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Kroger Bargaining
Survey to be Conducted "While Kroger is doing well nationally and in Michigan, other factors, such as high unemployment and market share concerns caused by increased competition from companies expanding into discount food operations, will make negotiations even more challenging," Roger Robinson, Local 876's president said. "However, it remains our intent to leave the bargaining table with a fair and just contract. For this to happen, we need an effective bargaining strategy that reflects the membership's goals for the negotiations. That's where the survey comes in, the results of the survey will provide us with the information we need to accurately identify the membership's goals for the negotiations and establish a successful strategy for achieving these goals." The local is in the process of fine-tuning survey questions with Dr. Martin, who has been surveying union members since 1970 and UFCW members since 1980. "Based on Kroger's recent negotiations, we have a good idea of what to expect from the company at the bargaining table," Robinson said. "The survey has been designed to tell us how strongly members feel about accepting or rejecting certain company proposals, and how willing they are to fight for their bargaining goals. We need members to be honest in their responses as the Local expects to be faced with several tough choices throughout Kroger negotiations, and will turn to the survey results for guidance in making these critical decisions." All Kroger members will be mailed their survey in February, giving the Local and WSU ample time to compile and analyze the data before bargaining. It is critical members complete the survey they receive in the mail, as surveys are coded by WSU and additional copies are not available for members who lose their original survey, or are no longer living at the address on file with Local 876. Coding the survey allows the survey to be shorter by omitting questions such as store number, job classification and seniority, and demographic variables such as age and gender. "When we know the exact time frame members should expect their survey, we will let stewards know so they can have members watch their mailboxes," Robinson said. "In the mean time, stewards should urge members who have recently moved to update their address with Local 876 to ensure they receive their survey." Once surveys hit members' mailboxes, the local is asking stewards to encourage members to complete and return the survey. "Completing and returning the survey is the best way for members to ensure they have a voice in these very important contract negotiations that will determine their compensation and working conditions throughout the new contract's term," Robinson said. As an incentive for members to return the survey, Local 876 is offering $10,000 in U.S. Savings Bond prizes in a random drawing of members who return the survey by the deadline. A total of 25 Savings Bond prizes will be awarded: (1) first place for $5,000, (2) second places for $1,000, (2) third places for $500, and (20) fourth places for $100. Winners will be drawn by WSU and their names will be given to Local 876 without their survey. The Local 876 Collective Bargaining Survey should not be confused with the Kroger survey(s). "We know of one survey conducted by Kroger, but suspect there may be more," Robinson said. "In my opinion, this first company survey is designed to determine how members relate to store management, and if they believe what management tells them so Kroger can decide how to use management in their communications with members regarding bargaining."
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The United Food & Commercial Workers Local 876 |
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