Local 911 in Toledo resumed bargaining yesterday with Kroger Co.,  with most of the day devoted to insurance issues. UFCW members on the bargaining committee made some progress, and were able to get the company to withdraw a proposal to allow meat wrappers and/or weighers to clean and operate saws. Also, agreements were reached on issues relating to personal days for meat cutters and vacation issues for clerks and non-foods. However, the Kroger continues to insist on benefit reductions and weekly co-pays for some workers, despite their triple digit market share lead over competitors in the Toledo area. Local 911 members are continuing their push for affordable, accessible, quality health care coverage.

Bargaining committee members expressed their concerns about how Kroger's proposals to cut benefits will impact an already low morale amongst workers. Members related to Kroger that workers feel undervalued by their company, despite the fact that Kroger workers are some of the most productive in the industry.

Kroger responded by expressing the belief that the negotiating committee is exaggerating the morale problem in the stores, and that morale is about average.

Negotiations are scheduled to continue on Tuesday March 27th.