COLUMBUS, Ohio — Thousands of Kroger employees are expected to vote on a new contract Friday when a tentative contract agreement goes live, the union representing them said after negotiations with the grocery chain concluded on Wednesday.
The Cincinnati-based company presented the latest contract on Wednesday to the UFCW Local 1059, the Columbus chapter of the United Food & Commercial Workers Union.
Two weeks ago, union members voted against the grocery company's third contract offer. The union then voted to authorize a strike, although a strike has yet to be called.
The union did not provide details on the newest contract, but wages have been at the heart of negotiations.
Following the meeting with the Columbus Division of Kroger, the union plans to share details of tentatively agreed contract modifications with its members.
Amy McCormick, corporate affairs manager for The Kroger Co. said in a written statement, “It allows us to move forward on a contract that will benefit our associates.”
UFCW Local 1059 announced via email Wednesday that the documents will be finalized and presented for a vote for its 12,500 members on Friday night.
The contract that was most recently struck down offered about $381 million in new wages, healthcare and employee pension benefits, according to Kroger.
Employees have talked with 10TV saying they deserve "more than the pennies they are offering" and that Kroger has not been honest with the public.
"Our members have the ultimate say on whether this offer addresses their concerns, and our first priority is sharing this offer with them. Our efforts were focused on the needs of our members and delivering the wages and benefits they deserve as the tireless, essential workers who serve this community well," the union wrote in a release.
