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Bargaining Local 1099 Bargaining Hotline 1-800-582-1099 x3KRO "Success isn't measured by how much merchandise you sell. Real success is found in the development of, and opportunities you provide for, the people who are selling it." -Barney Kroger UPDATE 32: November 7, 2007 LOCAL 1099 MEMBERS RATIFY AGREEMENT WITH KROGER Tonight, thousands of UFCW Local 1099 members from Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky voted overwhelmingly to ratify a three year agreement with Kroger. After a two month contract fight and serious threat of a strike, with a vote of 84% in favor of ratifying the agreement, members have a contract that provides affordable health care, a secure retirement, and wage increases consistent with Kroger settlements in the region. “This contract is a result of the solidarity and dedication of our members, and the outpouring of support from the community. Kroger workers make the company one of the most successful in the grocery industry. This agreement, including no concessions, is a reflection of their hard work and shares this success. ” said Local 1099 President Lennie Wyatt. The 1.4 million member United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) is America's neighborhood union representing workers in neighborhood grocery stores across the country. UFCW puts dinner on the table for America's families with members working in meatpacking and food processing. The ratified Kroger agreement covers 11,000 workers in Southwestern Ohio, Northern Kentucky, and Southeastern Indiana. UPDATE 31: November 5, 2007 CONTRACT RATIFICATION MEETINGS Wednesday, November 7 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., 7:00 p.m.
UPDATE 30: November 1, 2007 TENTATIVE AGREEMENT REACHED Tonight, Local 1099 reached a tentative agreement with The Kroger Company that provides the quality health care, secure retirement and wage increases that you’ve earned. We finally have a proposal that shares the success, and does not include any benefit cuts. This tentative agreement is the result of your hard work, dedication, and solidarity. There was an outpouring of community support, the likes of which this area has never seen. The offer has been unanimously endorsed by the Executive Officers of Local 1099, and by Local 1099’s Bargaining Committee.
Particulars of the contract will be available at Area Meetings on Wednesday, November 7, 2007; a schedule of meetings and locations are forthcoming. UPDATE 29: November 1, 2007 Tuesday's rally brought thousands to Fountain Square as Kroger workers joined with community leaders, clergy, elected officials, our brothers and sisters in the labor movement, and many others. It was a strong outpouring of support, and testimony that we do not stand alone in the fight for a fair contract. As we walked two by two down Vine Street, echoes from the crowd resounded off the Kroger building, and the message was loud and clear: Respect. Share the success. After two months of negotiations, we will return to the bargaining table today, November 1, at the request of Federal Mediation and Conciliation Services. We remain committed to reaching a fair agreement that shares the success you've built for Kroger. As always, should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 28: October 28, 2007 EXTENSION AGREEMENT REVOKED
Negotiations broke off today with Kroger’s continued refusal to adequately fund both the health care and pension plans. Instead of focusing on give and take in bargaining, the company has instead adopted a philosophy of take, and take more, expecting workers to gamble with their futures. The company’s risky health care scheme leaves workers at risk for future benefit cuts and could result in a substantial deficit in the fund that pays for health care claims. In the latest proposal, health care improvements include preventive care, increased dental benefits, and improvements to disability and life insurance coverage. However, at the same time Kroger boasts about this health care plan with “no increase in contributions,” it neglects to fully fund it, and says that the company has to keep health care costs flat. If there is no money in the fund that pays for health care, it cannot pay your claims, and you may be forced to take cuts in benefits or pay more to maintain them. The company has still made no movement on prescription coverage, which has been an issue of significant concern over the life of the past contract, other than to apologize for its mismanagement. Kroger insists upon drug costs based upon percentages, instead of flat rates. Imagine going to the pharmacy and having no real sense of just how much the necessary treatment will cost. During negotiations, Kroger chose to roll out a $4 generic drug program for the public. The company will make a drastic change to the way in which its pharmacies do business in order to attract more customers, but refuses to offer its workers the simple courtesy of a drug program that actually works. Kroger’s pension proposal is based upon numerous investment assumptions, including market rate. Under the company proposal, should all of these investment assumptions prove to be true, the pension fund will remain healthy for the next three years, but if even one assumption falls short, the fund could easily enter the “endangered zone” and put retirement security in jeopardy. In three years, when it is time to bargain the next contract, the funding of the pension will need to be significantly revised, and supplemented in order to ensure long term security. Seeing Kroger’s refusal to take a long term approach, and make the proper contributions to ensure that the fund will stay healthy in the years to come, leaves little doubt that their desire in three years will be to whittle away pension contributions even more. The company offered another wage proposal today, similar to the one overwhelmingly rejected at the beginning of October. This proposal offers separate wage rates for Ohio, and for Kentucky and Indiana, and still falls short of the increases other workers have seen in the region, and across the country. In the nearly half century relationship between Local 1099 and The Kroger Company, this has never been discussed; in 2007, it’s not a precedent we are willing to set. Kroger’s market share is strong in the tri-state, no matter which side of the river you work. You work hard at Kroger every day. You offer the outstanding customer services that keep people coming back, and the outstanding customer service Kroger professes to appreciate so deeply. So why are you being treated this way? It doesn’t seem the company would put the health care coverage or retirement security of its managers or corporate executives in jeopardy, but when it’s your future, it’s perfectly acceptable. The company lives in a secure world, but wants to leave your future hanging in the balance. This company doesn’t seem like Barney Kroger’s company. Instead of providing you with opportunities for development, success, and a secure future, Kroger is trying to make your future a question mark. For this reason, Local 1099 revoked the contract extension agreement that was in effect until November 3, 2007. Now, the extension will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Friday, November 2, 2007. Union Representatives and International Staff will be in stores discussing preparation for a strike, and answering questions. No more bargaining dates are scheduled at this time, but Local 1099 remains available for negotiation for a fair contract. Stand up for a fair contract that secures your future and shares the success you’ve built on Tuesday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. on Fountain Square.
