Is Kroger Unionized in 2024? A Deep Dive into Kroger‘s Union Status
As the largest supermarket chain in America, Kroger employs over 400,000 workers across its 2,800+ store locations. With its substantial workforce spread out across 35 states, an obvious question arises — is Kroger unionized? Do labor unions represent this army of grocery store workers?
The answer is yes…but not exactly. Approximately two-thirds of Kroger locations have unionized staff, according to the UFCW. However, the remaining third operates without any union presence.
Here is a comprehensive, up-to-date guide examining the ins and outs of unions at Kroger in 2024.
How Many Kroger Stores and Workers Are in UFCW?
The United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) represents over 375,000 Kroger employees under union contracts at about 1,900 stores. This makes UFCW the largest private sector union in the grocery industry.
However, with Kroger operating 2,726 supermarkets and 120 Fred Meyer stores as of 2021 SEC filings, nearly 800 locations remain entirely non-unionized.
| Kroger Stores/Employees | # Unionized | % of Total |
|---|---|---|
| Supermarket Locations | 1,900 | ~70% |
| Employees | 375,000+ | ~95% |
So while UFCW maintains a strong presence, nearly a third of stores still lack any union representation.
Why Aren‘t All Kroger Stores Unionized?
Unlike some grocery chains like Albertsons and Safeway which UFCW has fully organized, Kroger unionization is decided location-by-location based on employee demand. Reasons why certain stores may remain non-union include:
- Insufficient interest among staff to unionize
- Priority given to organizing larger, urban stores by UFCW
- Lower wages/tighter budgets in rural, less profitable locations
Essentially, forming a union begins with workers at a specific store collecting signatures and requesting UFCW hold an election.
But the union also strategically targets its resources towards stores where success is more likely. Smaller locations often don’t make the cut.
What Changes with a UFCW Union Contract?
Based on data aggregated from over 140 Kroger contracts, employees working under a UFCW agreement earn 13% higher wages on average compared to non-union staff.
But compensation constitutes just one component of contracts negotiated by the union every 3-5 years. UFCW also bargains for enhanced:
- Health insurance benefits
- Retirement plans like pensions and 401(k)s
- Workplace rights and protections
- Scheduling policies
On the rights front, contracts forbid discrimination, provide grievance procedures against unfair discipline, and establish health/safety committees.
These expansive agreements demonstrate why UFCW touts unionization as the best way for Kroger workers to improve their jobs.
Can Employees Choose Not to Join UFCW?
Since nearly all Kroger stores are located in "right-to-work" states, joining UFCW remains voluntary even when a contract exists. While encouraged to sign up, employees cannot be compelled into membership.
Still, some portions of negotiated contracts covering wages and benefits extend to non-members by default. But to access all union resources, participating is encouraged.
Dues range from $10-30 per week depending on local UFCW chapter assessments. While not insignificant, these fees help fund organizing efforts and offset legal/negotiation costs.
The Union Difference: Comparing Union vs Non-Union Stores
To incentivize joining UFCW, the experience between unionized and non-unionized Kroger locations often differs significantly:
| Union Store | Non-Union Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Wages | Higher base pay, regular raises | No pay minimums/raises |
| Healthcare | Comprehensive & low-cost plans | Limited, costlier insurance |
| Retirement | Pension and 401(k) benefits | 401(k) only, lesser match |
| Rights | Just cause required for discipline | At-will employment rules |
With unions lacking leverage over the nearly 1,000 non-union stores, Kroger corporate policies provide the only employee safeguards in these locations.
So rather than negotiating with UFCW, decisions around wages, benefits, and working conditions remain under management‘s unilateral control.
Can More Kroger Stores Unionize in the Future?
For employees at non-union Kroger stores hoping to organize, UFCW provides resources about how to launch unionization drives.
The basic steps include:
- Build support: Discuss forming a union with coworkers
- Connect with UFCW: File authorization cards to request an election
- File for election: Submit petition to NLRB to schedule vote
- Hold election: If majority vote yes, begin contract negotiations
This entire process can take months from initial outreach to securing a first contract. But with perks like higher compensation and enhanced job security, unionizing often proves worthwhile for Kroger staff seeking better work lives.
In recent years, new groups of employees have continued contacting UFCW about organizing their stores. So while hardly comprehensive currently, expanding unionization remains an ongoing target.
Key Takeaways: Kroger Unionization in a Nutshell
While not universal throughout all stores, union contracts provide the backbone for working conditions at Kroger locations across 35 states. Key points to remember:
- UFCW collectively bargains for over 375,00 Kroger employees
- Around 2/3rds of stores are unionized, 1/3rd aren‘t
- Joining the union remains voluntary even with contracts
- UFCW touts higher wages and more rights/benefits via contracts
- Non-union locations offer less pay, protections, and leverage
- Interested employees can still unionize non-union stores
So UFCW maintains a strong – albeit incomplete – presence across Kroger stores. Through organizing and bargaining, they offer a pathway to improve compensation, benefits, and career opportunities.
Interested in working for America‘s largest grocery chain? Understanding whether your local Kroger is unionized can help set expectations around working conditions and options to enhance your on-the-job experience.
