Negotiations

November 18th, 2020

Kroger Houston and UFCW Local 455 met again today. Unfortunately, the union continues to insist on keeping your benefits in a health and welfare trust fund. We have made it clear to the union many times that the company-administered plan is the best option for our associates to have secure, reliable and affordable health care.

We know negotiations can be stressful and filled with a lot of uncertainty, especially when the union uses actions like demonstrations and the threat of a strike to try and disrupt our business. We regret the stress these actions likely cause for you and your family.

If a strike is called, we have contingency plans in place so our stores will remain open and ready to serve customers.

You have rights during a strike. We are continuing to hear from many associates that they want to continue working if a strike or work stoppage is called. Here are some things you should know in the event of a strike and you want to work:

• The decision to strike or work is your decision to make.
• If you decide to work during a strike and cross the picket line, the local union could impose a fine on associates who are members of the union.
• You can avoid such fines by effectively resigning before crossing the picket line. To do this you need to deliver your resignation to the union.
• Your store leader has more information on your options, including information on how to withdraw from the union if that is your decision.

When making your decision to strike or work, consider this:

• All associates will have received a pay increase by February 7, 2021.
• Open enrollment in a Kroger health care plan for 2021 that is secure, stable and affordable for the life of the contract is currently underway.
• Houston Meat associates recently approved a new agreement that improves the security and stability of pension benefits.

Kroger is making unprecedented investments in you. Why would anyone jeopardize that with a strike? A strike is a reckless course of action. No one wins in a strike. Do what’s right for you and your family!

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