UPDATE 27: October 27, 2007 As bargaining progresses, our hope for a positive settlement by the end of the weekend is rapidly diminishing. Our bargaining priorities have not changed in over twenty meetings; the company is apparently still ignoring our requests. We’ve asked for wage increases that match those established throughout the region, and the country. We’ve asked for maintenance of health care contributions and plan design for the people who make Kroger successful every day. We’ve asked for a long term approach to retirement security for workers who have dedicated their careers to the company. We’ve asked for a solution to the drug card problem, which has been grossly mismanaged to say the least. Kroger’s answer to their failure to notify anyone of a change in benefit managers for the drug card, and a modification in coverage which resulted in over 400 denied prescriptions, is simply to apologize and vow to do better. What we are seeing is more of the same. Kroger wants to shift millions of dollars in costs off of their backs, and onto the backs of workers. Why should a company making record sales and profits ask for concessions from its hourly workers to fatten their pocketbooks? Tomorrow is the last scheduled bargaining date. International staff will be coming in town to assist with servicing and preparations for further activities engaging the community in our fight for a fair contract. Kroger would prefer the public be oblivious to its heavy handed bargaining tactics, that they get a free pass to treat their workers like second class citizens. Kroger shoppers are loyal customers because people in the stores provide outstanding service, not because of the corporate suits on Vine Street. It’s time for Kroger to stop bullying its hardworking employees, and time for them to offer these employees what they’ve built, and what they’ve earned, a share of Kroger’s success. We look forward to seeing you at our rally for a fair contract Tuesday, October 30 at 5:30 p.m. on Fountain Square! As always, should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information.
UPDATE 26: October 26, 2007 During today’s bargaining, agreed-to and open items were summarized and debated. Several language issues remain outstanding. Discussion was had regarding wages, but the company seems insistent upon separate wage rates for Ohio, and Kentucky and Indiana. In yet another attempt to silence the voice of workers during ongoing contract negotiations, The Kroger Company continues to threaten discipline for employees speaking out. Over the past weeks, we’ve battled with the company at the bargaining table, worn stickers, walked neighborhoods, and engaged in hand billing in front of Kroger stores. These actions, which are rights guaranteed to workers under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), have engaged our community. Kroger wants to be known as the hometown hero, the ideal corporate citizen, but they still aren’t acting like it. Today UFCW Local 1099 filed Unfair Labor Practice charges with the National Labor Relations board for violations of the NLRA. Kroger does not have the right to threaten you with discipline because you are fighting for a contract that provides the affordable health care, secure retirement, and fair wages you have earned. Local 1099 will not tolerate this abuse and intimidation of our members. We will not allow our members’ rights to be violated, and if Kroger further impedes the exercise of your rights in any way, Local 1099 will institute whatever legal action(s) is appropriate to protect you. Kroger’s latest antics are unfortunately just more of what we’ve seen for the past two months: an attempt to bully you, Kroger’s hard-working employees into taking a contract that is substandard compared to Kroger contracts in the region and around the country. Perhaps Kroger’s priorities are stated most accurately in the threatening memo sent out yesterday by Vice President of Retail Operations Reuben Schaffer, “…we must protect our customers and our business.” It seems so easy for Kroger to forget the workers, who ring registers, sack groceries, slice meat, bake bread, and offer outstanding service every day. It’s time for Kroger to get its priorities in line. It’s time for Kroger to share the success. As always, should you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 25: October 24, 2007 Today, Kroger workers are being threatened with a contract that will increase the cost of health care, will take a short term, reckless approach to their retirement security, and will grant separate wage rates to workers in Ohio, and Indiana and Kentucky (something that’s never been done in over half a century).
