This is the third month now our union contract has been extended...

Date: Aug 10, 2017

This is the third month now our union contract has been extended...

Date: Aug 10, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
I don't know if that means the UFCW Local 1000 is actually putting up a fight and is determined to not let Kroger screw us out of a decent pay increase (last summer, word was the union was going to fight for $10.00 an hour in light of Walmart, Target, heck even McDonald's, and pretty much everyone else raising wages for their employees) or if Kroger and the union is just trying to make it all "look good" by dragging it out this long so that the union can claim a hard-fought victory (even if it's not actually a victory for the employees). We really need a significant pay increase though because most Kroger employees here start out at $7.65 an hour with pitiful raises afterward. That has to change. If Kroger can continue to build all these nice, new fancy stores in the Southwest Division, Kroger can start paying us more an hour. The union had better deliver, or I've already heard talks of a mass exodus of employees at my store - from both Kroger and the union. Kroger may not care, but the union sure as heck will (less money in the form of union dues)!
At this point though, I don't know if I want an agreement to be reached before or after September, because that's when my next raise (under the old but currently extended) contract. Who knows how long this thing might get dragged out for...

I hear ya, I dont care what new employees are making though, cuz I'm not new, I am about to top out and i think the top out rate is too low. That is what should be fixed. The employees who have stuck with their jobs despite hardship and have stayed for years. Besides kroger hires lowlifes no matter what the pay rate. And i hope it doesnt mess up my raise either. But if they are truly fighting for something great then i appreciate that, but thoughts ofbleaving has crossed my mind. Ufcw 1000 needs to get a backbone.

EUID_Unknown · Guru

You have to think about the whole picture when your talking about wages. While Kroger might want to increase the pay of new hires the Union would have an issue with Current Associate wages! Kroger always uses the Union Contract as an excuse when it comes to Associate Pay. If Kroger offered to pay $1.00 more across the board......the Union would say..... OK. The issue arises when new hires are making the same amount as someone that has been with the company for 1-5 years! I'm thinking going forward, "Productivity" will be in every contract where an associate will have to work until their finger bleed and their legs are broken.

kroagrr · Guru

"The Union" is ours. Let's reclaim it by forcing it to be responsive, or . . . let's replace it.

For starters, vote for Anthony Kennedy for Vice President. He is the only candidate who hasn't been on the board for years, rubber stamping whatever Mr. Burris wants to do with "his" union . . . which includes employing his wife and his brother to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries paid by the saps making $7.75 an hour.

I'm more pro-union than James Hoffa, but getting ignored by the folks we're paying chaps my backside.

Date: Aug 11, 2017

kroagrr wrote:

"The Union" is ours. Let's reclaim it by forcing it to be responsive, or . . . let's replace it.
For starters, vote for Anthony Kennedy for Vice President. He is the only candidate who hasn't been on the board for years, rubber stamping whatever Mr. Burris wants to do with "his" union . . . which includes employing his wife and his brother to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars in salaries paid by the saps making $7.75 an hour.
I'm more pro-union than James Hoffa, but getting ignored by the folks we're paying chaps my backside.

Yep, this is the problem, they ignore us, but they don't ignore our checks and they take their dues out no matter how small the check is. I have no problem paying dues, but when it's time for them to work for me, they better do it. I am currently considering leaving. Ufcw 1000

Date: Aug 11, 2017

EUID_Unknown wrote:
You have to think about the whole picture when your talking about wages. While Kroger might want to increase the pay of new hires the Union would have an issue with Current Associate wages! Kroger always uses the Union Contract as an excuse when it comes to Associate Pay. If Kroger offered to pay $1.00 more across the board......the Union would say..... OK. The issue arises when new hires are making the same amount as someone that has been with the company for 1-5 years! I'm thinking going forward, "Productivity" will be in every contract where an associate will have to work until their finger bleed and their legs are broken.

