ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Workers in the New Mexico District of Smith's Food & Drug Centers have ratified a new, four-year labor agreement with the Kroger-owned chain, Kroger said Tuesday.
The agreement covers 2,000 members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1564 in 26 stores and 11 fuel centers in New Mexico.
According to terms listed at the website of the union local, the proposed contract called for employees to contribute from $5 to $15 per week for health insurance, and they will also have higher deductibles. Terms also include an increase in the short-term disability benefit and reduced copays for maintenance prescriptions.
Workers will also receive lump-sum payments of up to $500 and wage increases beginning next year.
"This agreement provides our associates one of the best total compensation packages in our industry," said James Hallsey, president of Smith's, in a prepared statement. "It includes good wages, high-quality affordable health care and a pension when they retire."
