Your Competitive Wage and Benefits Package by the Numbers

While we were disappointed last week when we learned of the latest vote results, we believe the modified, fully recommended tentative agreement—developed through close collaboration with and endorsed by your Union’s bargaining committee—delivers on the Company’s goal to invest in you, our hard-working Indianapolis and Central Indiana associates, while keeping groceries affordable. 

Based on the previous feedback we heard from you and your Union, the Company updated the tentative agreement with:

• wage enhancements, including two wage increases in 2026,
• simplifying movement between Step 1 and Step 2,
• moving up spousal coverage for eligible associates a year earlier.

Wage Investment

In addition to enhancing wages for courtesy clerks and simplifying movement between Step 1 and Step 2, our latest tentative agreement would increase top-rate clerks’ hourly wages by 15.6% over the life of the three-year agreement—with a $2.75 hourly wage increase through the life of the agreement.

• The initial wage increase at ratification for top-rate clerks would be 5.7%, or more than twice the current rate of inflation, according to the latest data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Think about these numbers from the expired contract as you weigh our tentative agreement—they tell an important story.

• $18.18 per hour – average hourly rate for Indianapolis and Central Indiana associates under the expired contracts.
• $23.63 per hour – current Kroger Indianapolis and Central Indiana average hourly rate + hourly wage spend on healthcare and pension for associates under the expired contracts.
• 20% – percentage the Kroger Indianapolis and Central Indiana average hourly rate has grown since 2021.
• 151% – percentage more the Kroger Indianapolis and Central Indiana average hourly rate is from the federal minimum wage of $7.25

Healthcare Investment

Based on your feedback, the tentative agreement would open eligibility for spousal coverage a year early.

• Spousal Coverage – NEW benefit starting January 1, 2028, for eligible associates and includes dental, vision and medical coverage
• Healthcare Eligibility – Improved benefit starting in 2028 by reducing the wait time from five years of service to three years of service for Plan A coverage, if one maintains at least 36 minimum average hours worked per week.

Pension Investment

• While many companies have walked away from pensions, our tentative agreement fully funds your pension, something most non-union competitors do not provide.

Next Steps

We plan to meet with UFCW Local 700 on Friday, July 25 to determine the next steps.  For the latest updates, contact your store leaders during huddles and visit KrogerCentralCBA.com. Thank you for the uplifting service you deliver to our customers and communities.