Posts Tagged: Kroger

UFCW Local 75 Kroger workers ratified a new contract that merges workers from Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, into one strong unit.

UFCW Local 75 members in Cincinnati and Dayton, Ohio, Kroger stores have voted to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The new contract merges the formerly separate Cincinnati and Dayton contracts.

Through the hard work of the members of the Cincinnati and Dayton Bargaining Committee, and by sticking together through the negotiations process, members were able to reach an agreement that guarantees annual wage increases; protects quality, affordable health care; strengthens contract language; and preserves full-time jobs.

The new contract:

• Creates more bargaining power and work opportunities for members. By merging the Cincinnati and Dayton contracts into one agreement, members have more opportunity for promotion and transfer, and one set of work rules for all stores in the area. The merged agreement protects and provides full-time jobs over the life of the agreement, in an increasingly part-time industry.

• Secures affordable, quality health care. Members have more options for health care and may take advantage of lower weekly contributions by completing biometric screenings. Spousal coverage is maintained through the spouse’s employer provided, ACA qualified benefits; other spouses continue to have coverage through the union contract. Part-time members retain access to health care benefits.

• Provides wage increases and wage parity. The contract provides guaranteed wage increases each year over term; increase amounts vary depending on classification. There will also be wage parity between Cincinnati and Dayton by the end of the agreement. The bracket progressions have been reduced so members can get raises more quickly, and have been adjusted to reflect an increasing minimum wage.

• Guarantees pension benefits. Members of UFCW Local 75 are part of the UFCW Consolidated Pension Fund, ratified in 2011. Pension benefits are guaranteed for ten years, until 2021.

UFCW Local 400 members and UFCW Kroger workers from across the country are continuing their campaign to ensure that all Kroger workers have the right to join a union.

UFCW Local 400 members and workers from two newly-opened Kroger stores in Henrico County and Virginia Beach, Virginia, are continuing their campaign to ensure that all Kroger workers have the right to join a union. Together,UFCW Kroger workers are calling for workers in the new stores to have the opportunity join the UFCW without interference or coercion from the company.

The campaign is growing nationally with UFCW Kroger workers from across the country are showing support for this unity effort. UFCW Kroger workers from all across the country are reaching out to Kroger workers in the two new Virginia stores to show them they’re not alone by submitting photos of themselves in their stores holding signs and wearing buttons with messages of solidarity.

Kroger workers and union activists can show their support for these workers’ right to have a voice on the job by signing the petition. Worker activists are also planning a Thunderclap and a Facebook flash mob this Thursday, June 26 at 11:00 am EST. Both online actions are scheduled to take place during Kroger’s annual shareholders meeting to ensure that the company hears the workers’ message.

Support these workers on the Thunderclap or participate in the Facebook Flash Mob, and sign up to RSVP and to receive drafted messaging to post June 26.