UFCW Members Vote to Unanimously Oppose the Proposed Merger Between Kroger and Albertsons at International Convention
WASHINGTON, DC– The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW)officially announced that delegates, representing its 1.3 million members, unanimously voted to officially oppose mergers, including the Kroger and Albertsons merger, that pose a threat to essential workers, their families, and the communities they serve.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone said:
“For months, the UFCW has called for transparency, engaged independent experts, and assessed the publicly available information on this proposed merger to determine the widespread impact it will have on our members and the communities they serve.
“At our 9th Regular Convention, hundreds of UFCW delegates representing our entire union from around the country came together to unanimously declare: mergers pose a serious threat to the livelihoods of our members and we must act to confront them.
“Given the lack of transparency, and the impact a merger between two of the largest supermarket companies could have on essential workers – and the communities and customers they serve – the UFCW stands united in its opposition to the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger.”
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.
As an expert in labor unions, mergers, and the impact on essential workers, I can assure you that the UFCW's decision to unanimously oppose the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons is a significant and well-considered stance. My expertise in this field comes from an in-depth understanding of the dynamics within the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), the largest private sector union in the United States.
The evidence supporting the UFCW's opposition to the Kroger and Albertsons merger lies in their commitment to transparency and thorough examination of available information. UFCW International President Marc Perrone's statement underscores the union's diligence in seeking transparency, engaging independent experts, and assessing publicly available data to understand the potential widespread impact on its 1.3 million members and the communities they serve.
The concern expressed by the UFCW is rooted in the potential threat that mergers pose to the livelihoods of essential workers, their families, and the communities they are an integral part of. The lack of transparency in the merger process, coupled with the potential consequences of combining two of the largest supermarket companies, has prompted the UFCW to take a unified stand against the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger.
Now, let's break down the key concepts mentioned in the article:
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UFCW (United Food and Commercial Workers) International Union:
- The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families.
- The union spans various industries, including healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops, and more.
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Opposition to Mergers:
- The UFCW, through its delegates representing members nationwide, has unanimously declared opposition to mergers that pose a threat to essential workers, their families, and the communities they serve.
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Kroger and Albertsons Merger:
- The specific concern addressed in the article is the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons, two major supermarket companies.
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UFCW's Call for Transparency:
- The union has called for transparency in the merger process, engaging independent experts and assessing publicly available information to understand the potential impact on members and communities.
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Impact on Essential Workers and Communities:
- The UFCW is particularly concerned about the impact a merger between two of the largest supermarket companies could have on essential workers, their families, and the communities and customers they serve.
In conclusion, the UFCW's opposition to the proposed Kroger and Albertsons merger is a result of a thorough and transparent evaluation of the potential consequences for its members and the broader communities they represent. This decision reflects the union's commitment to safeguarding the livelihoods of essential workers and maintaining the well-being of the communities they serve.
FAQs
UFCW local unions have loudly and soundly opposed the proposed mega-merger of Kroger and Albertsons since day one because the megamerger would have resulted in lost jobs, closed stores, food deserts, and higher prices with reduced food choices – all of this would have been destructive for workers, consumers, and entire ...
What is the Kroger union issue? ›
The grocery chain's original offer was rejected by union workers due to issues with wages and health care. Kroger continued negotiations with assistance from the Federal Medication Conciliation Services and U.S. Sen.
What is the largest grocery union? ›
UFCW is the union for Grocery Workers.
UFCW represents 835,000 grocery store workers at major employers such as Kroger, Albertsons-Safeway, and Ahold Delhaize (Stop & Shop and Giant).
Why is the Kroger Albertsons merger bad? ›
Kroger's acquisition of Albertsons would lead to additional grocery price hikes for everyday goods, further exacerbating the financial strain consumers across the country face today,” said Henry Liu, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Competition.
What is Kroger's union called? ›
911 (Krogers)
What are the benefits of being in the UFCW? ›
UFCW Local 1500 members have a vast array of benefits including, but not limited to, Health Care, retirement plans, dental benefits, a vision plan, death benefits, a Scholarship Program and a Legal Services fund.
What is happening with Kroger merger? ›
Customers will benefit from lower prices and more choices following the merger close. Kroger committed to investing $500 million to begin lowering prices day one post-close, and an additional $1.3 billion to improve Albertsons Cos. ' stores.
Who owns most of the grocery stores in America? ›
- The number 1 grocer is Walmart/Sam's Club with 25.2% of Market Share. Next is Costco with 7.1% share and 3rd is Kroger with a 5.6% share.
- Now in terms of who owns the most chains, that would be Kroger which owns 24 companies. 20 or so are Supermarkets.
- Another way to look at it is by sales and store count.
The coalition of UFCW locals 5, 7, 324, 400, 770, 1564 and 3000 have been instrumental in the opposition to the proposed merger from the very beginning. Hundreds of actions, news stories, meetings with grocery store members, community, regulators and others and additional events have been part of that effort.
What grocery chains are unionized? ›
According to the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, workers at many Ralphs, Albertsons, Vons, and Pavilions now have an agreement that includes more pay and better safety measures, crucial wins for workers who have remained on the front lines of the pandemic for two years.
Does the owner of Walmart own Kroger? Assuming that by “own” you refer to management, then the answer is no. Walmart and Kroger are two separate companies that operate completely independently of each other. In fact, they consider each other major competitors.
Who owns Aldi? ›
Owned by a German company called Albrecht Discounts, ALDI is a discount grocery chain that started in Germany in 1948. Decidedly no frills, the company stocks virtually all house-brand products, all offered at very low prices thanks to exclusive deals with their suppliers, many of which are big-name producers.
Who owns Albertsons grocery? ›
Cerberus Capital Management
With a union contract, you and your coworkers can negotiate for benefits such as consistent raises and schedules, affordable healthcare, workplace safety standards, and so much more! Check out our How We Make Work Better page to learn more about what a union can do for you and your coworkers.
Is Instacart a union? ›
As part of this move, the company is firing the only unionized Instacart workers in the country, who joined UFCW Local 1546 in February 2020. UFCW Local 1546 demanded today that Instacart reconsider its decision to lay off any of the company's essential workers during the pandemic.
Is Walmart a union store? ›
None of Walmart's roughly 4,700 U.S. stores have unionized despite decades of attempts by labor unions.
Why are people striking Kroger? ›
This month, the union filed complaints of unfair labor practices with the National Labor Relations Board accusing the companies of illegal intimidation, including videotaping of workers at rallies and when they presented petitions to managers.
Why are Kroger workers going on strike? ›
The union's bargaining committee has unanimously recommended members vote to reject Kroger's latest offer and vote in favor of authorizing a strike at the company. Major issues include inadequate wage increases that don't keep up with inflation, unacceptable increases to health care costs, and more.
What company is Kroger trying to merge with? ›
Kroger's merger with Albertsons will allow it to attract and retain more customers by lowering prices, creating a more seamless and personalized experience and expanding its selection of fresh, affordable food.
Is Kroger a unionized company? ›
The release said Kroger is proud to be the nation's largest unionized grocery retailer.
