<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">By Bobby Bordelon</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Contract negotiations between Kroger and Local 400 chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union might have come to an end without the need for a strike. Local 400 has announced that a potential resolution was found by both parties.</span></span> “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">This would not have happened without the unity, solidarity and strength of our members,” announced the union in a press release. “When Kroger threatened to put our health care at risk, we stood strong and proved we were willing to fight for what we deserve. While no contract is perfect, our credible strike threat got us a fair agreement and we are ready to recommend it for ratification.”</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Calling the deal a “tentative agreement,” the press release stated the new deal included:</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Health care funding that experts say will fully fund our health care for the life of the contract</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Real raises for everyone</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Premiums for all department heads</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">No increase to prescription drug costs maximums and a new diabetes program to reduce drug costs</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">New hours eligibility measurement period doesn’t start until after ratification</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">All raises retroactive to November 1, 2020</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">The contract will be next considered by union members throughout the region in a Tele-Town Hall event and another union vote to approve or throw out the new contract.</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Before the vote is held, the tele-town hall will allow members to learn more about the new contract proposal.</span></span> “<span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Due to the pandemic, we cannot hold our typical ratification meeting in a large, indoor arena,” notes the website. “To ensure everyone’s safety as we present this tentative agreement for a vote, we are conducting our meeting as a Tele-Town Hall. During the Tele-Town Hall, we will review the proposal in detail. You must register to attend the Tele-Town Hall.”</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">In order to vote, mask wearing is mandatory. Voting will be held at the following locations, open from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.:</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Thursday, November 19, 2020</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #722, 80 Skyline Plaza Dr, Buckhannon, WV 26201</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #752, 2007 E 7th St, Parkersburg, WV 26101</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #781, 6306 State Rd 107, Proctorville, OH 45669</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #817, 3265 Smoot Ave, Madison, WV 25130</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Friday, November 20, 2020</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #772, 5717 MacCorkle Ave SE, Charleston, WV 25304</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #773, 198 Emily Dr, Clarksburg, WV 26301</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #784, 302 Great Teays Blvd, Scott Depot, WV 25560</span></span> • <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Kroger #790, 133 Beckley Crossing Shopping Center, Beckley, WV 25801</span></span> <span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif"><span style="font-size: medium">Links to register to the town hall or the final vote count on Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 11:00 a.m., can be found online at www.ufcw400.org, by clicking “Read More” under “Solidarity Works!”</span></span>