You make a good point. It is not fun working with a brand new employee who is making more than you, when you have been with the company for years. It has happened to me, but I will blame Kroger for that because they pick and choose who they want to give higher wages to, and they abuse things like experience pay, to give to their favorites, or certain people. There should be a set guideline and standard about how things like that are given out. It does bother me to see someone with less knowledge and less work ethic, even less experience making several dollars more for the same position.

kroagrr · Guru

I have no problem paying dues, but when it's time for them to work for me, they better do it. I am currently considering leaving. Ufcw 1000

You and I feel this strongly. Bet there are many others.

If John Gardner and Evans Burris (business agents) can't be bothered to return contacts from members, maybe Teamsters Local 767 will.

There you go.

Date: Aug 16, 2017

kroagrr wrote:
I have no problem paying dues, but when it's time for them to work for me, they better do it. I am currently considering leaving. Ufcw 1000

You and I feel this strongly. Bet there are many others.
If John Gardner and Evans Burris (business agents) can't be bothered to return contacts from members, maybe Teamsters Local 767 will.
There you go.

Problem is, Kroger's turn-over rate is so high that new employees don't stick around long enough to make a stand for a better union and Kroger's long-term employees ("lifers") generally don't want to rock the boat too much because they're reaping the benefits from the older (better!) contracts. What you have then is what is essentially a minority of employees that actually care about a better union contract (and by extension, a better union), and a minority isn't enough to make a difference in this case.

... and here it is August 16th now, and still no word on a new contract beyond the canned responses of "we're continuing to negotiate with Kroger to get the best possible deal" and "we won't be rushed into a deal that's less than you deserve." Well if that's the case then, someone like me that's been with Kroger for 5+ years now better, and I repeat better, not be making only a dollar more (or less!) an hour than what new hires might up getting!

ProduceDumbass · Veteran Member

Email received this morning:

UFCW Members Called to Emergency Meeting
Dear [redacted],

We have reached an important point in negotiations with Kroger over your union contract.

We have relentlessly pursued a strong union contract for you that improves your wages while protecting your healthcare and pension.

Kroger has not yet agreed to the contract that I believe you deserve.

I am hosting an emergency membership meeting for UFCW members to discuss negotiations and what is at stake for your future.

Tuesday, August 29th 2017
11am and 7pm
Westin Hotel
4545 W. John Carpenter Fwy
Irving TX 75063

Please make every effort to attend.

RSVP by email back to me or to your business agents at 817-421-1003.

Fraternally,

Ricky Burris
President
UFCW Local 1000

P.S. It is mandatory for store shop stewards to attend.

Date: Aug 18, 2017

ProduceDumbass wrote:
Email received this morning:

UFCW Members Called to Emergency Meeting
Dear [redacted],

We have reached an important point in negotiations with Kroger over your union contract.

We have relentlessly pursued a strong union contract for you that improves your wages while protecting your healthcare and pension.

Kroger has not yet agreed to the contract that I believe you deserve.

I am hosting an emergency membership meeting for UFCW members to discuss negotiations and what is at stake for your future.

Tuesday, August 29th 2017
11am and 7pm
Westin Hotel
4545 W. John Carpenter Fwy
Irving TX 75063

Please make every effort to attend.

RSVP by email back to me or to your business agents at 817-421-1003.

Fraternally,

Ricky Burris
President
UFCW Local 1000

P.S. It is mandatory for store shop stewards to attend.

Can any union members attend ?I would like to go

Date: Aug 18, 2017

Either the union is putting on a darn good show or... could it be, actually... *gasp* fighting for a decent contract?

It doesn't surprise me one bit that Kroger doesn't want to pay its people what they are worth. Kroger has plenty of money to build fancy, massive Marketplaces and nice Signature stores, and the company has money to blow on stupid red t-shirts that scream "How 'bout those low prices!" and stuff like that, but when it comes to the employees? Screw 'em.

Hopefully the union doesn't back down... and if it doesn't, then I'll definitely have more respect and appreciation for it than I have in the past.

