Why Has Local 400 Refused to Share Any Proposals?

The company and union will resume negotiations July 8-10. Here’s what you need to know:

4 Things to Know About Where We Are

1. On day one of negotiations, Local 400 stated “we are not here to negotiate” then asked to add Stores 542 and 577 to a modified version of the current Richmond contract.
2. The union verbally requested to change wages, healthcare and other language in the existing Richmond contract.
3. The company has repeatedly asked Local 400 to provide a written proposal outlining the contract changes they want.
4. After four days of bargaining, Local 400 still has not offered any proposal and has not responded to the company’s initial written proposal covering non-economic contract language.

Why Not Just Put It in Writing?
We don’t know why Local 400 is refusing to provide a written proposal outlining their plans for Stores 542 and 577.

Written proposals help move negotiations forward by:

• Preventing misunderstandings
• Allowing evaluation of the details
• Providing a clear basis for counter proposals when there are areas of disagreement

Until we see a written proposal, it will be difficult to have productive discussions.

How We Got Here

• By May 2026, a majority of associates at Stores 542, 577, 580 and 554 signed union authorization cards. After the cards were verified by a third party, the company recognized Local 400 as the union representative for those stores.
• May 14-15: First contract negotiations begin with the union verbally asking for a modified Richmond contract for Stores 542 and 577. Kroger asked for the proposal in writing, but the union refused. The union chose not include Stores 580 and 554 in any bargaining discussions.
• June 2, Kroger recognized Local 400 as the representative for Store 524, following the same process as the other stores.
• June 2-3: Bargaining resumed. Kroger shared an initial written proposal and again asks Local 400 for a written proposal. The union again refused. The union chose not include Stores 580, 554 or 524 in any bargaining discussions.

Did you know? Once a union is officially recognized, according to the National Labor Relations Act, the burden falls squarely on the union to issue a formal Request to Bargain to kick off discussions on reaching an agreement associates can vote to ratify.

What Happens Next

• The union works for you. Associates have the right to ask Local 400 to share its proposal for a first contract in writing at the July 8^th bargaining session. We encourage you to speak with your union representative.
• Your current wages, benefits and working conditions remain in place until an agreement is reached, and associates vote to ratify it.
• Our next bargaining session is scheduled for July 8-10.
  Updates will be shared in huddles and on KrogerMidAtlanticCBA.com.

Share any questions with your store management team. We want to hear from you!