UFCW Local 911 in Toledo Ratifies New Labor Agreement With Kroger

TOLEDO, Ohio, July 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The Kroger Co. today said that it has been informed by UFCW Local Union 911 in Toledo that their membership has ratified a new contract with Kroger. The vote occurred on July 2 and is effective immediately.

The three-year contract covers more than 3,100 Kroger associates at 27 stores in the Toledo metropolitan area.

"This agreement provides wage increases and affordable quality healthcare benefits for our associates and their families and keeps Kroger competitive in the marketplace," said Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger's Great Lakes Division, which includes Kroger stores in Michigan and Ohio. "This is a perfect example of how fair and balanced agreements can be reached when the Union and Company leadership stay focused and committed to negotiating at the bargaining table."

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains. In 2006, the Company donated $150 million to help hunger relief efforts across the country, raise awareness of breast cancer, and support local schools and organizations in the communities it serves. At the end of the first quarter of fiscal 2007, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,458 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger and Kroger Marketplace, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith's and Smith's Marketplace, Fry's and Fry's Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 779 convenience stores, 408 fine jewelry stores, 652 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at http://www.kroger.com/.