Kroger Teamsters in Shelbyville have voted by over 96% to ratify a new 32-month contract, going from the longest Kroger agreement in the Teamsters to the shortest.
Congratulations to all Kroger Teamsters for sticking together and winning historic improvements.
“We truly would not have reached this agreement if it weren’t for the leadership of our shop stewards and support of members across the entire floor,” said President Dustin Roach.
“I told the company on the way out the door tonight that in two years and eight months, we’re coming for more. Be proud of what you accomplished. Congratulations and keep showing others what true solidarity looks like because that’s how you win. United we bargain — divided we beg.”
Some highlights of the Tentative Agreement:
- Wage increases. $4/hour increases across the board over the life of the 32 month contract. $2/hour in year one, $0.50 every six months for the duration of the agreement. Locked in $6.00 shift differentials.
- Protect our work. Eliminates subcontracting rights and eliminates VAR employees.
- Restoration of porter jobs. We won back four porter classifications for over a dozen additional union porter jobs and a 20% restoration of union porter work.
- One Union, One Contract. Bus drivers/dock assistants, checkers, and warehouse workers are now united under one contract.
- Maintain our benefits. Union health insurance is protected and rates are frozen for the duration of the agreement. Kroger 401k plan with contribution rates maintained.
- Improves mandate language. Management must provide 24 hour notice to mandate overtime.
- Enforceable attendance policy, providing rights to up to three additional paid days off and two second chance agreements.
- Improved protection against discipline for production by introducing an additional progressive step.
- Additional bidding rights. A percentage of selectors and LTO’s have the right to bid on equipment every six months by seniority.
- Expanded Shop Steward rights. Shop stewards have the right to attend new hire orientations; up to ten stewards can be present for every grievance hearing on company time; and more.
- Improved strike protections. Kroger Teamsters now have the right to honor Kroger picket lines.
