Thousands of workers in the Portland metro area are taking part in a series of strike authorization votes at Fred Meyer, QFC, Safeway and Albertsons. The votes are taking place department by department, and started with meat department workers May 20-23, followed by grocery workers June 10-12 and Fred Meyer central checkout cashiers June 18-20. Fred Meyer workers in non-food departments like apparel will vote June 25-27. The results won’t be publicly announced until all groups have voted.

Bargaining between Local 555 and the multi-employer coalition passed the one-year mark June 19, and Aug. 5 will mark one year since the most recent set of contracts between the union and grocery employers expired. The two sides remain far apart on wages, health insurance and other proposals.