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UFCW Local 400 Kroger Contract 2020: What You Need to Know

Kroger, one of the largest grocery chains in the United States, has negotiated a new contract with UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) Local 400, which represents over 18,000 workers in Virginia, West Virginia, Kentucky, and Tennessee. The previous contract expired on May 30, 2020, but was extended until August 8, 2020, to allow more time for bargaining. The new contract was ratified on August 15, 2020, by a margin of 1,074 to 1,000 votes, after a virtual meeting.

The new contract includes several significant changes and improvements for Kroger workers, who have been essential workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, risking their health and safety to provide food and other services to customers. Here are some of the key provisions of the UFCW Local 400 Kroger contract 2020:

1. Wage Increases: The new contract provides for a wage increase of $0.65 per hour for all workers, retroactive to June 1, 2020, and another wage increase of $0.70 per hour for top-rated workers, effective in July 2021. This means that the average wage for Kroger workers will increase from $11.50 to $12.56 per hour.

2. Health Care Benefits: The new contract maintains the current health care benefits, which cover medical, dental, vision, and prescription drugs, with no increase in premiums. It also includes a new benefit for mental health and addiction treatment, which will be covered at 100% for the first six visits and 50% thereafter.

3. Pension Plan: The new contract preserves the current pension plan, which provides a defined benefit based on years of service and average earnings. It also allows workers who retire on or after June 1, 2021, to receive a $500 lump-sum payment if they have at least 20 years of service.

4. Safety and Protection: The new contract strengthens the protections for workers` health and safety, especially during the pandemic. It requires Kroger to provide personal protective equipment (PPE), such as masks and gloves, to workers and customers, and to enforce social distancing measures, such as limiting the number of customers in the store. It also establishes a joint labor-management safety committee to address and prevent workplace hazards and injuries.

5. Job Security: The new contract enhances the job security for workers by limiting Kroger`s ability to outsource or subcontract work, and by requiring Kroger to give priority to current employees for new job openings, promotions, and transfers. It also includes a grievance and arbitration procedure to resolve disputes over disciplinary actions, layoffs, and other issues.

Overall, the UFCW Local 400 Kroger contract 2020 reflects a balance between the interests of Kroger and its workers, who have faced many challenges and uncertainties in the past months. The contract provides for fair wages, good benefits, strong protections, and stable employment for the workers who serve our communities every day. It also shows the importance of collective bargaining and union representation in achieving better working conditions and a better life for workers.