GLDSA Statement on Kroger Indiana’s ongoing bargaining with UFCW

Greater Lafayette DSA stands in solidarity with the ​​8,000 UFCW Kroger workers in Indiana who are fighting against this multi-billion dollar company. After rank-and-file members voted down Kroger’s last contract offer by 74%, the company has followed up with unacceptable bargaining posture. As they go into the next round of discussions, it’s important to place the bargaining in its proper context.

Workers have correctly rejected a contract that failed to meet their reasonable demands. The tentative contract offered some workers pitifully small wage increases, had provisions that hurt part-time workers and did nothing to rectify the chronic understaffing at stores. Not long ago we were celebrating grocery store workers as essential workers. It is appalling that Kroger has now offered thousands of Indiana workers less than $1 raises over 4 years.

In 2024 alone Kroger (which operates in this area as Payless) spent billions in stock buybacks for their wealthy shareholders, and went on to sink billions into a failed corporate merger with Albertsons that would have harmed customers and workers alike. In the choice between workers trying to fight for a better deal and Kroger’s corporate greed, we stand with UFCW workers. 

Building worker power is the only way we can win a better world. Indeed, UAW President Shawn Fain has called on all workers to join a show of strength on May day 2028. It is by showing up for each other that we build this culture of solidarity and power!

GLDSA pledges to take the following actions: 

• As negotiations continue we will educate members and the general public about Kroger’s terrible bargaining posture

• If Kroger workers go on strike we will: 

  • Financially support striking workers with our labor solidarity fund

  • Refuse to cross picket lines as consumers and workers

  • Organize community members to refuse to cross picket lines

  • Support picket lines in any way possible

We urge all Hoosiers to stand with Kroger workers. 

Solidarity forever!