Kroger’s Cincinnati-Dayton division and United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 members in Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana have ratified a new labor agreement. The Local 75 contract covers associates working at 104 stores in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana.
"Kroger has invested more than $800 million in permanent wage increases in the last three years and is committed to continuing to invest significantly in our associates' pay in 2021," said Tim Massa, Kroger's senior vice president and chief people officer, in a statement. "Kroger is a place where you can come for a job and stay for a career. A key driver for Kroger is talent development, and we are committed to investing in our associates."
The Cincinnati-Dayton division is investing $159 million in wages across the five-year agreement. Depending on classification and date of hire, pay will increase by $4.78 per hour during the contract term. By the end of this contract cycle, the average hourly wage for an associate in the Cincinnati-Dayton division will be nearly $20 per hour, not including comprehensive benefits like healthcare and pension.
"After a year of uncertainty and sacrifice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW Local 75 is pleased to have a five-year agreement with Kroger that establishes security and stability for our members, increases wages, improved contract language and maintains affordable healthcare," said Kevin Garvey, president of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75, in a statement. "Our member bargaining committee strived to negotiate a labor agreement that provides a voice for our members on the job. This agreement provides that for 20,000 members in our communities."
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Image: The Kroger Co.