And today, Kroger workers continue to fight back to protect their good jobs. Today, Kroger workers are standing at entrances to stores on both sides of the river, distributing information to customers regarding negotiations. Thanks to the efforts of these workers, Kroger is one of the most successful and profitable companies in the country, and enjoys over 50% market share in the Greater Cincinnati area. Even the experts on Wall Street say the company will continue to have strong earnings in the years to come. Today, Kroger has attempted to have workers arrested for hand billing in front of the stores, a right protected under Federal Labor Law. As a result of this and other violations of the National Labor Relations Act, Local 1099 will file Unfair Labor Practice charges against Kroger. They say that we are spending too much time in the community, and not enough time at the bargaining table. Since the first bargaining session, we’ve made it clear that we are committed to reaching a fair contract that respects the efforts of Kroger workers every day, and ensures that they receive a share of the success they have created. Apparently Kroger has a different idea. Kroger does not want its hometown community to know that it continues to undercut the work of its employees every day, by slashing health care and endangering retirement security. Kroger does not want its hometown community to know that it wants to extract more money from its hourly employees simply to pad the coffers of the corporation. Kroger does not want its hometown community to know that it is attempting to treat these 11,000 workers like second class citizens, offering them less than other Kroger workers in the region. We expect thousands to join us in the fight for a fair contract. Ask Kroger to remember Barney Kroger’s belief that "Success isn't measured by how much merchandise you sell. Real success is found in the development of, and opportunities you provide for, the people who are selling it.” Let’s tell Kroger to share the success on Fountain Square, October 30, at 5:30 p.m. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 24: October 23, 2007 We returned to the bargaining table again today and had a lot discussion, but only little resolution. There is clear disconnect between what we are proposing for our members and what the company appears willing to give. More analysis on the hour system versus the month system is necessary in order to determine which will be more beneficial to our membership. Today, we gave the company a comprehensive proposal on health care, including benefits for full time and part time members, major med, dental care, drug card, sick pay, shortening the eligibility tunnel, and retiree health care. There is clear disparity between the approach we want for your pensions, and the approach the company would prefer to take. Kroger still fails to address the long-term retirement security of our members, and would shift funding requirements to later years. In a perfect world, for the next three years, your pension will be safe. Should any assumption fall short, however, it will require significant revisions. This is no surprise, as Kroger negotiators believe that your pension should be supplement to your retirement, and nothing more. Kroger’s approach to wages, health care, and pension demonstrates yet again, that the Company is taking an insensitive, disrespectful, and reckless approach to your future. Stand together. Make your voice heard; be involved in our activities over the next few weeks. Tell the community what Kroger is doing in its hometown, and our hometown. Tell Kroger to share the success. As always, should you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 23: October 22, 2007 The break in bargaining hardly brought a break for members of Local 1099. We were out hand billing at high school football games, walking through neighborhoods, and even speaking with community members at the Bengals game. Perhaps you saw a plane flying over Cincinnati on Friday, asking Kroger to share the success. Through our actions, and our stickers in the stores, we are making an impact; community members are becoming more informed of the status of negotiations and its impact on them. Tonight, nearly 300 stewards spent their evening being updated on bargaining, and planning the next few weeks. We discussed the clear differences in the company’s proposal and Local 1099’s proposal:
We will continue informing the public about how Kroger is treating workers in its hometown through neighborhood walks, hand billing, and other community events. Please join us on October 30 as we rally for a fair contract on Fountain Square. The rally begins at 5:30 p.m. Transportation is available; please contact your Union Representative. We go back to the bargaining table tomorrow, and we will continue to fight for what you’ve earned: a share of Kroger’s success. UPDATE 22: October 19, 2007 With the break in bargaining, this weekend will be a busy one for Local 1099. Tonight, you’ll see us at high school football games around the Greater Cincinnati area, asking members of the community to stand with us in the fight for a fair contract at Kroger. We will be meeting with Legal Counsel and Representatives from the International Union on Saturday to review our strategic programs related to Kroger. Sunday, we’ll continue to reach out to the public, asking for support. On Monday night, October 22, we will have a special Stewards Meeting at the Monroe Assembly Center at 7:00 p.m. outlining our activities over the next few weeks. Please make every effort to attend. Union Representatives will be in stores to answer any questions or provide you with additional information about negotiations. If you are interested in distributing literature around your neighborhood, or your store, please contact your Union Rep; literature and maps are available. Kroger can afford to treat you with respect, and provide the affordable health care, secure pension, and competitive wages you’ve earned.
