Bargaining for nearly 3,000 members of UFCW Local 75 working at Toledo Kroger stores began this spring; three agreements (Grocery, Non-Food, and Meats) expire this April.  After membership surveys, training members of the Bargaining Committee, and several sessions of negotiations, Local 75 and Kroger have agreed to extend the contracts expiring April 3, 2010 until August 7, 2010.

All provisions of your contract will continue to be honored throughout the duration of the extension, and all negotiated wages and benefits will be retroactive to the date of expiration. 
 
As members of UFCW, we recognize the importance of solidarity and strength in numbers; there is power in numbers.  This extension allows us to work through the process of merging agreements so that the respective bargaining unit(s) is bigger and stronger.  Many aspects of the grocery and non-food contracts are similar, and while there are only a few differences between these and the meat contracts, we are hopeful of combining these agreements to form the best contract for everyone.  The intention of merging contracts is not to adversely affect members of any contract group, and to protect the provisions of our current agreements.
 
There are many benefits to merging multiple agreements. Merging these contracts allows a common precedent for grievance settlements and arbitration awards. With one contract, everyone truly stands together. The employer will not be able to pit one bargaining unit against another; right now, the company could attempt to divide and conquer. One contract allows for better understanding and enforcement of the agreement.
 
Bargaining contracts continues to be a challenge as the economy struggles to rebound.  The economic downturn that devastated the stock market and our communities similarly devastated our pension and health and welfare funds; unfortunately, these funds are not exempt from the trends of the market.  Annual employer contribution increases (Maintenance of Benefits and reserve adjustments) have kept pace with annual trend but have not allowed any addition to the already low Fund reserve.  In addition to the challenges of the economy, large loss claims have been the largest cost driver over the past three years.  For example, in 2009, 48 claims comprised 36% of the total health care plan expense.  Even though certain managed care and disease management services have been implemented to assist members and control costs, members are generally not taking advantage of them.  We are also required by law to meet the requirements of the Pension Protection Act (PPA).  Trustees are continually monitoring Plan’s funding and financial status and are required to take action necessary to ensure the Pension Plan’s long-term health. 
 
The extension will allow us time to research creative solutions that can be incorporated into our agreement going forward. We look forward to bargaining a fair agreement, and building a stronger union together.
 
Should you have any questions or desire further information, please see your Union Representative or Union Steward, or visit us on the web at www.ufcw75.org.
 
In solidarity,
Lennie Wyatt, President
Steve Culter, Secretary-Treasurer
Kevin Garvey, Director of Collective Bargaining