Central Indiana Kroger workers are fighting for higher pay. Here’s what to know

Kroger union members and management will head back to the bargaining table next week to negotiate a contract for workers in over 60 Central Indiana stores. In mid-July, workers rejected a tentative agreement reached by management and union leaders.

The sticking point between Kroger and workers is largely over how much pay will increase over the three-year contract. The latest would have increased top pay by about 16% over three years, Kroger said.

UFCW Local 700, which represents the workers, described the raise as $2.75 per hour over the term of the agreement. When they head back to bargaining, workers are asking for an additional $0.25 per hour, said Vern Sowers, a member of the union bargaining committee.

“Union members are upset. They want more pay. A lot of people work paycheck to paycheck,” Sowers said.

In a statement, Kroger said that workers are currently paid just over $18 per hour, a 20% increase compared to 2021. 

“We are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our associates, and we’re proud to invest in them through market-leading wages, strong benefits, and career opportunities,” Colleen Juergensen, president of Kroger Central Division said in a statement. “We believe that by working together with the Union, we can reach an agreement that truly reflects the value of our associates and the communities we’re honored to serve.”

Sowers rallied with dozens of workers and supporters in Indianapolis on Wednesday as part of an AFL-CIO bus tour touting the benefits of union membership. 

The contract between the union and Kroger expired in May. Union members have rejected two tentative agreements reached by management and union negotiators. By rejecting the proposals, union members authorized a strike, according to UFCW Local 700. But the union said workers are not currently planning to strike.

Sowers, 64, has worked for Kroger for more than 20 years. He currently works as a receiving clerk. He said he feels like the company used to show workers more appreciation, with benefits like store discounts for holidays. 

“Kroger needs to show a little bit more appreciation to the employees and make sure that the employees are actually taken care of,” he said.

Contact WFYI education reporter Dylan Peers McCoy at dmccoy@wfyi.org.