Dear UFCW Local 455 Kroger Members,
The stronger we are, the better healthcare we can secure and the more workers and families can qualify for healthcare coverage at a more affordable rate. For 20 years, Kroger workers in Local 455 (Houston and Louisiana) have been eligible for healthcare coverage after working an average of 20 hours a week. In 2018, the Company began making it a bargaining objective to require higher eligibility numbers (27 hours or more) for its workers across the country to obtain healthcare benefits for themselves and their families. As a result of the Company’s bargaining objective, thousands of workers have been stripped of healthcare. Kroger continues to insist that the number 27 is the minimum we have to meet, but it is not actually required.
The Beginning of the Company’s 27-Hour Implementation:
When Kroger implemented a 27-hour–per-week requirement to maintain healthcare eligibility in 2021, it made it difficult for workers to find enough available hours in the stores, given the already limited number of hours in other departments. These changes resulted in hundreds of our members not meeting the eligibility requirement for re-enrollment at the end of the year and caused a significant impact on the lives of you and your families for the following years.
The 24-Hour Requirement Begins:
After many negotiation sessions and a long-awaited ratified contract, your Local Union was able to secure a decrease in the hour requirement for all bargaining unit workers from 27 hours to 24 hours. The 2025 enrollment numbers showed an immediate increase in the number of workers who, in previous years had not been eligible were finally able to meet the requirement to enroll for coverage for their families, something the Kroger Company worked hard against during your contract negotiations.
Your access to healthcare should be getting easier, not harder. If our benefits are going to be tied to hours worked, there should be enough hours for everyone to meet the eligibility requirement.
Minimum Weekly Hours Required To Maintain Healthcare Eligibility
2007–2016
15 HRS/WEEK
↓
2017–2020
20 HRS/WEEK
↓
2021–2023
27 HRS/WEEK
Company-Implemented K-Plan
↓
2024
27 HRS/WEEK
↓
2025
24 HRS/WEEK
Reduction secured through bargaining
↓
2026
25 HRS/WEEK
↓
2027
27 HRS/WEEK
Company Forced Increase
The Cost of Kroger’s 27-hour Eligibility Requirement
“I am normally getting 28 hours at the most, but sometimes 20 hours. […] I fear that with the Company cutting hours and the 27-hour requirement, I will not be covered in future years. […] I need my insurance.”
Tony M. • Store K264
“[I have worked for] Kroger for 20 years. I remember insurance was free, and now part-timers have to fight for 27 hours just to be eligible when they’re only guaranteed 20. Not fair!”
Gwen W. • Store K359
We Want to Hear From You
How have the changes to your healthcare benefits over the years affected you and your family?
Tell us about changes you have experienced in costs, coverage, eligibility, deductibles, prescriptions, or access to care.
Submit Your StorySubmit Your Story
