Smith’s, UFCW Ratify Agreement in New Mexico

Associates of the New Mexico District of Smith’s Food & Drug Centers Inc., an affiliate of Cincinnati-based Kroger Co., have ratified an agreement with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1564.

The contract covers 2,000 associates in New Mexico, working in 26 stores and 11 fuel centers. Stores are located in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and other cities throughout the state.

“We thank our associates for their service to our customers during this process and every day,” said James Hallsey, Smith’s president. “This agreement provides our associates one of the best total compensation packages in our industry. It includes good wages, high-quality affordable health care and a pension when they retire. We look forward to continuing to provide quality jobs for our associates and a great shopping experience for our customers in New Mexico.”

Kroger employs more than 334,000 associates in 2,468 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.