KROGER ANNOUNCES RATIFICATION OF NEW LABOR CONTRACT COVERING 10,000 ASSOCIATES IN CENTRAL OHIO

Cincinnati, OH, November 1 8 9, 2005 – The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) today announced that members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1059 have ratified a new three-year labor agreement. The new contract, which covers approximately 10,000 Kroger associates at 82 stores in central Ohio, provides excellent wages and benefits – including affordable health care – that will enable Kroger to be more competitive on labor costs with other retailers in the market.

“The new contract is a well-balanced solution for all parties,” said Bruce Macaulay, president of Kroger’s Great Lakes Division. “Negotiations are always going to present challenges, but through this process, union and Company representatives were committed to a common goal – doing what is best for our associates and our customers. Our associates have played a key role in our growth and they are being rewarded with good wages and affordable benefits, while the Company is poised to be more competitive against low-cost operators.” 

Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger is one of the nation’s largest retail grocery chains. At the end of the second quarter of fiscal 2005, the Company operated (either directly or through its subsidiaries) 2,515 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 32 states under two dozen local banners including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, King Soopers, Smith’s and Smith’s Marketplace, Fry’s and Fry’s Marketplace, Dillons, QFC and City Market. Kroger also operated (either directly or through subsidiaries, franchise agreements, or operating agreements) 791 convenience stores, 431 fine jewelry stores, 559 supermarket fuel centers and 42 food processing plants. For more information about Kroger, please visit our web site at www.kroger.com.

« Go back