Date: Aug 23, 2017

From: http://ufcw1000.org/2017/08/23/contract-ratification-meetings-announced/

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

I am excited to announce that UFCW has reached a tentative agreement with Kroger for your new union contract.

Your strength and solidarity have won a tentative agreement that significantly improves your wages while protecting the healthcare you depend on.

The emergency membership meetings announced last week will now be converted to ratification meetings for UFCW members like you to vote on your new contract.

I don't know whether I should be excited or dread what's to come from this... here's hoping it's a good contract, but I know better than to get my hopes up.

Date: Aug 29, 2017

http://imgur.com/a/QPoZB Here's the proposed contract from this morning's meeting

Date: Aug 29, 2017

What about meat?

Date: Aug 29, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
http://imgur.com/a/QPoZB Here's the proposed contract from this morning's meeting

Thank you! I really do appreciate you posting that for everyone to see since the union hasn't posted it online. I haven't looked it all over yet, but the new wage scale actually looks better than I expected. Going off the wage scales alone, this is a better contract than I expected the union to get out of Kroger.

ProduceDumbass · Veteran Member

Anonymous wrote:
What about meat?

Under contract with a different local which I have personally heard absolutely nothing about.

Date: Aug 29, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
http://imgur.com/a/QPoZB Here's the proposed contract from this morning's meeting

Thanks for posting. This eas very informative

The wage scale doesnt look that great to me, but then i'm a little confused about the wage increases for level 2 employees.

Date: Aug 29, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
http://imgur.com/a/QPoZB Here's the proposed contract from this morning's meeting

So will a part time level 2 employee who has been with kroger for 54 months and qho has not topped out get the 10.40 hr raise on sept 10 or the 12.75 raise on sept 10.

ProduceDumbass · Veteran Member

Follow the arrow from your current payrate to where you are currently on the progression. So the level 2 @ 54 months goes to 10.40, then get a raise to 10.80 on 10 June 2018 and so on from there.

kroagrr · Guru

The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.

Why is Krogrr so happy with it?

Date: Aug 30, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
http://imgur.com/a/QPoZB Here's the proposed contract from this morning's meeting
Thanks for posting. This eas very informative
The wage scale doesnt look that great to me, but then i'm a little confused about the wage increases for level 2 employees.

I'm also somewhat confused as someone that's level 2 full time. What I'm currently being paid isn't even listed under the left column, so I have no idea where I'm going to be under the new contract. I'm coming up on 60 months in September. I tried following the closest arrow, but I'm not sure if I'm even following the right one.

Date: Aug 30, 2017

kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?

Yeah the insurance seems to have gone up but this version of the contract is vague

Date: Aug 30, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?
Yeah the insurance seems to have gone up but this version of the contract is vague

Also they are reuirimg an average of 20 hrs a week in order to qualify for benefits, is is more than what is currently required, but kroger is stil only required ro schedule employees 15 hours per week, which right now kroger is barely doing that. Us what good is the raise if you are paying more for insurance? What else are we paying more for? Details baby, detail....

ProduceDumbass · Veteran Member

kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?

They were happy to keep stalling until the emergency meeting was called. With the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods already affecting Kroger stock they really want to head off the possibility of a strike. If this contract is voted down and the current one is allowed to lapse...

Date: Aug 30, 2017

ProduceDumbass wrote:
kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?
They were happy to keep stalling until the emergency meeting was called. With the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods already affecting Kroger stock they really want to head off the possibility of a strike. If this contract is voted down and the current one is allowed to lapse...

A strike in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the most competitive markets in the country, would be positively brutal for Kroger. With that in mind, you think we would have gotten a better contract here then what's currently being voted on and will likely be ratified. But, I suspect there was some backroom dealings going on between Kroger and some higher ups in the union that the union members weren't privy to - as is usually the case with Kroger and the union.

