Kroger workers in Greater Cincinnati, Dayton and Northern Kentucky have a new five-year contract with the Downtown-based supermarket chain.
The deal, which covers 20,000 employees living in the region, was ratified Tuesday, said Kroger and the local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers union, in a joint statement. The contract covers more than 100 stores in the region.
Under terms of the deal, Kroger will put $159 million toward boosting pay over the next half-decade. Over the next five years, hourly pay will increase by $4.78 for some workers, on classification and date of hire.
Toward the end of the contract, the average hourly wage for a local associate will be nearly $20 per hour before healthcare and pension benefits.
"After a year of uncertainty and sacrifice due to the COVID-19 pandemic, UFCW Local 75 is pleased to have a five-year agreement with Kroger that establishes security and stability for our members," said Kevin Garvey, president of union Local 75, adding the pact improved contract language and maintains affordable healthcare.
Local Kroger officials said both sides worked well together hammering out the new contract.
"This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees," said Scott Hays, president of Kroger's Cincinnati-Dayton division, in a statement.
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