Fred Meyer, QFC Associates Ratify New Union Pact

Fred Meyer and QFC stores, both divisions of The Kroger Co. said that associates have ratified a new labor agreement with United Food & Commercial Workers Union Locals 21, 81, and 367 and Teamsters Local 38 in Seattle.

"We reached a fair agreement for our associates that includes pay increases, excellent health care benefits, and a stable pension," said Mike Ellis, president of Fred Meyer.

More than 7,800 Fred Meyer and 4,800 QFC associates are covered by the contracts, which include cashiers, as well as meat, grocery, and general merchandise associates. The contracts cover associates in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Mason, Thurston, and Kitsap counties. Fred Meyer and QFC negotiated the contracts as part of a multi-employer group which also included representatives of Safeway and Albertsons.

"This is a good contract that keeps us competitive in the marketplace and rewards our associates for their superior service to customers in our stores," added Donna Giordano, president of QFC.

Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,461 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 784 convenience stores, 375 fine jewelry stores, 954 supermarket fuel centers and 40 food processing plants in the U.S.