More than 11,000 members of United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 1059 in Columbus, Ohio have ratified a new labor agreement with The Kroger Co.

"This agreement maintains quality jobs and affordable health care for our associates and their families and keeps Kroger competitive," said Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger's 87-store Columbus division. "Our associates focused on providing great service to our customers during this process and we appreciate their efforts."

Kroger and UFCW 1059 green lighted a tentative version of the new pact last week, well in advance of the existing contract's Nov. 9 expiration date, unlike the contentious negotiation process last fall between the nation's largest grocery chain and Cincinnati Local 1099 -- which represents more than 11,000 workers in Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana -- that nearly resulted in a labor strike.

Kroger operates 2,474 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banners.