Houston-area Kroger Associates Clinch Labor Deal

Associates working at Kroger stores in the Houston area have ratified a new labor agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 455. The three-year agreement covers more than 13,700 union associates working at 109 stores.

"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. It provides a solid compensation package of wages and benefits, including affordable health care and pension for retirement," said Bill Breetz, president of Kroger's Southwest Division. "This agreement is the outcome of thoughtful, respectful and productive work by both the company and union representatives. I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement, as well as for the excellent service they provide every day to our customers and company."

Cincinnati-based Kroger employs 343,000 associates at 2,424 supermarkets and multidepartment 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.