Industry Intelligence

Kroger associates working at four distribution centers and two dairy manufacturing facilities have ratified new labor agreements with the International Brotherhood of Teamsters.

The new contract includes a master agreement that outlines health care and pension benefits, and local supplemental agreements that cover wages, for three years. The new contract covers about 1,400 employees at facilities in Hutchinson and Goddard, Kan.; Houston; Memphis, Tenn; Indianapolis; and Livonia, Mich.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that provides our associates one of the best total compensation packages in our industry,” said Kevin Dougherty, Kroger group VP of logistics.

The new agreement includes wage increases, high-quality affordable health care and a company-funded pension at retirement.

“I want to thank our associates for their patience during the process and ongoing service to our company,” said Calvin Kaufman, Kroger group VP of manufacturing.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,439 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.