Smith's, Food 4 Less Ratify Las Vegas Contract
CINCINNATI -- Members of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 711 in Las Vegas have approved a new, three-year labor agreement covering approximately 2,100 associates at Smith's and 900 associates at Food 4 Less.
The Kroger Co., parent company of the two retail banners, said the new pact includes wage increases for many associates, bonuses, and new-hire provisions for pay and benefits that will help control costs. The contract also includes reductions in employer health care contributions and related modifications of health care benefits for current associates. In addition, employer contributions to pension plans will increase, while benefits in the plans for future service will be reduced.
"This agreement represents a balanced solution that provides Smith's and Food 4 Less associates with the high-quality health care and good wages they need, at a cost that will make our company more competitive and their jobs more secure," said Don McGeorge, Kroger president and c.o.o. "The negotiation process was challenging, but through it all, union and company representatives demonstrated their commitment to do what is best for our associates and our customers."
Kroger, the nation's largest retail grocery chain, operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,531 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states, under two dozen banners.
The Kroger Co., parent company of the two retail banners, said the new pact includes wage increases for many associates, bonuses, and new-hire provisions for pay and benefits that will help control costs. The contract also includes reductions in employer health care contributions and related modifications of health care benefits for current associates. In addition, employer contributions to pension plans will increase, while benefits in the plans for future service will be reduced.
"This agreement represents a balanced solution that provides Smith's and Food 4 Less associates with the high-quality health care and good wages they need, at a cost that will make our company more competitive and their jobs more secure," said Don McGeorge, Kroger president and c.o.o. "The negotiation process was challenging, but through it all, union and company representatives demonstrated their commitment to do what is best for our associates and our customers."
Kroger, the nation's largest retail grocery chain, operates (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,531 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states, under two dozen banners.