On Jan. 11, Denver, Colorado-based King Soopers/City Market proposed, by email, a final offer to UFCW Local 7. The investment of $170 million over the next three years includes wage investments plus ratification bonuses for all associates.
The company also proposed an additional investment in healthcare benefits that would result in zero impact to associates’ current healthcare premiums based upon the current projections – premiums that have not increased in 12 years if this agreement is ratified.
“At King Soopers, we want what is right for our associates and that is more money in their paychecks while continuing to receive industry-leading healthcare benefits,” stated Joe Kelley, president of King Soopers/City Market.
The retailer recently filed unfair labor practice charges against UFCW Local 7 for refusing to bargain in good faith.
The proposed investment for King Soopers associates includes:
Wage investments
Wage increases up to $4.50 per hour in the first year, based on job classification and tenure, with additional increases over the life of the contract. Starting rate of pay will be increased to $16 per hour.
Ratification bonuses for active associates: $4,000 for associates with 10+ years of service and $2,000 for associates with less than 10 years of service.
What does this investment mean for a checker with five years of experience?
A checker’s current wage is $19.51 an hour, and this contract will provide the following increases:
- 2022 + $1.50 = $21.01
- 2023 + .80 cents = $21.81
- 2024 + .80 cents = $22.61
For a full-time checker, his or her annual compensation would be more than $47,000 annually, in addition to healthcare and pension benefits.
Market leading healthcare
King Soopers associates have not experienced an increase in healthcare premiums since 2012, and based on projections, there will be no increases through 2025.
The retailer noted that Local 7 does not contribute to healthcare benefits.
King Soopers/City Market remains focused on the bargaining process and doing what is best for its associates, customers, and community. King Soopers aims to balance significant wage increases for associates with keeping food affordable for customers.
The retailer encourages the UFCW to join the company in doing what is best for everyone by presenting this offer to its members and allowing them to determine what is best for them and their families.
At King Soopers/City Market, a company of The Kroger Co., has 22,502 associates who serve customers daily throughout Colorado.
To learn more about King Soopers/City Market, a company of The Kroger Co., visit thekrogerco.com/newsroom.
