| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 3, 2002 |
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Kroger Workers Stand Up and Win Arkansas Kroger employees prepared for the fight of their lives. The 2,600 workers determined to face down Kroger's threats of cuts to health benefits avoided a strike by reaching an agreement with the supermarket giant. United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 2008 members were prepared to strike to protect their health benefits Kroger seemed intent to destroy. Kroger launched a full-scale assault to convince UFCW members to give up their health benefits. The disinformation campaign included forced meetings, videos, flyers and websites. Local 2008 members were not fooled and stood strong in the face of company pressure. The new 4 year agreement was reached after a marathon 28-hour negotiating session on Sunday, June 30th. Local 2008 members turned out in record numbers later that day to ratify the contract by 3-1 vote. Highlights of the new agreement include: Health insurance benefits secure in a union-administered trust fund. Raises of $1.00 over the term of the agreement, including increases in premium pay for a number of job categories. Stronger grievance procedure to speed up the resolution process. No "universal stocking," a company proposal that would have jeopardized hundreds of jobs. UFCW Local 2008 President Michael Keen credits his negotiating committee for their strong new contract. "Our members were completely unified and committed to protecting our health benefits. The committee took a stand and were prepared to mobilize against Kroger. Their hard work made all the difference," said Keen. More about Kroger negotiations nation-wide |
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