August 21, 2007

Dear Local 1099 Kroger Members:

As we prepare for bargaining at Local 1099, settlements have already been reached in our region, including Detroit (10,000 workers) and Toledo (3,200 workers).  In Detroit, a three year agreement was reached with a wage increase of $1.00 per hour, and full funding of the Health and Welfare and Pension Funds.  Members will see improvements to their Health and Welfare coverage (including wellness benefits), and waiting periods for health care reduced from 36 to 12 months for full-time employees, and 48 to 18 months for part-time employees.  The Toledo agreement is also a three year agreement, with wage increases beginning at $1.00 per hour.  UFCW successfully eliminated the part-time cap for the Meat Department, and raised the part-time cap for clerks.  Waiting periods for health and welfare were reduced from 18 to 12 months for full-time employees and 48 to 18 months for part-time employees; all employees covered under the Health and Welfare plan have access to a prescription drug card.  Wellness benefits are also included. 

After examining the pattern of the settlements reached in our area, final contract proposals were reviewed and approved at the Stewards’ Meeting on August 14.  We met with the company on August 18 to discuss procedures for negotiations and set bargaining dates as follows:

Over the next few weeks, expect extra servicing by your Local Union Representatives and by Union Representatives throughout our region.  Register your email address online at www.ufcw1099.org for access to your contract and important bargaining updates.  To activate your online account, use the unique member number assigned to you.  Your member number can be found on the front cover of your Vision Magazine, or by calling the Union office.  The Kroger Bargaining Hotline is open (1-800-582-1099, ext. 3KRO(3576)).  The latest Health and Welfare Newsletter will arrive in your home at the beginning of October, detailing the procedure for Open Enrollment online.  Area meetings will take place on Wednesday, October 3.  The Cincinnati Kroger Agreement expires October 6; a contract ratification or strike authorization vote will be taken on October 10.

We’ve seen agreements reached between UFCW and Kroger across the country, and in our region.  Kroger has been extremely profitable over the life of our previous contract, and we are the people providing the outstanding service customers want.  We should expect no less than what we’ve already seen, and we pledge to fight for more.  It’s our turn at the bargaining table and Kroger must share its success.

In solidarity,

Lennie Wyatt                                     Steve Culter                             Kevin Garvey

President                                          Secretary-Treasurer               Director of Collective Bargaining