Kroger Inks Early Pact with Michigan Union
CINCINNATI -- Nine months ahead of its expiration date, the Kroger Co.'s Michigan operating unit reached a tentative agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951.
The union, representing about 900 employees, said the new agreement will expire in October 2011. The current contract is set to expire in October 2008.
"Concluding this agreement early allows our members to gain improved wages and enhancements to their health benefits sooner. In assuring stability for our members and for Kroger, our hope is that it creates a platform from which Kroger can expand its presence in mid-Michigan," said UFCW 951 President Marv Russow.
The tentative agreement for the retailer’s unionized workforce in Central Michigan includes healthcare enhancements similar to a contract inked last year between Kroger and UFCW Local 876, which also represents Kroger workers elsewhere Michigan, according to the union.
The union will vote to ratify the contract on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.
The union, representing about 900 employees, said the new agreement will expire in October 2011. The current contract is set to expire in October 2008.
"Concluding this agreement early allows our members to gain improved wages and enhancements to their health benefits sooner. In assuring stability for our members and for Kroger, our hope is that it creates a platform from which Kroger can expand its presence in mid-Michigan," said UFCW 951 President Marv Russow.
The tentative agreement for the retailer’s unionized workforce in Central Michigan includes healthcare enhancements similar to a contract inked last year between Kroger and UFCW Local 876, which also represents Kroger workers elsewhere Michigan, according to the union.
The union will vote to ratify the contract on Jan. 30 and Jan. 31.