Less than an hour before UFCW Local 400's contract extension expired at midnight last Saturday, Kroger "attempted to force us to accept an awful agreement that would abandon retirees and provide only slight wage increases over the next four years," UFCW Local 400 reports. Calling it "a slap in the face from a company that makes billions each year off of our hard work," Local 400's bargaining committee voted unanimously to "reject this insulting offer" and strongly recommended a "No" vote.
In addition to abandoning retirees, Local 400 said Kroger offered only 25 cents a year in raises for full-time employees and 20 cents for part-timers. "Our hard work has built this company into the largest traditional grocer in the United States. We deserve to share in the success we have built and we won’t accept paltry wage increases from a company that makes more than $2 billion a year in profits." While the current contract has now expired, Kroger has committed to honoring its terms and conditions through June 1, so "nothing will change for now," said Local 400. "This company has been taking advantage of our hard work and dedication for too long. It is time for us to stand together and demand to share in the success we created."
Local 400 will be visiting stores this week, talking to customers, elected officials, community allies, "and everyone who will support us in this fight...Sticking together is the only way we can get a better deal."
In addition to abandoning retirees, Local 400 said Kroger offered only 25 cents a year in raises for full-time employees and 20 cents for part-timers. "Our hard work has built this company into the largest traditional grocer in the United States. We deserve to share in the success we have built and we won’t accept paltry wage increases from a company that makes more than $2 billion a year in profits." While the current contract has now expired, Kroger has committed to honoring its terms and conditions through June 1, so "nothing will change for now," said Local 400. "This company has been taking advantage of our hard work and dedication for too long. It is time for us to stand together and demand to share in the success we created."
Local 400 will be visiting stores this week, talking to customers, elected officials, community allies, "and everyone who will support us in this fight...Sticking together is the only way we can get a better deal."