DENVER, Jan. 10, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, King
Soopers and City Market filed unfair labor practice charges against
UFCW Local 7 for refusing to bargain in good faith. Additionally,
Local 7 today rejected mediation services to help aid in a peaceful
resolution.
The company remains committed to negotiating and reaching an
agreement that significantly invests in associates by putting more
money in their pocket while maintaining affordable healthcare and a
pension for their retirement. However, Local 7 appears dead set on
inciting disruption and restricting the community's ability to
access fresh food and essentials.
"After three days of refusing repeated requests to return to the
negotiating table, Local 7's Kim
Cordova has now rejected a reasonable request for mediation
to work together toward a contract that will put more money in our
associates' pockets," said Joe
Kelley, president of King Soopers/City Market. "If Local 7
does not want to negotiate then they should at least have the
decency to allow our associates to vote on the current proposal.
Our associates should be treated fairly and transparently and
should have the opportunity to decide what is best for them and
their families. Right now, Local 7 is using our associates'
livelihoods as pawns in their political gamesmanship."
The time is now.
Local 7 has given no indication of when they will reengage in
the negotiation process. Kim
Cordova, president of Local 7 has only said she is willing
discuss details again "at an appropriate time in the future."
Respectfully, King Soopers/City Market believes the time is now as
our associates are currently working without a contract and under
threat of strike. The company is eager to invest more money into
associates' paychecks as soon as possible.
King Soopers/City Market remains committed to the negotiation
process and to settling an agreement that is good for our
associates while keeping groceries affordable.
Attached is an independent analysis from economist Nam Pham, managing partner at ndp | analytics,
commissioned by the Kroger family of companies, that demonstrates
the company's long-standing commitment to our associates and the
communities they serve.
For additional information on the unfair labor practice charges
click here.
About King Soopers/City Market
At King Soopers/City
Market, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for
Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®.
We are 22,502 associates who serve customers daily through a
seamless shopping experience throughout Colorado. We are committed to creating
#ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us,
visit our newsroom and investor relations site.
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SOURCE The Kroger Co.