PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

APRIL, 2009 - TIGARD, OR – On March 31, 2009, United Food & Commercial Workers Union, Local 555 filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge against Fred Meyer (owned by the Kroger Co.) for failing to bargain in good faith.

In November of 2007 the non-food employees at The Dalles Fred Meyer voted overwhelmingly to be represented by UFCW Local 555.  The charge claims “The employer [Fred Meyer] and charging party [UFCW Local 555] are involved in negotiations for a first contract… after the parties began collective bargaining, the employer made a unilateral change in a mandatory subject of bargaining. The employer increased the cost that employees must pay for continued health insurance coverage.”

Fred Meyer non-food employees say they think the company is showing them a lack of respect. Fred Meyer non-food employee Kellie Archer said, “We have said we want representation, we want guaranteed wages, real benefits, and to be able to take care of our families.” Kellie, a full-time employee, finds the company medical coverage to be almost unaffordable. “It is time,” she said, “that Fred Meyer starts bargaining in good faith with us.  It is time for us to get a contract.”