Local community rallies for fair treatment of Safeway workers during strike

In Estes Park, Colorado, a popular tourist destination, residents and tourists experienced a unique situation on Father's Day, 2025, as the town's largest supermarket, Safeway, was not operational due to a strike initiated by its workers. These workers had decided to go on strike, leading to the closure of the supermarket, which is typically busy during peak tourist seasons. Mayor Gary Hall commented on the situation, highlighting the local residents' support for the striking workers, whom they know personally, emphasizing that they deserve reasonable wages and good benefits. He mentioned that, while the closure made it challenging for some to access food, the majority of people found alternative sources within town, including a local Country Market that was managing to serve the community, though it could not match Safeway's scale. Hall reassured the public that the town's reliance on tourism would not drastically falter as businesses remained operational with plenty of food options available, including restaurants and smaller markets. Simultaneously, in Boston at Fenway Park, workers responsible for the concession stands voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike due to ongoing negotiations with Aramark, the food contractor at the park. Approximately 95% of these 700 workers, inclusive of cashiers and beer sellers, opted to authorize a strike amidst claims of inadequate pay, with most earning under $20 per hour, failing to meet industry standards. The union, Local 26, has been engaged in negotiations since the beginning of the year, raising issues related to wages, technology impacts, and scheduling. While both instances reflect local struggles for fair employment practices, the mayor in Estes Park contains optimism for the community's adaptability and resilience in light of the strike. Even with both strikes showcasing the challenges workers face in obtaining fair compensation and support, leaders in both towns are advocating for fair treatment and respect for their respective local workforce, suggesting a collective awareness of the impacts of labor issues in diverse settings.