Kroger is offering the union a new contract

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Thousands of Kroger workers are expected to vote on a new contract Friday when the previous contract agreement goes into effect, the union that represents them said, following negotiations with the grocery chain that ended Wednesday.

The Cincinnati-based company presented the latest contract Wednesday to UFCW Local 1059, the Columbus chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers union.

two weeks ago union members voted against the third contract offer of the grocery company. The union then voted to authorize a strike, although no strike has yet been scheduled.

The union did not provide details on the new contract, but wages were at the center of the negotiations.

After meeting with the Columbus Division of Kroger, the union plans to share details of the tentative contract changes with its members.

Amy McCormick, corporate affairs manager for The Kroger Co., said in a written statement, “This allows us to move forward with a contract that will benefit our partners.”

UFCW Local 1059 announced via email Wednesday that the documents will be finalized and presented for a vote to the 12,500 members Friday night.

The contract, which was most recently canceled, offered about $381 million in new employee wages, health care and pension benefits, according to Kroger.

The employees spoke to 10TV and said they deserve “more than the money they’re offering” and that Kroger was not honest with the public.

“Our members have the ultimate say on whether this proposal addresses their concerns, and our first priority is to share this proposal with them. Our efforts have been focused on the needs of our members and securing the wages and benefits they deserve as tireless, essential workers who serve this community well,” the union said in a release.

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