Fred Meyer is a subsidiary of Cincinnati-based Kroger, Inc., a $75 billion company. In the first half of 2011, Kroger’s profits exceeded $700 million. We think it can probably offer its employees affordable health care.
We just love Fred Meyer's website, by the way. It actually asks the question, "Why work here?" The answer:
Great People – Challenge. Growth. Fun. Success. Do these words describe what you’re looking for? They’re each part of the “Our people are great!” culture promoted here at Fred Meyer.Tell it to the Teamsters at Local 117 in Tukwila, Wash. Here's what they said after negotiations broke down:
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| Rallying for Fred Meyer workers in Puyallup. |
Teamsters Local 117 filed unfair labor charges with the National Labor Relations Board accusing Fred Meyer of 10 violations of federal labor law, including bad faith bargaining. ...
The Union has made a number of proposals regarding health care, including a wage cut to achieve the same Teamsters health care coverage that other unionized warehouse workers in the Puget Sound region have. The Union also proposed a company medical plan that would at least provide comparable benefits to Fred Meyer warehouse workers. Fred Meyer flatly rejected both proposals, and offered nothing in response.Local 117 President Tracy Thompson calls Fred Meyer's arrogance "astounding." Especially from a company with an "Our people are great!" culture.
