July 3, 2007

TOLEDO GROCERY WORKERS STAND TOGETHER FOR FAIR CONTRACT WITH KROGER

(Toledo, Ohio)—Grocery workers in Toledo, Ohio, represented by the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 911, won a lengthy negotiations battle when they voted yesterday to ratify a three-year contract agreement securing affordable, quality health care and wages that workers can raise a family on.

The Toledo workers stood together through long, tough negotiations with the Kroger Company, and held firm in their resolve to preserve affordable health care and living wages for all Kroger workers.  They were successful, and agreed to a contract including:

• wage increases over the length of the contract between $1.00 and $1.65 per hour;
• shorter waiting periods for health care coverage;
• increased pension contributions for a secure retirement; and
• increased vacation leave for employees.

Throughout the negotiations process, UFCW members demonstrated solidarity and strength in bargaining for a fair contract. Coordinated action with supporters and customers was also key to the workers’ success. Community members, supporters and grocery workers sent emails of support, held a press conference for Kroger workers, sent emails to Kroger CEO David Dillon, and signed petitions in support of a fair contract.

The coordinated effort in Toledo is part of a UFCW nationwide bargaining unity program. By supporting each other regionally and nationally, as well as engaging customers and community members in their struggle, grocery workers are improving grocery industry jobs for themselves and their communities. To learn more about the Toledo contract and other bargaining campaigns, go to: www.groceryworkersunited.org.