10/13/07--Kroger Bargaining Update

October 13, 2007

Dear Kroger Members:
Re:  Kroger Contract Negotiations and Ratification Meeting

This is to update you on the status of our negotiations with Kroger for the Charleston Stores Agreement.  Our negotiations with Kroger Mid- Atlantic have been progressing in a satisfactory manner, but negotiations with Kroger and our sister Local 1099 in Cincinnati, Ohio, have not been progressing so well.  In fact, after agreeing to a one month extension, the membership of Local 1099 voted by 98% margin to authorize a strike if the situation does not improve.  Under the UFCW Coordinated Bargaining Strategy, when one Local has a problem with a Company, then all UFCW Locals who deal with that Company rally to support the challenged local.  Kroger has signed an Extension Agreement with full retro activity with Local 400 on your contract.

Therefore, the UFCW has asked us to support members in Local 1099 by not settling our contract with Kroger Mid-Atlantic until Kroger negotiates fairly with Local 1099.  Just as Local 1099 was instrumental in helping Local 400 members settle our strike and contract in 2003, we must fully support Local 1099 now in their struggle with Kroger. 

THEREFORE, our meetings to vote on a proposed new contract on Monday, October 15, 2007 are cancelled and will be rescheduled as soon as the situation in Local 1099 allows us to complete our bargaining process.  We will keep you apprised of the situation.  Thank you for your continued support.

In Solidarity,
C. James Lowthers
President

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