Kroger ratifies labor agreement with UFCW Local 700

INDIANAPOLIS — Kroger central division employees working at Kroger stores in the Indianapolis area have ratified a new four-year labor agreement with UFCW Local 700.



"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates and provides wage increases, affordable health care and a stable pension fund to support their retirement," said Jeff Burt, president of Kroger's central division. "This agreement comes after thoughtful, respectful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day."



The contract covers more than 5,800 associates working in 61 stores in the Indianapolis area and other communities, including Bloomington, Columbus, Kokomo, Richmond and New Castle.



"Thanks to the efforts of the bargaining committee, we reached an agreement that protects affordable health care benefits and livable wages for members of UFCW Local 700," said Joe Chorpenning, president, UFCW Local 700. "Our contract maintains one of the best health care and wage packages in the industry."



Kroger has 343,000 employees who serve customers in 2,424 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 786 convenience stores, 328 fine jewelry stores, 1,169 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S.