Negotiations continue between Kroger and union

STEUBENVILLE -- Health care and better wages are the two main sticking points in negotiations between Kroger and its union employees.

The two sides will meet again on Friday, and, if an agreement isn't reached, the union may call for a strike involving 11 stores in the Upper Ohio Valley. There are about 1,200 union members in the 11 stores.

Members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776KS rallied on Tuesday at the Hollywood City Center Kroger.

Tony Helfer, a union division director, said the current contract expired on Aug. 4. An offer made by the company was overwhelmingly rejected by the union, Helfer said. He said any wage increase offered would be eaten up by the health care costs.

Helfer noted Kroger starting wages are $1.50 an hour less that starting pay at Wal-Mart.

"We would prefer to work. We want a resolution, not a strike," Helfer said.

Amy McCormick, Kroger corporate affairs manager, said Kroger Columbus Division is in negotiations with the union.

"Our goal with every negotiation is to provide our associates a competitive compensation package of wages and benefits. The union has the right to rally; however, the most productive thing the union can do is to work with the company in a manner that positively addresses those concerns," she said.

Helfer said there are many Kroger employees who are working paycheck to paycheck and on government assistance.

"Kroger has to do better," he said.

Helfer said Kroger officials have threatened to pull the health care for retirees.

Lisa Chuma, who works at the Wellsburg Kroger, said she is married with two children and she has to receive government assistance.

"I can't live like this. I don't want to be on government assistance. I want to be able to pay my own bills. Kroger needs to give us a living wage," she said.

Penny Williams of the Wintersville Kroger said many Kroger employees have little left of their paycheck after the bills are paid. She said she also is on government assistance, which goes to feed her son. And she said Kroger got a large tax break from the federal government but isn't sharing it with the workers.

Chuck Taskalines, a retiree who worked at the Moundsville Kroger, said the retirees helped build the company.

"We did it on our knees and feet," he said, adding many retirees now have knee and foot problems.

"Now they want to take (health) insurance away from retirees. I sum it all up in two words --corporate greed," he said.

Several Northern Panhandle Democrats on the ballot also spoke at the rally including Kendra Fershee, 1st Congressional District; Denny Longwell, state senator 2nd District; and Diana Magnone, District 1 delegate.