Let’s Bargain the Issues that Matter Most to You

Kroger and UFCW Local 400 returned to the bargaining table this week to continue negotiations for your first union contract. For the first time, the Union and Company exchanged economic proposals. These proposals are very different, and we see this as an important step because these are exactly the kinds of issues we believe should be negotiated at the bargaining table.

Here’s Where We Agree
Local 400 has repeatedly said it wants the newly represented stores added to the existing Richmond-Tidewater contract rather than negotiating separate contracts for each store.

The Company is willing to discuss that path. But there is an important reality: Local 400 isn’t proposing that the existing Richmond-Tidewater contract simply apply to these stores as it is written today. The Union is proposing changes to how certain provisions would apply to associates at these stores, including wages and paid time off.

We believe discussing those proposed changes is bargaining. And we’re ready to do it.

Why Wages Matter Now?
Associates in the newly represented stores currently have a different wage scale than associates covered by the Richmond-Tidewater contract. That means simply placing everyone into the existing Richmond-Tidewater wage scale isn’t as straightforward as it may sound. The Company does not agree with the Union’s proposal and disagreement is part of bargaining. We believe separate, tailored wage scales are fairer and reflect what Kroger associates on the union bargaining committee asked the Company to provide.

Why try to fit a square peg in a round hole? We don’t believe associates should have to wait to receive a meaningful wage increase – for many associates that’s what being added to the Richmond-Tidewater agreement would mean.

Our position is simple: Let’s negotiate a wage structure that makes sense for these specific stores and creates an opportunity to provide meaningful wage increases for you sooner rather than later.

Integration and Bargaining Can Happen Together
This doesn’t have to be an either/or choice. We can discuss a path for eventually integrating these stores into the Richmond-Tidewater agreement while also negotiating the provisions that need to work differently for associates in these stores.

The union can disagree with every word of our proposal. That’s how collective bargaining works: both sides make proposals, discuss their differences and work toward an agreement.

The Bottom Line
Associates chose union representation to have a collective voice in their wages, benefits and working conditions. We believe the best way to honor your voice is for both parties to negotiate what’s best for you now, and give you an opportunity to vote on a new contract as soon as possible.

What Happens Next

• Our next bargaining date is currently not scheduled. We will let you know when that changes.
• If you want the benefits of collective bargaining and an opportunity to vote on your new contract, we encourage you to speak to your union representative, so your voice is heard.