KROGER REACHES TENTATIVE CONTRACT WITH UFCW IN MICHIGAN
Three-Year Agreement Covers 8,500 Associates at 86 Stores

CINCINNATI, OH, June 8, 2004 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that it has reached tentative agreement with United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 876 on a new three-year contract covering approximately 8,500 associates at 86 stores in Michigan.

“This agreement represents a balanced solution that provides our associates with the high-quality health care and competitive wages they need at a cost that is fair to everyone involved, including Kroger customers,” said Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger’s Great Lakes division. “No one provides better service than Kroger, and that’s due to the great work of our associates. When ratified, this new contract will enable Kroger to continue providing excellent wages and benefits in a way that allows us to meet the competitive challenges of our marketplace. Working together, we will build a better future for our associates, our customers and our Company.”

The UFCW will hold a ratification vote next week.

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of fiscal 2003, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,532 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under two dozen banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s, Fry’s, Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly, through its subsidiaries or franchise agreements) 802 convenience stores, 440 fine jewelry stores, 466 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

« Go back