Kroger 2020-2021 Negotiations Update 35

Dear UFCW member,

Your union bargaining team met with Kroger on Wednesday 5/19/21 to discuss our new regional health & welfare fund proposal, as well as other important wage and benefit issues. As part of our commitment to protect our members healthcare – whether they have it now, or in the future – we believe merging healthcare funds with your sister UFCW Locals across the south will help keep your quality healthcare affordable. Most importantly, as we have heard from so many of you, merging plans will provide you – and your fellow members – input in your benefits.

So you are aware, dates have been set with Kroger to meet again and continue discussions over our proposal and your entire contract.

Kroger updated their mask requirements with CDC guidance last week. 

Also, we want to inform you of new updates related to mask and vaccination requirements. We understand the risks you take at work every day and want to remind you that we are here for you.

Kroger has said they will not be asking customers to show proof that they are vaccinated, but we will continue to insist that our members not be the ones to enforce this new policy. You should never be asked to put yourself in a situation where you feel unsafe serving a customer.

With over 60 percent of Americans not fully vaccinated as the pandemic continues, it is virtually impossible to tell who is and is not vaccinated, and our members should not have to be the vaccination police. We will be closely monitoring the impact of this new policy and will continue to ensure that our members are healthy and safe at work.

Here are some important reminders:

• Your union is calling on the CEOs of employers across the industry to take action to reassure the public and workers that the majority of those in stores will still wear masks to keep shoppers and workers safe given ongoing COVID risks.
• If you feel like you are being pressured to enforce this new mask policy or are putting yourself in dangerous situations with this new policy, please contact your union rep immediately.
• UFCW Local 455 and your sister UFCW Locals in the south will continue to have conversations with Kroger to address your health and safety concerns.

As always, we will keep you informed of any new developments and the progress that is made to protect your hard-earned wages and benefits. If you have any questions or concerns, please reach out to your union rep or call or email us at (281) 448-5555 or info@ufcw455.org.

Thank you and stay safe,

Brandon Hopkins

UFCW Local 455 President