Talks between UFCW Locals 455 and 408 and Kroger ended for the session last week without agreement on health insurance. Discussions on the coverage and costs of the current Health and Welfare program started earlier last week with the leadership of the local unions and company representatives meeting to hammer out this part of the contract. An agreement on the health insurance is needed,  as other economic issues have yet to be addressed. 

Meanwhile, both parties continue to try to work out an agreement for both meat and grocery clerk employees in the Houston area. The parties are currently working under an expired agreement that exists on a day-to-day basis while negotiations continue.

The next round of talks is scheduled for May 4-6,  with further dates set for May 14-19.