Date: Aug 30, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
ProduceDumbass wrote:
kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?
They were happy to keep stalling until the emergency meeting was called. With the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods already affecting Kroger stock they really want to head off the possibility of a strike. If this contract is voted down and the current one is allowed to lapse...
A strike in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the most competitive markets in the country, would be positively brutal for Kroger. With that in mind, you think we would have gotten a better contract here then what's currently being voted on and will likely be ratified. But, I suspect there was some backroom dealings going on between Kroger and some higher ups in the union that the union members weren't privy to - as is usually the case with Kroger and the union.

Well this contract might benefit new employees and full timers who wont top out, but for part time employees who have been with kroger for years, but have not topped out, its really not that beneficial. They dont even qualify for the retro pay. I dont care how it sounds, I am not happy that new bratty employees will be making more than me in a short amount of time. Employees who have stayed in their jobs should get something regardless of being part time or topping out. I see why the union did not want anyone to see this underwhelming contract

Date: Aug 31, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
ProduceDumbass wrote:
kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?
They were happy to keep stalling until the emergency meeting was called. With the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods already affecting Kroger stock they really want to head off the possibility of a strike. If this contract is voted down and the current one is allowed to lapse...
A strike in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the most competitive markets in the country, would be positively brutal for Kroger. With that in mind, you think we would have gotten a better contract here then what's currently being voted on and will likely be ratified. But, I suspect there was some backroom dealings going on between Kroger and some higher ups in the union that the union members weren't privy to - as is usually the case with Kroger and the union.
Well this contract might benefit new employees and full timers who wont top out, but for part time employees who have been with kroger for years, but have not topped out, its really not that beneficial. They dont even qualify for the retro pay. I dont care how it sounds, I am not happy that new bratty employees will be making more than me in a short amount of time. Employees who have stayed in their jobs should get something regardless of being part time or topping out. I see why the union did not want anyone to see this underwhelming contract

I agree with you 100% and I think you have every right to feel the way you do. No way should a new hire and a employee that's been with Kroger for, say, two or three years, be within a dollar or so of each other on the payscale. It's not fair, not at all, and I think this will have a negative effect that will ripple throughout the stores. I'm sure plenty of others feel the same way... that their hard work, dedication and loyalty means nothing. I feel like this union contract ignores more people than it actually helps... but yet the contract was ratified:

"Congratulations to UFCW members at Kroger across Dallas-Ft. Worth.

We're proud of the contract that was presented to members for their vote.

The contract was ratified by 93%!

Highlights:

Substantial wage increases over 36 months

Health insurance benefits for employees, spouses, and children protected including for fuel clerks

Retirement benefits protected including for fuel clerks

Improved contract language on grievances, progressive discipline, overnight premium, educational leave, personal holidays, transfers, minimum hours, shop stewards, discrimination, and new hire orientations."

Don't get me wrong... there is some good stuff in there, but there definitely was a good percentage union-paying members that did not see any real gain from this contract.

