Kroger, union agree on new deal
Company to raise starting wages, spend more on training.
Kroger and the union representing almost 20,000 of its workers have a new agreement.
The Cincinnati-based retail giant announced the new labor agreement late Friday for employees in the Dayton, Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky areas represented by The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75.
Kroger said it plans to spend an additional $500 million in associate wages, training and development over the next three years.
The Cincinnati/Dayton division agreement raises starting wages to at least $10 per hour and to $11 an hour after one year of service.
It also includes a premium increase for night shift work.
“UFCW Local 75 strives to negotiate contracts that secure better wages and affordable benefits, providing a voice for hard-working men and women and strengthening our communities and this contract does those important things,” stated Kevin Garvey, union president.
Kroger stated that this is the first contract ratified under “Restock Kroger,” which is the grocery chain’s strategic plan announced in October.
“Kroger is a place where you can come for a job and stay for a career. A key driver of Restock Kroger is talent development and we are committed to investing in our associates,” said Tim Massa, Kroger vice president of human resources and labor relations. “It’s only fitting that we begin our accelerated wage investments in Cincinnati, where Kroger was founded 135 years ago.”