WASHINGTON, DC – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), which represents 1.3 million workers in grocery stores, meatpacking plants, and other essential industries across North America, released the following statement regarding the letter sent by U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Bernie Sanders (I-VT), and Ron Wyden (D-OR) to Kroger CEO Rodney McMullen demanding answers about Kroger’s continued payroll issues.
UFCW International President Marc Perrone said:
“Workers deserve to be paid their full and correct paychecks on time, period. Kroger has failed to adequately address the payroll issues that our members have continued to experience for months on end. It’s heartening to see Senators Warren, Sanders, and Wyden join our calls for accountability from Kroger and stand up for essential workers across the country. It sends a much-needed message that lawmakers are watching this issue closely.
“UFCW and our Local Unions are continuing to engage with the company directly on multiple levels and pursue recourse to ensure this issue is resolved permanently and every single one of our members receives every cent they are owed. We are grateful to have the Senators standing with us in that effort.”
Since issues first began being reported last year, UFCW International and impacted Local Unions around the country have taken necessary steps to address the persistent payroll issues, including direct engagement with the company, class action grievances, lawsuits, and formal Unfair Labor Practice charges filed with the NLRB.
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States. UFCW International represents 1.3 million professionals and their families in healthcare, grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries. Our members serve our communities in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico. Learn more about the UFCW at ufcw.org.