Kroger members working under our West Virginia contract voted overwhelmingly in favor of rejecting the company’s offer and authorizing a strike. Members voted 1,375–214 (87%) to reject the company’s contract proposal and 1,347–229 (85%) to authorize a strike. As we explained in detail, Kroger’s offer failed to meet our goals, which is why it was unanimously rejected by our bargaining committee.
For now, we are not on strike. This week’s vote has authorized the bargaining committee to call a strike at a strategic time of their choosing. In the meantime, continue reporting to work as normal.
This vote has sent a powerful message to Kroger that they must do better if they expect us to ratify a contract. Now, we are ready to sit down with the company and negotiate an agreement that we can recommend for ratification. If not, we are ready to continue to do whatever it takes to get a fair contract. By sticking together, we will win.
We are reaching out to the company and will have an update on next steps later today.
As we move forward, we will keep you posted every step of the way. Please do not hesitate to contact us or talk to your union representative or shop steward.
UPDATE – Talks Continue, Rallies March 11
At the request of the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service and the personal request of Senator Joe Manchin, we have agreed to reconvene contract negotiations with Kroger. Following today’s overwhelming strike authorization vote, we are hopeful that Kroger is prepared to negotiate an agreement we can recommend for ratification.
On Monday, March 11 at 4:00 p.m., we will hold rallies at three stores where we will announce next steps for a potential work stoppage. Join us at a rally near you:
- Kroger #714, 350 Patterson Dr, Morgantown, WV 26505
- Kroger #772, 5717 MacCorkle Ave. SE, Charleston, WV 25304
- Kroger #805, 1734 Harper Rd, Beckley, WV 25801
In the meantime, we’ll be spending the next week in stores answering your questions and recruiting and training members as picket captains to help lead the strike if and when it is called.