Date: Aug 31, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
ProduceDumbass wrote:
kroagrr wrote:
The company is ALSO urging ratification of this contract . . . which makes me mighty suspicious.
Why is Krogrr so happy with it?
They were happy to keep stalling until the emergency meeting was called. With the Amazon buyout of Whole Foods already affecting Kroger stock they really want to head off the possibility of a strike. If this contract is voted down and the current one is allowed to lapse...
A strike in Dallas-Fort Worth, one of the most competitive markets in the country, would be positively brutal for Kroger. With that in mind, you think we would have gotten a better contract here then what's currently being voted on and will likely be ratified. But, I suspect there was some backroom dealings going on between Kroger and some higher ups in the union that the union members weren't privy to - as is usually the case with Kroger and the union.
Well this contract might benefit new employees and full timers who wont top out, but for part time employees who have been with kroger for years, but have not topped out, its really not that beneficial. They dont even qualify for the retro pay. I dont care how it sounds, I am not happy that new bratty employees will be making more than me in a short amount of time. Employees who have stayed in their jobs should get something regardless of being part time or topping out. I see why the union did not want anyone to see this underwhelming contract
I agree with you 100% and I think you have every right to feel the way you do. No way should a new hire and a employee that's been with Kroger for, say, two or three years, be within a dollar or so of each other on the payscale. It's not fair, not at all, and I think this will have a negative effect that will ripple throughout the stores. I'm sure plenty of others feel the same way... that their hard work, dedication and loyalty means nothing. I feel like this union contract ignores more people than it actually helps... but yet the contract was ratified:
"Congratulations to UFCW members at Kroger across Dallas-Ft. Worth.
We're proud of the contract that was presented to members for their vote.
The contract was ratified by 93%!
Highlights:
Substantial wage increases over 36 months
Health insurance benefits for employees, spouses, and children protected including for fuel clerks
Retirement benefits protected including for fuel clerks
Improved contract language on grievances, progressive discipline, overnight premium, educational leave, personal holidays, transfers, minimum hours, shop stewards, discrimination, and new hire orientations."
Don't get me wrong... there is some good stuff in there, but there definitely was a good percentage union-paying members that did not see any real gain from this contract.

And that is the issue. The contract was ratified and i doubt the union was worried that it wouldnt be. But the contract needed to be scrutinized more by kroger employees, before being ratified. In order for that to happen the union should have given more time for employees to see the contract, not just an hour before voting, at far off locations that are hard to get too.

Date: Aug 31, 2017

Yes, everything was definitely done in a huge rush... on top of both the union reiterating repeatedly how good of a contract this was (without letting anyone see it until it was time to ratify) and Kroger urging that employees support the contract. Some of my co-workers wanted to go, but the schedules were already written and that complicated attempts to make time to attend the ratification meetings. Even before the contract was ratified today, several employees at my store expressed disappointment and frustration in what we got and how it was all handled. I do wonder how many employees voted to support the contract without having the time to learn all the details and understand all the aspects of the contract and are thus expecting more than they will actually get. In the coming weeks, there's likely going to be confusion surrounding the new pay rates, who gets retro pay/bonus checks, and so on.

kroagrr · Guru

Yes, everything was definitely done in a huge rush... on top of both the union reiterating repeatedly how good of a contract this was (without letting anyone see it until it was time to ratify) and Kroger urging that employees support the contract. Some of my co-workers wanted to go, but the schedules were already written and that complicated attempts to make time to attend the ratification meetings. Even before the contract was ratified today, several employees at my store expressed disappointment and frustration in what we got and how it was all handled.

It is supposed to be the members' union, not a lucrative, life-tenure, private employment service for the Burris family.

Members are empowered to nominate and elect leaders of their own choosing . . . ideally, leaders who would make Local 1000 more accessible and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file associates.

Date: Sep 1, 2017

kroagrr wrote:
Yes, everything was definitely done in a huge rush... on top of both the union reiterating repeatedly how good of a contract this was (without letting anyone see it until it was time to ratify) and Kroger urging that employees support the contract. Some of my co-workers wanted to go, but the schedules were already written and that complicated attempts to make time to attend the ratification meetings. Even before the contract was ratified today, several employees at my store expressed disappointment and frustration in what we got and how it was all handled.
It is supposed to be the members' union, not a lucrative, life-tenure, private employment service for the Burris family.
Members are empowered to nominate and elect leaders of their own choosing . . . ideally, leaders who would make Local 1000 more accessible and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file associates.

You would need a majority of the unionized employees to be a united, dedicated force in order to bring about that kind of change. That just isn't happening or is going to happen. A lot of employees that are either teenagers or older adults just want to go in, put in their time and then go home and do stuff that interests them. There just aren't enough motivated individuals to really make a difference, and even then... if the union were to become super proactive and fight for the best contracts possible, Kroger would fight tooth and nail to block stuff left and right. Not a lot of people care enough about their jobs to be eager for such a prolonged and tough fight.

