Company and Union Kickoff Ohio Valley Negotiations with Opening Session

Kroger Columbus and UFCW Local 1776ks met this week to begin bargaining a new contract for Ohio Valley associates.

Initial Proposals Exchanged
These first three days of bargaining provided an opportunity for the union and company bargaining committee members to introduce themselves and exchange opening proposals.

Bargaining is a Process
It is important to note bargaining is a process. The bargaining process is about discussing ideas and working through differences to come to a solution. While it can take time to move through the process, by working together we can reach an agreement that is a win for our associates and the company.

Our goals for this negotiation are to reach an agreement that:

• Invests in associate pay
• Continues to provide affordable health care and a pension for retirement
• Keeps groceries affordable for our associates and our customers

As a reminder, our collective bargaining agreement with UFCW Local 1776ks does not expire until August 10, 2024. This means all the terms and conditions of your current contract, including wages and benefits, remain in effect until you have voted to ratify your new contract.

Next Steps
The union and company have agreed to multiple meeting dates before contract expiration. We will continue to provide open and transparent updates that will be shared in huddles and on this website.

If you have any questions, please talk to your store leader. Thank you for all that you are doing to take care of your customers and each other.