Kroger in Columbus to raise the starting rate of pay to $14.25 per hour

Columbus, Ohio – Kroger stated that the minimum wage would increase to $14.25 per hour, with ratification incentives of $2,500 for department leaders, assistant department heads, and full-time top rate employees.

The business also stated that department directors and assistant department leaders would receive an additional 35 cents per hour in February 2023.

Kroger stated that the offer would have resulted in the following hourly wage increases for a full-time cashier with five years of experience: $17.75 this year, $18.25 in 2023, and $18.90 in 2024.

In a statement, Dana Zurcher, president of Kroger’s Columbus region, said, “At Kroger, we want to do what’s right for our associates, which means more money in their paychecks, continuing to provide industry-leading health care benefits, and balancing that investment with keeping groceries affordable.”

Last Monday, members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1059 voted against a proposed contract and approved a strike. Kroger and the union have both stated that employees will continue to report to work.

55% of the 6,719 members who voted on the tentative agreement on September 13, 14, and 15, according to the union, rejected it, while 81% voted to authorize a strike.

“The membership has authorized a strike, but one has not yet been called,” Local 1059 President Randy Quickel said in a statement released on Friday. “Everyone is continuing to work.”

He continued, “We have reached out to the Kroger Company to see if they are willing to meet.”

Monday was left a voicemail message.