Stand together. Make your voice heard. Tell Kroger to Share the Success. UPDATE 21: October 17, 2007 At a press conference this morning, Local 1099 was proud to announce a new coalition, The Coalition for a Fair Contract. This group is a partnership between Local 1099, and several community groups, including The AMOS Project, ACORN, Day Labor Organizing Project, Cincinnati Interfaith Worker Center, Cincinnati Interfaith Committee for Worker Justice, Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, and more. Pastor Gregory Chandler, President of The AMOS Project, spoke out on behalf of Kroger workers, citing that even the Bible says that workers deserve a share of the success for which they’ve worked. Local 1099 has scheduled a Special Kroger Stewards Meeting for Monday, October 22, 7:00 p.m., at the Local 1099 Assembly Center in Monroe. We’ll give a bargaining update and discuss community outreach over the next few weeks. The next bargaining sessions are scheduled for next Tuesday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Representatives from the International Union and other Locals in the Region are still in Cincinnati, ensuring that you are as current as possible regarding negotiations. Some discussion was had, but the company spent no time in front of the Bargaining Committee. Kroger has made no substantive movement on any of their paltry offers in health care, pension, or wages. We continue to be deeply disappointed with the company’s approach to bargaining and hope that next week, Kroger will stop insulting its workers, and offer their workers a share of the success, not benefit cuts. Stand up. Make your voice heard. Tell Kroger to share the success. As always, should you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 20: October 16, 2007 After another long day of bargaining, Kroger is still proposing concessions for members of Local 1099, and is still proposing separate wage scales for Ohio, and Indiana and Kentucky. We are still exploring the potential benefits of an hours system, as opposed to a months system. The last company proposal at 9:47 pm was regressive compared with the proposal overwhelmingly rejected by the membership. Local 1099 cannot respond to this wage proposal because the company still has not addressed outstanding health care issues, including maintaining the plan design and freezing employee contributions. We are unable to go forward in bargaining wages because Kroger refuses to address the fundamental issues of health care and retirement security. We are here to bargain, but we are not here to bargain concessions. It’s shameful that the company continues to negotiate in this fashion, and wants to treat its hometown employees like second class citizens. After a year of record success, Kroger still wants to slash benefits. It’s time for Kroger to get real and offer its workers what they have earned – a share of the success. UPDATE 19: October 15, 2007 Today was the first day back to bargaining after members of Local 1099 soundly rejected a contract proposal from the Kroger Company last Wednesday. Our proposals remain far apart from each other; the company continues to look for cost-cutting measures, instead of offering the affordable health care, secure retirement, and fair wages demanded by your vote last week – and given in prior settlements throughout the country. Subcommittee meetings were held to discuss health care, language and wages. The Health and Welfare Committee reported no movement at all; the company still wants to increase deductibles and out of pocket expenditures. Minor progress was made with regard to language issues. In terms of wages, the Committee worked through progression brackets and discussed the prospect of changing to an hour system, and thereby eliminating the part time cap. The company’s proposal for a separate wage scale for Ohio, and Indiana and Kentucky, is still on the table; they are looking for further segregation by proposing different rates for some departments, based not only upon state, but now, upon neighborhood. We continue to be disappointed with the way that Kroger is approaching our negotiations. Instead of choosing to provide workers with what you’ve earned, the company is still asking for concessions. Here, in Kroger’s hometown, they want us to take less. The workers in this city built the Kroger, and now sustain over 50% market share, but they want us to take less. Kroger is coming off a year of record profits, but they want us to take less. Why? We don’t deserve less. And we aren’t going to take it. Stand together. Make your voice heard. Tell Kroger to share the success. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 18: October 14, 2007 Over the past few days, Local 1099 has been working hard in preparation for a return to the bargaining table this Monday. We’ve been working with International and Regional Staff, and Rank and File members, to review our outstanding proposals on health care, wages, and pension, and discuss our goals for negotiations this week. Since hearing the results of your vote on Wednesday, we are hopeful that Kroger will take a different approach at the table, and consider a contract providing the affordable family health care, secure retirement, and fair wages that you have earned. Our brothers and sisters around the country are standing with us in our fight for a fair contract. UFCW Locals in Tennessee and West Virginia, who are also in negotiations for their own agreements, have pledged to support us until a settlement can be reached. You may also see some new faces this week; representatives from our International Union will be with Local 1099 Representatives providing you with information and updates on bargaining. Finally, after months of discussion and weeks of bargaining, we are pleased to see that Kroger has heard our voices, and addressed the prescription drug problem. Despite our proposals for affordable generic drugs and Kroger’s refusal to agree upon them, the company is now offering $4 prescriptions. We hope that Kroger will continue to do the right thing by its workers and by the community, by offering a contract with affordable family health care, a secure retirement, and fair wages. Please continue to use the Local 1099 Bargaining Hotline at 1-800-582-1099 ext. 3KRO (3756), and our website at www.ufcw1099.org/bargaining. Forward your email updates to ten friends (union members or not) so they can stay current. