Fry’s, Smith’s Ratify Union Agreement

The Kroger Co. associates working at Fry’s Food Stores and Smith’s Food and Drug in Arizona have ratified a new labor agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 99.

The contract covers more than 15,000 Fry’s associates working in 121 stores in Phoenix, Tucson and throughout the state of Arizona. It also covers 427 Smith’s associates working in Kingman, Bullhead City, Fort Mohave and Lake Havasu.

“We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates and also allows us to be competitive in the very competitive Arizona marketplace,” said Jon Flora, president of Fry’s. “I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement, as well as for the excellent service they provide every day to our customers and company.”

Smith’s President Mark Tuffin added: “This is good news for everyone. I want to thank our associates for their teamwork and the outstanding service they provide our customers every day.”

Tolleson, Ariz.-based Fry’s Food Stores employs more than 17,000 Arizona residents and operates 121 stores. Smith’s Food and Drug operates 131 stores and 74 fuel centers in seven western states from its division office in Salt Lake City. Cincinnati-based Kroger operates 2,425 supermarkets and multidepartment 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.