VOTE NO! Indy Local 700 Kroger Members Face Concessionary TA
Over 8,000 Kroger workers in UFCW Local 700 across Indianapolis and central Indiana are set to vote on a concessionary tentative agreement on Friday, May 30th, and Saturday, May 31st. After months of secretive negotiations, the contract “highlights” were brought to the membership on Tuesday, May 27th.
Members do not have equal access to the full language of the tentative agreement until voting begins on Friday. Then, they will have less than 48 hours to view, discuss, and vote on the tentative agreement. Members deserve a more transparent and fair process for voting on their own contract.
Members can view the tentative agreement language here.
Click here to find your voting location and time. You may vote at ANY location or time that is convenient for you. You do not have to vote at your home store.
NOTE: DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ADDITIONAL (I.E. “HELL NO!”) ON YOUR BALLOT. IT WILL VOID YOUR VOTE. ONLY MARK THE BUBBLE FOR “NO”.
Wages Below Inflation Means a Pay Cut Over Time
$0.75 increase over 4 years for 1st Step
Initial wage increase of only $0.25 for 1st and 2nd Step
Utility clerks will only see a $0.50 raise over 4 years, ending at $13.75 in 2029
CONCESSION: Article 4 - Disciplinary Procedure
Management can discipline you up to 1 week after the incident (formerly 1 day after)
MAJOR GIVEBACK: Article 6.1 - Wages
“Based on market conditions and needs of the business”, the employer can adjust starting wages as they see fit, not exceeding the 2nd wage step — this does not protect members from the company lowering wages
Experience credit only available to full-time employees and capped at 2nd step
Article 8.4 - Seniority
Seniority rights are defined for only full-time employees, meaning high-seniority part-timers are left behind
Article 11 - Seniority
Part-time employees shall not accumulate seniority above full-time employees
Article 24 - Healthcare
Starting January 1, 2029, employees will have to average 36+ hours per week and have 3+ years seniority to be eligible for Plan A. All other employees will only be eligible for Plan B.
Spousal coverage has been reinstated — this sounds like a win, until you read the fine print.
Spousal coverage won’t begin until the final year of the contract, on January 1, 2029. It will cost $90/week for Plan A and $80/week for Plan B.
CONCESSION: Article 25 - Expiration
A 4 year contract (former contracts were 3) means even longer before things can change, increased risk of inflation outpacing wages, and weakened bargaining leverage for a strong contract
GIVEBACK: Schedule B
Food Service Manager transitioned to Deli or Bakery lead, Deli or Bakery leads can be bumped or transferred
NO IMPROVEMENTS on staffing means more hours cuts and skeleton crews.
What can we do about it?
If you want to fight for a stronger contract and a more transparent process, your vote is your voice. You can VOTE NO on this contract to force the company back to the bargaining table.
NOTE: DO NOT WRITE ANYTHING ADDITIONAL (I.E. “HELL NO!”) ON YOUR BALLOT. IT WILL VOID YOUR VOTE. ONLY MARK THE BUBBLE FOR “NO”.
In order for a no vote to pass, you have to make sure every single person who opposes this contract turns out to vote. Click here to find your voting location and time.
Keep an eye out for any activity that could be considered pressuring members to vote a certain way on the contract. Keep a record of the who, what, when, and where.
Print out the flyer below and share it with your coworkers to keep your store informed and engaged.
