Kroger, Toledo workers ink new deal

Kroger Co. said that associates working at 26 stores around the Toledo area have voted to ratify a new labor agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 75.

"We are pleased to reach agreements that are good for our associates. These agreements provide wage increases, affordable health care and investment in our associates' pension fund to support their retirement," Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger's Columbus Division, said in a statement. "These agreements come after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting the agreements and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day."

According to Local 75, the new contracts call for additional full-time positions to be added over the life of the agreement; provide affordable healthcare with only one increase in weekly contributions through 2018; and guaranteed wage increases over every year of the term.