INDIANAPOLIS — Proposed health insurance changes thatsparked a strike at Kroger supermarkets in three states could alsobecome an issue in upcoming contract talks at the chain's Indianastores.
Cincinnati-based Kroger's said Monday that it wants to cap theamount it pays for worker health care premiums in Indiana to an 8percent increase annually. The company now covers 100 percent ofthe premiums for worker health benefits.
Kroger's five-year labor contract proposal also would providehourly wage increases and a bonus for ratifying the measure.
Kroger's current contract with the 3,984 members of the UnitedFood & Commercial Workers Local 700 in Indianapolis expiresNov. 1.
Contract negotiations have led to strikes in California,Kentucky, West Virginia and Ohio.
Clerks at Kroger Co.'s Ralphs and Pavilions walked out lateSaturday in Los Angeles, as well as at two other Californiasupermarket chains.
Tuesday was the first full day of a strike at 44 Krogersupermarkets in West Virginia, Ohio and Kentucky. More than 3,300members of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 400 walkedoff the job Monday night.
Union organizers in Indiana say they have long considered a jobaction against Kroger.
''The people in Indiana are no different than the people inCalifornia,'' Rian Wathen, a union organizer in Indianapolis, toldThe Indianapolis Star.
''We are implementing things behind the scenes, and we won't doit on Kroger's time,'' Wathen said. ''We will do it on ourtime.''
He declined to say whether the action would be a strike but saidhe expects the support of other unions.
Jeff Golc, a spokesman for Kroger in Indiana, emphasized thatthe company's offer is ''not a cost-reduction contract'' andrepresents a $30 million increase over five years.
The 8 percent cap on health insurance benefits would permitKroger to plan for and control cost increases.
Wathen said such a cap would force workers to cover costoverruns, leaving them with a real cut in their benefits.
''I'm starting a family,'' said Charles Ivy, head of the frozenfood department at a suburban Kroger store northeast ofIndianapolis. ''I need a health insurance plan that I canafford.''
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