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. Stand up. Make your voice heard. Tell Kroger to Share the Success. UPDATE 17: October 10, 2007 MEMBERS REJECT CONTRACT PROPOSAL, AUTHORIZE STRIKE Tonight, thousands of UFCW Local 1099 members from Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky voted overwhelmingly to reject a contract proposal from the Kroger Company, and authorized a strike. With a vote of nearly 98% against the proposal, members sent a clear message to Kroger that their offer was simply unacceptable. Under the proposed contract, workers would pay more for health care and take benefits cuts, leave their retirement security in jeopardy, and see wage increases less than other agreements in the region. Kroger says that they are intent on reaching a fair and balanced agreement, but their actions tell a different story. “You can’t tell the people one day that they are your greatest competitive advantage, and tell them the next day they are a burden to the bottom line. Our members are the people who make this company successful, and it’s time for them to share the success,” said Local 1099 President Lennie Wyatt. We are hopeful that Kroger will make a fair and balanced agreement, instead of trying to saddle its workers with more expenses and fewer benefits. Kroger employees will continue to work under an extension agreement until November 3, or with four days notice from either the Union or the Company. Negotiations are scheduled to begin again next week. Stand together. Make your voice heard. Tell Kroger to Share the Success. UPDATE 16: October 8, 2007 The Company presented an offer to the Bargaining Committee that fails to meet the needs of Kroger workers. Their proposal raises the cost of our insurance every week, increases insurance deductibles, does not solve the drug card problems, and puts the future of our pension plan in jeopardy. The Union’s Bargaining Committee cannot recommend a contract that raises the cost of our insurance and cuts benefits, and at the same time, gives us less in wage increases than any other contract in Ohio. This contract not only offers substandard wages, it treats workers in Indiana and Kentucky like second class citizens by keeping their starting wages below those of workers in Ohio. We recommend members attend Area Meetings on Wednesday and send the Company a message that we are fed up and we won’t take it anymore. VOTE TO REJECT THE PROPOSED CONTRACT ON WEDNESDAY. It’s the best way to send the company a clear message: Share the success. In the meantime, your current contract is in full effect, and an extension has been signed. The contract extension can be cancelled by either party with four days notice. This extension agreement will expire November 3. For example, if we meet this weekend, and it produces no results, we can withdraw our proposal and the extension will be voided. This contract must be voted down on Wednesday so that an agreement giving affordable, quality health care, fair wages and a secure pension can be reached. Actions speak louder than words, so attend your Area Meeting on Wednesday and make your voice heard. Meetings will be held at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in the following locations: Zone A: Dante’s Restaurant at The Imperial House Motel Zone B: UFCW Local 1099 Assembly Center Zone C: Clarion Hotel Blue Ash Zone D: Eastgate Holiday Inn Zone E: Hotel USA (Formerly Ft. Mitchell Inn) Voting Rules for Strike and Ratification Members' Frequently Asked Questions UPDATE 15: October 7, 2007 Today, Local 1099 was prepared for extensive bargaining with Kroger in an attempt to reach an agreement to be voted upon Wednesday. Instead, we met with the Company for less than an hour, including subcommittees, meetings with the Federal Mediator, and bargaining. We are still awaiting a response to our health care and wage proposals, a response that does not include concessions. The Company waited for almost six hours before acknowledging that they would not return to the bargaining table tonight, a message delivered through the mediator. The lack of courtesy and respect they demonstrated today is the same lack of courtesy and respect they’ve shown throughout negotiations. Through the mediator, Kroger informed us that they will present a comprehensive proposal tomorrow, including health care, wages and benefits; whether we recommend it depends on the content. We must stand together so that your health care will be a benefit, not an additional expense. We must stand together so that your pension is secured for the life of your career, not the life of your contract. We must stand together so that your wage increases are significant, not minimal. We must stand together so that you benefit from this contract, not Kroger. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. KROGER'S HEALTH CARE SAVINGS ARE FOR THEM, NOT US What Kroger doesn’t want you to know... Proposed increases to your wages only disguise the cost you would have to pay for health benefits. Kroger’s proposed health care benefits aren’t worth much to you…
…but they would save Kroger millions over the term of this agreement.
Concessionary bargaining is not an option. The Union gave the Company a comprehensive proposal at 2pm on October 7, consisting of the current plan design, no changes in employee contributions, and benefit improvements for you and your families. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information.
