Ralphs Grocery Co. in Los Angeles, is back at the negotiation table July 10-12 for discussions with the unions to “exchange proposals and come to a fair and balanced offer that benefits all 18,000 associates who choose to work for Ralphs.”
Ralphs says it has always provided competitive wages; healthcare benefits that cost associates $62 a month on average in premiums for their entire family’s medical coverage; and generous pension benefits for retirement in a time when 93 percent of American companies do not offer a pension option.
“As we have said all along, we are committed to continuing to invest in our associates providing secure, stable jobs with competitive pay and benefits. We know our associates are the heart of our company. With a balanced approach, this agreement can be a win for everyone; our associates, our communities and our company,” said Mike Murphy, president of Ralphs.
Additional bargaining dates with the unions have been set for the end of July and early August.
There has been talk of a strike for more than a month; read more here.
Ralphs is the largest subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Kroger, which also operates stores under the Food 4 Less and Foods Co. names in California.
In 1883, Barney Kroger invested his life savings of $372 to open a grocery store at 66 Pearl Street in downtown Cincinnati. The son of a merchant, he ran his business with a simple motto, “Be particular. Never sell anything you would not want yourself.” Today, Kroger operates 2,760 grocery retail stores under a variety of banner names.
