UPDATE (11/23/2020): The West Virginia Retailers Association (WVRA) released a statement Monday congratulating Kroger and UFCW Local 400 on reaching an agreement.
The agreement will help over 4,200 frontline grocery works in Kroger’s 40 stores in West Virginia.
The labor agreement includes more than $20 million in pay increases and improvements to the company’s healthcare coverage.
“Today’s agreement between Kroger and Local 400 is a win for West Virginia’s frontline essential workers and their families,” said Bridget Lambert, President of the West Virginia Retailers Association. “Under the new agreement, all 4,200-plus Kroger employees in West Virginia will receive an increase in wages; continue to receive first-class healthcare benefits, and additional career growth opportunities.”
WVRA
CHARLESTON, WV (WOWK) — UFCW Local 400 members working at Kroger stores in West Virginia have voted 701-208 to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement after tabulating ballots earlier today.
The agreement was recommended by the Bargaining Advisory Committee includes a more than $20 million wage investment and nearly $100 million investment that maintains exceptional health care benefits.
Communications Director Jonathan Williams says the new three-and-a-half-year agreement guarantees:
- Health care funding that will fully fund health care for the life of the contract
- Raises for everyone
- Premiums for all department heads
- No increase to prescription drug costs maximums
- A new diabetes program to reduce drug costs
- New hours eligibility measurement period doesn’t start until after ratification
Williams says all pay raises have been retroactive to Nov. 1, 2020.
“Kroger is pleased our associates have ratified the contract and recognized our continued investment in their success,” said Paula Ginnett, president of the Kroger Mid-Atlantic division.
“This contract provides wage increases for every associate while keeping associate weekly contributions for health care benefits the same through 2021. This is affirmation of our commitment to providing a competitive total benefits package for our associates. I appreciate our associates for supporting this agreement and for the excellent service they provide our customers every day.”
Paula Ginnett, president of the Kroger Mid-Atlantic division
This agreement covers more than 4,200 associates in West Virginia and surrounding areas.
