Union representing Kroger workers in Central Ohio files strike authorization

CINCINNATI — After failing to reach a tentative agreement this week, Kroger employees’ union in the Columbus-area voted for strike authorization.

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Our news partners at 10TV report a spokesperson from the store chain told them Friday this was the third tentative agreement that was recommended for ratification by the union and company bargaining committees.

The agreement’s details were not immediately available. According to Kroger, associates should report to work as usual.

A spokesperson for the UFCW Local 75, which represents Dayton-area workers, confirmed to News Center 7 the strike notice is for Columbus-area workers and does not impact Dayton-area workers. Additional details about impacts to the Dayton-area, and where the contract between the union and Kroger is for Dayton-area stores stands, were not immediately available.

News Center 7 is working on obtaining more information about the impacts to Miami Valley stores and workers and we’ll update this page as we learn more.

Kroger’s full statement:

“UFCW Local 1059 has informed us that its members voted down the fully recommended tentative agreement this week. We understand the union also received strike authorization. We are disappointed in the outcome of the vote. This was the third tentative agreement fully recommended for ratification by both the union and company bargaining committees.

It’s business as usual at Kroger. A strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike. Associates should continue to report to work as scheduled.

The Fully Recommended Agreement on our Last Best and Final offer showed our commitment to the whole person, providing wage increases, high-quality, affordable health care, and a pension benefit for retirement.

The most productive thing the union can do is to work with the company in a manner that positively addresses these items. Our focus remains on our associates and reaching an agreement that is good for all parties.”

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