Kroger union workers vote to authorize strike

Lake Charles, LA (KPLC) - Local Kroger union workers have voted to authorize a strike, union officials said.

The vote does not mean a strike is certain, but that it could happen should both sides not reach an agreement, said Shirley Rome, secretary treasurer of Union Local 455. She said the union rejected Kroger’s most recent proposal and authorized the strike Wednesday.

Local 455 covers Louisiana and Southern Texas.

Rome said union workers are asking for better insurance and better wages, along with other contract issues.

Kroger released the following statement to KPLC.

“It’s business as usual at Kroger. A strike authorization doesn’t mean a strike. Our Last, Best and Final Offers, which we presented last September to our Lake Charles, Sulphur, and Alexandria associates, are good offers. They provide wage increases and stable, reliable, and affordable health care. We believe the most productive thing the union can do is to work with the company in a manner that positively addresses their concerns. Our focus remains on our associates and getting an agreement at the bargaining table.”