Walkout date not set, may not happen
Associates of Kroger, which has three stores in Morgantown and employs more than 4,600 statewide at its 41 stores, have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, even though a work stoppage date has not been announced.
Members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 voted 1,490 to 199 to authorize a strike with the main sticking point being health care costs
“As we explained in detail before the vote, Kroger’s proposal would place a limit on the amount of money the company is required to pay to fund health care benefits,” the union said in a release issued after the Nov. 6 vote. “According to the experts, as early as 14 months from now, this cap could be exceeded and several things could happen, including increases to weekly contributions; health care coverage being slashed; higher deductibles, copays and out-of-pocket costs; increased prescription drug costs, and eligibility for benefits changing, making some workers no longer eligible for health care.”
For its part, Cincinnati-based Kroger Co. said associates have not had a health care increase since 2014 and new increases would not begin until after 2021 because of the pandemic.
“We are disappointed that our comprehensive best offer to settle was not accepted,” said Allison McGee, corporate affairs manager for Kroger Mid-Atlantic, in a release. “We remain committed to reaching an agreement. We have told union leaders we remain ready and willing to meet in additional negotiation sessions to see how we might resolve any outstanding issues.”
Associates are reporting to work and for now it is business as usual, Kroger said.
“A strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike,” McGee said. “At this point, the union has not called for a work stoppage. Our focus remains on our associates and recognizing and rewarding them for their hard work.”
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