Board, and then filed a class-action suit on behalf of seven current and former Albertson’s employees in King County Superior Court.

The union’s lawsuit contends Albertson’s “has created conditions that foster work off the clock throughout its stores in Washington and in other states where it does business.” It seeks back pay and an end to the unpaid work.

Albertson’s says the union is only trying to unionize more stores after losing elections in new stores elsewhere in the United States.