In a city that overwhelmingly supported Obamacare and usually votes for liberal policies, blue collar workers are striking, in part, because of the Affordable Care Act.

Earlier this week, the Seattle-branch of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union #161 voted to go on strike. The union listed three reasons for rejecting the latest contract offer:

  • Reduced holiday pay
  • Wages would be held at current levels
  • Part-time workers and others would be forced to enroll in health care plans, per Obamacare.

That last item is ironic because labor unions largely supported the Affordable Care Act and usually support Obama's labor policies.

According to updated reports from KING-5 TV in Seattle, health care is one of the biggest sticking points in the stalled labor negotiations.

Unless a last-ditch effort resolves the issue, picketing could begin in 48 to 72 hours at various Fred Meyer, Safeway, and Albertson's stores in the Seattle area represented by that union. The union has not had a work stoppage since 1989.

The stores have contingency plans in place to make sure service is not severely disrupted for consumers.

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