GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Kroger Co. workers represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 951 here have voted to approve a new contract. The ratification follows a rejection of Kroger's earlier contract offer in November.
The new contract preserves members' health benefits and pension while providing a top rate bonus in 2011 and top rate increases in 2012 and 2013, the union said. Members approved the contract by 84%.
"I want to thank the bargaining committee for all their hard work," Marv Russow, UFCW 951's president, said in a statement. "They did a great job when we met with the company and in educating their coworkers about the tentative agreement and importance of voting. We are also pleased that the timetable for the vote will allow members to receive their bonuses prior to Christmas."