Readers respond: Blocked merger another hit for working families

The Biden administration’s decision to block the $24.6 billion Kroger-Albertsons merger marks another failure to support America’s working families. Judges in Oregon and Washington, at the behest of the Federal Trade Commission, cited alleged competition concerns while ignoring the real problem: dominance by retail giants Amazon and Walmart, which continues to squeeze local economies and workers.

This merger could have strengthened Kroger’s commitment to its employees and customers. Kroger has invested $5 billion in lower prices since 2003, $2.4 billion in wage increases since 2018, and $2.3 billion in charitable giving since 2017, including food for hungry families. By blocking this deal, the administration has undermined union jobs and affordable access to groceries — key lifelines for countless families.

Meanwhile, economic realities are stark. Under Biden, Inflation peaked at 9.1% in June 2022. Food prices have risen sharply, housing affordability has plummeted, and nearly half of American renters now spend 30% or more of their income on housing. Working families are forced to make impossible choices every day.

The irony is obvious: Biden’s antitrust enforcers claim to protect competition but have handed the market over to monopolistic giants like Amazon and Walmart. Instead of strengthening unionized, community-focused grocery chains, this decision is accelerating job losses and closings, especially in regions like the Pacific Northwest.

America’s working families deserve policies rooted in practicality, not political ideology. Blocking this merger is a missed opportunity to build a more resilient, competitive grocery market – one that empowers workers, supports communities and delivers real benefits for consumers.

Justin Hwang, Portland

Hwang is chairman of the Oregon Republican Party.

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