UPDATE 14: October 6, 2007 Local 1099’s contract with Kroger expired tonight; another agreement has not yet been reached. At the request of the Federal Mediator, negotiations will resume again tomorrow, October 7, 2007, at noon. As it stands, Kroger continues to be unrealistic about the needs of working families.
WE DESERVE BETTER. Although we are in Cincinnati, the birthplace of the Kroger Company, they wants to buck the trend set across the country – and they expect us to take less. A pattern has been set in recent agreements with Kroger, including here in Ohio. They shouldn’t ask us for cuts, and they shouldn’t expect us to take them. WE DESERVE BETTER.
Sharing the success is not taking millions from your benefits plan, and asking you to pay more.
Sharing the success is not taking an irresponsible and reckless approach to funding your pension.
Sharing the success is not offering minimal wage increases when the company is enjoying record profits.
WE DESERVE BETTER. And we are fighting for it.
The company says they share the success, that you are its greatest competitive advantage, but actions speak louder than words. On Wednesday, October 10, 2007, Local 1099 will hold Area Meetings to vote the company’s most recent contract package and take a strike authorization vote. Actions speak louder than words, so attend your Area Meeting and make your voice heard. Meetings will be held at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in the following locations: Zone A: Dante’s Restaurant at The Imperial House Motel Zone B: UFCW Local 1099 Assembly Center Zone C: Clarion Hotel Blue Ash Zone D: Eastgate Holiday Inn Zone E: Hotel USA (Formerly Ft. Mitchell Inn) As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information.
UPDATE 13: October 5, 2007 Local 1099 spent another day at the bargaining table with Kroger, trying to reach an agreement before tomorrow night’s (October 6) midnight expiration. Some minor language issues were resolved, but three major substantive issues remain: health care, pension, and wages. Local 1099 spent much of the day modifying and costing wage proposals. Kroger says they want modest changes in health care, but the truth is they want concessions. For example: higher deductibles and employee contributions, a transition from a 90%/10% to 80%/20% coinsurance plan for people hired prior to 11/4/04, an increase in out of pocket limits, and more expensive drug costs. Health care is the first priority in negotiations, after an agreement is reached on this issue, we will proceed to pension issues, and finally, wages. Local 1099 expects a comprehensive proposal from the company at 10am tomorrow morning. We are hopeful that Kroger will finally present proposals worthy of consideration. It is imperative to reach an agreement including wage increases, affordable, quality health care with no increase in employee contributions, a drug card that doesn’t break the bank, and pension contributions that will secure your retirement, not gamble with it. Stay informed. Stand together. Demand your share of the success. UPDATE 12: October 4, 2007 Local 1099 met with Kroger again today, and unfortunately, again, no significant progress was made. Kroger still refuses to adequately fund the pension plan, contending that your retirement security should be subject to negotiation every three years. Kroger did increase their pension proposal, moving from two cents to three cents; the company’s Chief Negotiator said that this amount was sufficient when coupled with Social Security. The Company also made a wage proposal that would take part-time workers ten years to reach top rate. We view Kroger’s pension proposal as an insult to the workers who toil every day to build the company and make it successful. The Company’s stance on health care, pension, and wages is nothing more than another corporate takeaway. We remain at the bargaining table, fighting for you. You deserve quality, affordable healthcare, a secure retirement and fair wages, and we’re fighting for it. We find it utterly disheartening that Kroger continues to fight against what we are fighting for…you. We must stand together. We must fight. Tell your store manager that it’s time for Kroger to share the success. UPDATE 11: October 2, 2007 We want a place in which Kroger members are free to discuss important issues with their Union Representatives, but Kroger wants to expel Local 1099 staff from the stores. We want better health care coverage for you, but Kroger wants you to pay more. We want a long term solution to secure your pension, but Kroger wants a narrow, short-term approach. We want better starting rates in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky, but Kroger wants nickels and dimes. We want Kroger to continue as a leader in the industry, a provider of good wages, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement, but instead, Kroger apparently wants to be in the race to the bottom. Who is really looking out for you?
Local 1099 met with Kroger again today, for almost 8 hours; unfortunately, there was very little face time with the company. As the expiration date for the contract draws nearer, Local 1099 has enlisted the help of our sister local, Columbus Local 1059. You’ll see their Staff with your Union Representatives, making sure you stay informed of important contract issues. Only a handful of items have been agreed to after ten bargaining sessions; negotiations are scheduled for Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in an effort to reach an agreement. Don’t forget Local 1099 Area Meetings on Wednesday, October 3, giving updates on negotiations and in preparation for a strike authorization or ratification vote on October 10. Meetings will be held at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in the following locations: Zone A: Dante’s Restaurant at The Imperial House Motel Zone B: UFCW Local 1099 Assembly Center Zone C: Clarion Hotel Blue Ash Zone D: Eastgate Holiday Inn Zone E: Hotel USA (Formerly Ft. Mitchell Inn) We must fight. We must stand together. We must demand our share of the success.