Date: Sep 5, 2017

Anyone know if the contract is posted yet

ProduceDumbass · Veteran Member

They haven't posted a copy of the new contract in full. They have posted the Memorandum of Agreement ( ufcw1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/For-Members-Memorandum-of-Agreements-Local-1000-Contract-6-8-2020.pdf ) which contains the updated clauses, new health&welfare info, and new wage scale. The old contract is still available at unionbuiltpc.pairserver.com/ufcw1000/uploads/Kroger%20Contact%20Expiring%206-3-17.pdf which contains the rest of the contract language.

Date: Sep 6, 2017

ProduceDumbass wrote:
They haven't posted a copy of the new contract in full. They have posted the Memorandum of Agreement ( ufcw1000.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/For-Members-Memorandum-of-Agreements-Local-1000-Contract-6-8-2020.pdf ) which contains the updated clauses, new health&welfare info, and new wage scale. The old contract is still available at unionbuiltpc.pairserver.com/ufcw1000/uploads/Kroger%20Contact%20Expiring%206-3-17.pdf which contains the rest of the contract language.

Thanks so much for posting this info. It is very helpful, and you are a blessing. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have a copy of the previous contract which I couldn't get from my union even after asking. Thanks so much.

Date: Sep 6, 2017

Anonymous wrote:
Anyone know if the contract is posted yet

The new contract will likely be posted online through the union's website next week because it takes effect August 10th. If you want a physical copy of it, well... who knows how long it will be before those actually become available.

One thing that disappoints me with the new contract is I no longer will top out at full time payrate in twelve months. Now, because of the new contract, I won't hit top pay for twenty-seven months. Sure, I'll get a little more money in the short term (as in, over the course of the next twelve months), but beyond that, I'll actually be making less with this new contract... at least until I hit top pay in twenty-seven months. :(

ProduceSmartass · Veteran Member

Anonymous wrote:
Thanks so much for posting this info. It is very helpful, and you are a blessing. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have a copy of the previous contract which I couldn't get from my union even after asking. Thanks so much.

You're welcome! I try to help people in my store keep up to date on this stuff, so I also have the information available to share here.

Anonymous wrote:
The new contract will likely be posted online through the union's website next week because it takes effect August 10th.

Technically, the contract as a whole has been in effect since 1 September. The wage scale change takes effect 10 September as that is the beginning of the new period. And some stuff, like health and welfare, doesn't take effect until next year.

Date: Sep 6, 2017

Ah, I see. Thanks for the clarification. It's kind of confusing how some things take effect on different dates, but eh, I guess it's just how stuff works with the union.

Date: Sep 10, 2017

ProduceSmartass wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Thanks so much for posting this info. It is very helpful, and you are a blessing. If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have a copy of the previous contract which I couldn't get from my union even after asking. Thanks so much.
You're welcome! I try to help people in my store keep up to date on this stuff, so I also have the information available to share here.
Anonymous wrote:
The new contract will likely be posted online through the union's website next week because it takes effect August 10th.

Technically, the contract as a whole has been in effect since 1 September. The wage scale change takes effect 10 September as that is the beginning of the new period. And some stuff, like health and welfare, doesn't take effect until next year.

Looks like our insurance deductibles and copay are going up

Date: Sep 15, 2017

Just curious here, but has anyone had their current pay rate in ExpressHR updated to reflect the changes/raises in the new contract? Usually, when I'm due for a contractual raise increase, ExpressHR is updated with the new pay rate, next pay rate, etc... by Wednesday of that week. Well, here it is Friday and nothing has changed on ExpressHR. The new wage scale took effect this past Sunday, Sept. 10th, so I expected ExpressHR to update by Wednesday, the 13th. I guess for now I'll just have to wait until what my next paycheck says to know for sure, but I was just curious if anyone here had their information updated in ExpressHR yet.

ProduceSmartass · Veteran Member

Huh, nope, EHR is still showing the old info.