In the breakroom, I noticed a piece of paper that said due to delay in negotiations, that they were extending our contract. Has anyone heard of what the contract will be like, or why they are having such a hard time negotiating this one?
That is not out of the ordinary to happen. I have been on a few contract talks and the big problem will be the cost of health care.
My best guess is that the actuaries ( union money crunchers and company crunchers ) are disagreeing on the cost and have to project it over the life of the contract. If they do not get it right Then you will see loss of pay and also benefit cuts over the end of your contract. If they are talking about just extending the contract, then my best guess is that is the big thing.
But here is one thing that I have been waiting to see. Come this June , the supreme court is to decide the merits of the obama health care plan. Whatever is in it, Kroger and other companies will have to match, so if it is not in the contract you are negotiating, then it will come out of your pockets some where down the line.
There is also the possibility, And only my thought, that the company will see if they can( the government) can force you to carry it no matter what or have fines and jail time. If the government can, I think the company will offer you more money and want to drop health care and let you go buy your own or what the government will provide. That is just my guess.
But I do belief that they ( both sides are extending it out to figure the cost of the health care over the years your local is seeking. Also could be to see the supreme court ruling in June.
I would not worry to much right now. The company will continue to cover you with everything you have right now. Ant pay raises will be retro-active. But do not be surprised if they come back and want to make the back pay in the form of a signing or ratificationbonus.
This is standard operations and if thee is anyone in talks , before your local, then they will have to get theirs done first and that can cause some delays and extentions.
-- Edited by grumpy1 on Tuesday 20th of March 2012 09:00:09 PM
In the breakroom, I noticed a piece of paper that said due to delay in negotiations, that they were extending our contract. Has anyone heard of what the contract will be like, or why they are having such a hard time negotiating this one?
Kroger typically tries to push around come contract time, which is why I would like to be on the committee. I feel the time is ripe to push back when an HEB enters the DFW area.
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My Views and Opinions do not reflect that of the Kroger company. I'm an indivdual expressing my 1st amendment right.
