Kroger union members vote in favor of new three-year contract
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Thousands of Kroger union members voted in favor of the new three-year contract, avoiding a potential strike.
The union signed off on the agreement late Thursday night, which impacts 12,500 members in the central Ohio region.
Kroger said in a release that this is "great news for everyone including our community partners and customers."
UFCW Local 1059 President Randy Quickel released the following statement:
"Today, the members of Local 1059 voted to ratify the contract agreement with Kroger. Throughout the entirety of this contentious and uncertain bargaining period, Local 1059 members have continued to make their voices heard and advocated tirelessly for the best contract possible for Kroger employees across the central Ohio region.
“This deal modernizes pay scales and guarantees wage increases to every member while protecting benefits. The security of a union contract is vital for so many Local 1059 members and their families. Now that the members have voted to ratify, the contract will immediately go into effect.
“Local 1059 wishes to thank every member for their hard work and advocacy.”
The union ratified some modifications to the collective bargaining agreement, which included a better compensation package of wages and benefits.
The Cincinnati-based company presented an updated contract last week to the union. Kroger said the modified contract includes the largest wage investment ever provided to Columbus associates.
The wage has been the main sticking point in the negotiations.
According to the union, the new contract goes into effect immediately.
