UFCW Local 7 Statement On Colorado Springs King Soopers Closure Because Of Reports Of Asbestos

For Immediate Release: June 20, 2023

Contact: Marcela Salazar, misalazar@ufcw7.com | 720-434-7550 

DENVER –  Today, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 7 (UFCW Local 7) reacts to reports that the King Soopers #103 grocery store in Colorado Springs, located at 2901 S. Academy Blvd., is closed due to asbestos. UFCW Local 7 represents 105 workers at this store.

UFCW Local 7 issued the following statement: 

“UFCW Local 7 is saddened to hear that the King Soopers, owned by Kroger, at 2901 S. Academy Blvd. in Colorado Springs, is closed because of a reported presence of asbestos. If found to be true, these allegations imply both members and customers could have been exposed to a carcinogenic substance which poses serious health risks. We urge OSHA and the appropriate state agencies to conduct a thorough investigation and once completed, communicate to every store worker and to the local community the final results and recommended actions for workers and customers. Local 7 will continue to assist workers as they navigate the complex problems presented by this incident.”

# # #

Local 7, is the largest private-sector Union in Colorado and Wyoming. It is affiliated with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union which represents over 1.3 million workers in the United States and Canada, one of the largest private-sector Unions in North America. UFCW members work in a wide range of industries, including retail food, food processing, agriculture, retail sales, and health care.