CHARLETON, W.Va. — A tentative agreement has been reached between Kroger’s Mid-Atlantic division associates and members of UFCW Local 400.
Part of the agreement includes a raise in starting wages to $13 per hour. It also provides wage increases up to $2.50 per hour for department leaders and Top Rate associates.
“Kroger’s commitment to increase wages and ensure associates have access to low-cost, high-quality healthcare benefits has long been a core priority,” said Lori Raya, president of Kroger Mid-Atlantic. “I am pleased to have an agreement that rewards these associates with more money than ever before.”
This contract covers about 3,000 employees at 38 stores in West Virginia, Kentucky, and Ohio.
Union workers had already been working without a contract for a few weeks. An original contract offer from Kroger was rejected by most union workers late last month.
U.S. Senator Joe Manchin released this statement Thursday in the wake of the new deal reached:
“The tentative agreement between Kroger and UFCW Local 400 is welcome news for the state of West Virginia, and I am very thankful that both sides came back to the negotiating table and worked in good faith to reach an agreement. Kroger stores and their employees play a crucial role in the fabric of our communities by providing a sense of belonging, strengthening our economy and contributing to the well-being of our families. I look forward to continuing my grocery shopping at my local Kroger.”
The union plans to hold a ratification vote for bargaining unit members next week.