After weeks of protests and tense negotiations, Kroger has reached a tentative agreement with their union-member employees, effectively avoiding a strike.
“Today, we reached a tentative agreement with Kroger that we are recommending for ratification,” said Jonathan Williams, Communications Director for the UFCW Local 400. “After an overwhelming vote to strike last week, and tense negotiations this week, Kroger backed down and agreed to fully fund health care benefits.”
According to Williams, Kroger’s offer will be presented to union-member employees next week for a vote.
An announcement regarding the tentative agreement was posted on the UFCW Local 400’s website.
“We stood strong and our solidarity won:
- Health care funding that experts say will fully fund our health care for the life of the contract.
- Real raises for EVERYONE
- Premiums for ALL department heads
- No increase to prescription drug costs maximums + a new diabetes program to reduce drug costs
- New hours eligibility measurement period doesn’t start until after ratification
- All raises retroactive to November 1, 2020
- This would not have happened without the unity, solidarity and strength of our members.
When Kroger threatened to put our health care at risk, we stood strong and proved we were willing to fight for what we deserve. While no contract is perfect, our credible strike threat got us a fair agreement and we are ready to recommend it for ratification.”
The union is planning a Tele-Town Hall for their members to discuss the terms of the tentative agreement, as well as advise them of the voting schedule. The UFCW Local 400 will announce more details on Saturday, November 14.
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