Kroger, Union Back at Table After Rejected Contract Vote

INDIANAPOLIS, IN – Kroger Central Division and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 700, the union representing its grocery workers, met Friday to resume contract negotiations.

This comes after union members recently rejected a tentative agreement that had been supported by both Kroger and the associate-led bargaining committee.The proposed three-year contract, which Kroger remains confident in, included significant investments in its associates. Key components of the offer included:

Increased Wages: A 15.6% wage increase for top-rate clerks over the life of the contract, with an immediate 5.7% raise. Kroger states that Indianapolis associates have already seen a 20% wage growth since 2021.

Industry-Leading Healthcare: Continued low-cost, high-quality healthcare plans with significantly lower weekly premiums for associates compared to state and national averages.

Secure Pension: A fully funded pension plan, providing long-term financial security, unlike many companies that have eliminated such plans.

Colleen Juergensen, President of Kroger Central Division, expressed gratitude for her associates’ dedication and reiterated Kroger’s commitment to investing in them. She emphasized the company’s belief that a collaborative effort with the Union will lead to an agreement that benefits associates and allows for continued affordable groceries for the community.

While disappointed by the outcome of the recent ratification vote, Kroger states it is “ready and willing to negotiate in good faith” to reach a resolution. The outcome of these renewed discussions will directly impact thousands of Kroger employees and could have ripple effects for customers across Central Indiana.

For the latest updates on negotiations and detailed benefit information, Kroger has directed the public to http://www.KrogerCentralCBA.com.