BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – A major grocery merger that is in the works is causing concerns over job security in Whatcom County.
The city council will vote on a resolution to oppose the proposed merger between Albertsons and Kroger on Sept. 16.
Attorneys general for eight states previously joined the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to block the deal and Washington Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed a separate suit earlier this year.
Washington has more grocery stores with the potential to be sold than any other state—including four Haggen stores and one Safeway in Bellingham likely to be spun-off if the deal goes through.
The council estimates there are more than 500 union jobs that would be jeopardized by the proposed merger among other worries over rising prices, which both grocery giants have denied.
The meetings on Sept. 16 are open for the public to attend, but there likely will not be a public comment period.
The initial discussion in the Committee of the Whole meeting takes place at 1:30 p.m. and the council’s vote during its regular meeting that begins at 7 p.m. in the council chambers at County Courthouse.
If passed, the resolution would be sent to the FTC, AG Ferguson and the CEOs of Albertsons and Kroger.
