<p><strong>Columbus, OH</strong><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">Kroger Co. associates working in Central Ohio stores have ratified a new labor agreement with UFCW Local 1059.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates and also allows us to be competitive in the very competitive Columbus -area marketplace," says Bruce Macaulay, President of Kroger's Columbus Division. "This agreement comes after thoughtful, respectful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I commend both teams for their professionalism."<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The contract covers more than 11,000 associates working in 85 stores in the Columbus and Central Ohio area.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">"I want to thank our associates for supporting this agreement, as well as for the excellent service they provide every day to our customers and company," Macaulay said.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">The company employs more than 339,000 associates who serve customers in 2,425 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Jay C, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's.<hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding"><a class="btn btn-sm btn-primary col-lg-12" style="white-space: normal;" href="http://ir.kroger.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=106409&p=irol-news&nyo=0" target="_new"> Kroger </a></p><hr class="legacyRuler"><hr class="invisible minimal-padding">
