Kroger and Indiana Union Extend Contract Amid Ongoing Negotiations
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Kroger and the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 700 representing its Indiana workers have extended their current contract while negotiations continue. The union, which represents 8,000 grocery store employees in central Indiana, is set to return to the bargaining table on August 6 after months of discussions that recently included a meeting on Friday.
Union members have rejected two tentative agreements, one in May and a more recent one last week. Key demands from UFCW 700 include hourly pay raises and implementing retroactive pay increases. Despite the ongoing talks, union representatives have no immediate plans for a strike, although tensions are palpable among workers. Vern Sowers, a 20-year Kroger veteran, expressed concerns for his coworkers, noting, “A lot of people I know at work can’t afford to strike.”
In its latest proposal, Kroger offered a $2.75 per hour raise by 2028, stating that the average hourly wage is currently $18.18. However, Sowers criticized this offer as insufficient, emphasizing that employees are striving to keep up with rising living costs. He pointed out the company’s recent $1.3 billion operating profit, arguing for a more equitable compensation for the workers who contribute to Kroger’s success.
While Kroger declined an interview request, the company reiterated its commitment to its workforce through competitive wages and benefits, expressing optimism for a collaborative resolution.
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