If you are reading this, that means you are one of the 24,000 hard-working members of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 455 or Local 1529 unions and are part of current contract negotiations with Kroger. In an effort to better communicate bargaining updates to you, both Local unions will be sending out coordinated bargaining updates in addition to the regular updates you are already receiving.
What’s been happening at the table with Kroger?
We are seeing that all across the South and beyond, Kroger is refusing to act in good faith towards the very people who have sacrificed to make their company immensely profitable. In Houston, Kroger is refusing to sign a contract that they agreed to, and instead forcing members to work under conditions the company has forced onto them, without their vote. Kroger Houston workers have also been forced off their union healthcare and haven’t received the proper wage increases they deserve.
In Tennessee, Kroger is trying to pull the same tricks. They want to kick members off their union healthcare and put them on a company-run plan that members will have no input in. Their current wage proposals are also unacceptable for any of our hard-working UFCW members who are essential to the success of the company and the wellbeing of our communities.
Unfair Labor Practice (ULP) Charges Filed against Kroger
In addition to refusing to give you the wages you deserve and trying to force you off your union healthcare, we have found Kroger to be in violation of federal labor laws by committing unfair labor practices.
In Houston, we have filed legal charges against Kroger with the federal government’s National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) for, among other things, 1) illegally cutting off union dues in an attempt to undermine your union representation, 2) coercing employees into leaving the union, and 3) refusing to disclose information about their company-controlled healthcare plan and its impacts on workers and their families.
In Tennessee, Kroger has also refused to disclose information the bargaining committee has requested about Kroger’s company-run healthcare plan. They want to force members onto this plan like they did in Texas, but won’t even give us all the details we need to evaluate and counter this plan.
Next Steps
In the coming weeks, Local 455 and Local 1529 will be holding Member Mobilization Trainings where members will learn how to mobilize effectively and stand together if Kroger continues refusing to bargain in good faith and engaging in unfair labor practices. It is crucial to stay informed and prepared while we continue to bargain with the company, so please keep an eye out for more details on these trainings.
Make Sure to Sign Up for Blast Text Alerts
To stay informed on contract negotiations and any breaking updates, please sign up for alerts!
Text ‘KROGERHOU’ to 83071
It is more important than ever that we stand together as Kroger workers and proud union members to demand the respect and contracts we deserve.
Thank you for all that you do.
In Solidarity,
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