On Friday, November 6, 2020, Kroger members working under our West Virginia contract voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s latest contract proposal and to approve a strike. For now, talks are continuing and we hope to negotiate a fair deal. Now that members have approved a strike, the union is authorized to call a strike at a time we determine is the most strategic. Before a strike could take place, our current contract extension would have to be canceled, which requires 72 hours’ notice by either party. A strike could only occur no less than 72 hours after notice is given. Be sure to sign up for text updates and stay tuned to the union website for the latest announcements.

Beware of management misinformation and rumors. At a time like this, management tries to take advantage of employees’ fears of competition, profitability, and a strike to pressure them into accepting a sub-standard contract. We need to stand firm for what we deserve.

On Friday, November 6, 2020, Kroger members working under our West Virginia contract voted overwhelmingly to reject the company’s latest contract proposal and to approve a strike. For now, talks are continuing and we hope to negotiate a fair deal. Before a strike could take place, our current contract extension would have to be canceled, which requires 72 hours’ notice by either party. A strike could only occur no less than 72 hours after notice is given. Be sure to sign up for text updates and stay tuned to the union website for the latest announcements.

Currently, we have a day-to-day contract extension in place with Kroger. That agreement requires us to give a 72-hour notice to Kroger to cancel the extension before a strike. The actual start date of a strike is a tactical decision and depends on a number of factors, including when it will have the biggest impact and if all other avenues of progress are exhausted. However, a strike cannot happen without a vote of the members approving it.

There is no way to predict how long a strike would last. The 2019 Stop & Shop strike lasted 11 days. In 2003, the last time we had a strike under the Kroger West Virginia contract, it lasted two months. The Southern California grocery strike in 2003-2004, which involved Safeway/Albertsons, lasted four and a half months. The key to a successful strike is a united work force and support from our allies and the shoppers in the communities where we work.

It is against the law for management to fire you because you exercise your legal right to strike.

You do not receive pay from your employer while on strike, except for time you have already worked. The International Union will pay $100.00 a week beginning the eighth day of a strike. This means you will not get a strike pay check until after you have been on strike for two weeks. To be eligible for strike pay, you need to work your shifts on the picket line and be a member of the union. Your union also has a hardship fund to assist members whose families face particularly difficult financial situations. If you are in such a hardship position, please let your representative know so that we can arrange assistance. We also have several community partners including a credit union, many food banks and other services across the region to help us through a strike.

You are not eligible for unemployment benefits while on strike.

You will not accrue sick leave or vacation while you are on strike.

Members who are on strike or locked out do not pay dues but remain in good standing in the union. UFCW Local 400 has other members who work for other employers and even other industries who will still be working and paying dues which will help replenish the strike fund.

Yes. All employees in the bargaining unit are represented by the union. All employees, even those in their probationary period, have the legal right to strike and honor the picket line. Non-members within the bargaining unit have the same protection under the law as members do during a strike situation. However, you must be a member in order to receive strike pay and other resources your local union provides during the strike. If you are not a member and would like to become one to take advantage of these resources, contact your representative or shop steward to fill out a membership application as soon as possible.

Yes. However, in order to win a strike we must have everyone participate in strong picket lines. In order to receive strike pay, you must work your shifts on the picket line. If, for physical reasons, you cannot picket, there are other ways you can support the strike.

Yes! Our fight is our friend’s, families’ and communities’ fight. However, they will be required to abide by the same rules of conduct expected of all bargaining unit members. Violations of those rules will not be tolerated due to the potential legal liabilities involved.

Whether or not you can cross a picket line is not a legal question, but rather a question of if you will stand by your co-workers and fight for a fair contract. Solidarity wins strikes and a better standard of living; breaks in solidarity only advance the interests of the companies. During a strike, the companies’ only interest is winning the strike and crossing the picket line will result in a weaker contract.

Management will try very hard to scare employees into settling for less. The companies will likely put out information attempting to convince you to accept their offer or tell you they need more time at the bargaining table. You may be required to attend mandatory “informational” meetings on work time to hear why you should accept the employer contract offer. You have the right to express your opinion, counter misinformation, and take notes of what management says. Union members have the right to act together and it is illegal for management to threaten you or your employment in any way as you prepare for a potential strike. The companies need to know we are getting ready and we are serious.

The key ingredient to winning a fair contract is the unity and resolve of the membership. Each action we take is part of a broader plan to bring increasing pressure on the employers to change their contract offer. It’s important for each action to be well organized and have the participation of everyone. We have begun to get the public involved – through press coverage and our actions. Our customers, elected officials, and community allies have all joined our fight and we will also have the backing of other labor unions in the area. If we stay united, we can win a fair contract.

Text alerts are the easiest way to stay up-to-date on the latest news from your union. To sign up, visit www.ufcw400.org/text.