Kroger, Detroit Local Reach New Labor Agreement

CINCINNATI -- The Kroger Co. here said last week that the membership of UFCW Local Union 876 in Detroit has ratified a new contract agreement with the grocer. The June 7 vote became effective immediately.

The three-year contract, which covers over 10,000 Kroger associates at 101 stores in the Detroit metro area, provides wage increases and health care benefits with modest employee contributions.

"This is a fair and equitable agreement that provides a good total compensation package for our associates and helps to make Kroger more competitive in the marketplace," noted Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger's Great Lakes Division, which includes Kroger stores in Michigan, in a statement. "This agreement is an excellent example of positive results that can be achieved at the bargaining table when both parties stay focused and work cooperatively."

"It is a good contract," said Milton Allen, a unionized Kroger worker quoted on Local 876's Web site. "With all the economic issues in Michigan, I think the wage increases and no changes in health insurance is fair."

Kroger operates 2,468 supermarkets and multidepartment stores in 31 states under such banners as Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC, and City Market. Kroger also operates (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 779 convenience stores, 412 fine jewelry stores, 631 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food-processing plants.
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