As always, should you have any questions, please contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information.
UPDATE 10: October 1, 2007 Local 1099 met with the Company today, October 1, with a focus on health care. In subcommittee meetings, Local 1099 outlined our proposal including the following provisions:
The Company is proposing concessions that would force Local 1099 members to pay more for fewer benefits through an increased deductible and higher co-pay. Kroger is enjoying record success, yet they want you to pay more for your health care. It’s time for them to share the success. In spite of nearly 12 hours of negotiations today, Kroger still refuses to propose anything worth considering, in health care, in pension, and in wage rates. Kroger is enjoying record success, yet they refuse to share it. Local 1099 will hold meetings by Zone on Wednesday, October 3, giving updates on negotiations and in preparation for a strike authorization or ratification vote on October 10. Meetings will be held at 8:00 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m., 5:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. in the following locations: Zone A: Dante’s Restaurant at The Imperial House Motel Zone B: UFCW Local 1099 Assembly Center Zone C: Clarion Hotel Blue Ash Zone D: Eastgate Holiday Inn Zone E: Hotel USA (Formerly Ft. Mitchell Inn) Please make every effort to attend one of these meetings as we will also discuss new open enrollment procedures for health care. We must fight together and demand our share of the success. As always, should you have any questions, please contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 9: September 28, 2007 Negotiations with Kroger continued September 27 and September 28. With the current contract expiring on October 6, the Local 1099 negotiating committee was eager for the Company to show some positive movement during this round of negotiations. However, the Company's unwillingness to make any serious moves in a positive direction continues to disappoint the negotiating committee. Despite record profits and more than 54% of the Cincinnati grocery market, Kroger continues to demand that workers pay a higher co-pay for their insurance while reducing health care benefits and refusing to properly fund the pension plan, they have yet to offer a comprehensive wage proposal. With only one week before the expiration of the current contract, the Company has refused to Share the Success that Local 1099 members made possible. Negotiations will resume Monday, October 1, Tuesday, October 2, Thursday, October 4, Friday, October 5, and Saturday, October 6. It's time for Kroger to Share the Success. We have quite a bit of work ahead of us and achieving our bargaining goals will require your support. It is imperative that you attend the area explanation meetings scheduled for October 3 for a complete update. UPDATE 8: September 21, 2007 In meeting with the Company today, the company offered a shocking proposal: different wage rates for workers in Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. You work hard every day, and you deserve to be fairly compensated for that hard work, regardless of in which state your store is located. Local 1099 quickly rejected this proposal, and is opposed to proposals that don’t offer equal pay to all workers covered by this contract. The company is proposing a complete overhaul of the bracket structure, particularly for Department Heads; according to the company’s proposal, Department Head brackets would be based upon department sales instead of store sales volumes. We requested additional information regarding hours worked by department, and by classification, and continue to analyze the potentially negative impact of this strategy. In our proposal, brackets would be condensed based upon store volumes. We are reviewing Health Care and Pension cost components with professional consultants and intend to deliver a total proposal to the Company on Thursday, September 27, when bargaining resumes. Kroger continues to maintain market share and grow its profits; we are disappointed that the Company has yet to submit a comprehensive proposal that even merits consideration. You deserve better than this. As always, should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 7: September 20 In Detroit, Houston, Toledo, Southern California, and Seattle, Kroger provided wage increases, quality, affordable healthcare, and a secure retirement for UFCW members. In Cincinnati, you deserve no less. But that’s what they want to give you. Yesterday, The Financial Times and Cincinnati Enquirer ran articles about Kroger’s “robust sales growth.” For a company reportedly enjoying such success, why is Kroger unwilling to share it with the people in its hometown? In 2004, your pension was worth $49 per month, per year of service. Due to insufficient funding by the company, in January 2005, your pension was reduced to $40 per month for future service. In January 2007, your pension was cut again – this time to just $22 per month for future service. $49. $40. $22 It just doesn’t add up to a secure retirement. And your pension benefit could be cut…again. Currently, your pension plan is 80% funded, and Local 1099 proposes a 17 cent per hour increase, so that over time, the pension plan will return to 100% funding. The company has proposed to increase its contribution by just 2 cents per hour, which will, at best, maintain this 80% funding level. This increases the probability that your benefits will need to be cut… again. Today, Local 1099 and the Company discussed health care. Instead of proposing to improve your health care plan, like other UFCW members, Kroger proposes increased deductibles, more qualifying hours for health care (25 to 28), reduced coverage, increased out of pocket expenses, and higher costs for prescription drugs. Under the company proposal, your monthly healthcare contributions will increase from the current $20-$60 a month to $100 to $140 a month. Instead of rewarding a career of dedicated service, Kroger proposes to raise retiree health care costs by an additional 10%. The company wants you to pay more for health care…again. When is enough, enough? You work hard everyday. As a member of Local 1099, you can prevent cuts…again. Stand up for yourself and tell your store manager that the company proposals are unacceptable. Demand your share of Kroger’s success. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 6: September 14 The Union’s Bargaining Committee has been in the process of re-examining contract proposals submitted so far in negotiations for the Cincinnati Kroger Agreement. Local 1099 will resume bargaining with the Company next week, with scheduled negotiations Thursday, September 20, and Friday, September 21. Local 1099 and Kroger have submitted health care proposals that are vastly different. We propose increased coverage, including preventive care, improved dental benefits for full-time and part-time employees, and improved sick pay. We also propose a revision of the drug card program to make it more affordable. In contrast, the company is proposing a program with higher deductibles and additional employee contributions. In other settlements across the country, workers have seen improvements to their health care, but here, in Kroger’s hometown, they want to cut your benefits. The company will say that they prefer to put money in wages over health care, but if extra wages go to pay for additional health care costs, we’ve really gained nothing. The company will say that you are the competitive advantage, but their pension proposal not only disregards the recommendations of the fund trustees, but only accounts for the status of the fund for the next three years. A secure retirement is ensured by more than three years worth of consideration. Admittedly, we are in the early stages of negotiations. It is, however, disappointing that Kroger seems to be ignoring the pattern set by other contracts across the country for the workers right in its own backyard. We continue to fight for your share of Kroger’s success. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 5: September 10 The Union and the Company were at the bargaining table again today. It is clear that the Union and the Company wish to move in different directions with regard to health care. Despite offering progressive health care plans with improved benefits across the country, Kroger continues to offer a regressive plan to its hometown employees. The Union has rejected the company’s proposal for health care, because we believe it imperative that our members should have access to affordable, quality health care at a cost that won’t break the bank. Actuaries from The Segal Company (analysts for the Trust Fund) and members of UFCW International staff were involved in negotiations, attempting to reach an agreement for the computation of health care costs. Local 1099 continues to review and refine our health care proposals. Bargaining will resume tomorrow morning, September 11. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative, your most accurate source of information. UPDATE 4: September 5 The Union and Company met again to continue the discussions begun yesterday, with particular attention to health care and benefits. We submitted additional proposals for the company's consideration; the Union and Company are taking the rest of the week and weekend for further review of health care options and remaining proposals. Both sides came to an agreement on a handful of proposals, but significant discussion is still necessary. Negotiations will continue Monday morning, September 10. Don’t forget to register your email address online for bargaining updates, access to your contract, and much more. If you have any questions, or desire further information, do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative. UPDATE 3: September 4 The Union and the Company met for nearly 12 hours today, discussing contract language and health and welfare proposals. The Company responded to our comprehensive proposal and offered their own proposal; most items require further discussion. Both sides offered proposals for health and welfare coverage and benefits, a conversation that will continue in the morning as costing is completed for the respective proposals. Members of Local 1099’s bargaining committee will be visiting stores with Union Representatives, giving updates and answering questions about negotiations. Don’t forget to register your email address online for bargaining updates, access to your contract, and much more. If you have any questions, or desire further information, do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative. UPDATE 2: August 29 Today commenced bargaining for the Cincinnati Kroger Agreement, covering approximately 10,000 members of Local 1099. Cincinnati is Kroger’s hometown, the city in which the company began, and the city in which it now flourishes (with over 50% market share). Today, Local 1099 furnished Kroger with a comprehensive proposals; the company had no response. We intend to have a proposed agreement by the October 6 expiration date, to be voted upon October 10. UPDATE 1: August 18 The Union met with the company on Thursday, August 18 to discuss procedures and dates for bargaining the Cincinnati Kroger agreement. Tentative dates are as follows: August 29 August 31 September 4 September 5 September 10 September 11 September 20 September 21 September 24 September 25 September 27 September 28 October 1 October 5 October 6 Area Meetings will be held October 3. The contract expires October 6. Ratification or Strike vote will be held October 10. REGISTER YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS ONLINE TO RECEIVE BARGAINING UPDATES. YOU MAY ALSO USE THE KROGER BARGAINING HOTLINE AT 1-800-582-1099, ext. 3KRO(3576). |
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