CINCINNATI, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR - News) and UFCW Local 227 today announced that a new four-year labor agreement has been ratified. The new agreement, which covers approximately 10,000 Kroger employees in parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana, provides wages and benefits that will allow Kroger to compete with other retailers in the market.
"This agreement represents a balanced solution that provides Kroger associates with the high-quality health care and competitive wages they need, at a cost that is fair to everyone involved, including our customers," said John Hackett, president of Kroger's Mid-South Division. "Our associates are the best in the business, and we look forward to building a successful, secure future together."
"In these tough economic times, the UFCW and Kroger were able to work together on a contract that improves wages for our members and preserves affordable, quality health care for all our members," said Gary Best, president of UFCW Local 227. "I am particularly proud of UFCW members, especially the twenty-five members on the Bargaining Committee and 140 workers on our Retail Advisory Board, for showing their solidarity and determination that helped us reach an agreement."
Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2004, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,536 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's, Fry's, Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly, through its subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 794 convenience stores, 439 fine jewelry stores, and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at http://www.kroger.com .
UFCW Local 227 represents 18,000 members in Kentucky and southern Indiana. Local 227 is the largest local union in Kentucky. Its website is http://www.ufcw227.org .
Posted by UFCW 227 at August 11, 2004 09:57 AM