Town Hall Call Monday: Important Union Update on Kroger/Albertsons Merger
/Important Union Update on Kroger/Albertsons Merger
On Friday, Kroger and Albertsons announced plans to sell at least 413 stores across the country to C&S Wholesale Grocers (C&S) as part of the mega-merger of the two companies.
Our coalition of local unions have strongly opposed the proposed merger between Kroger and Albertsons since day one. Our position has not changed because of the recent news from Kroger and Albertsons of their plans to sell some stores.
Important point right off the bat -- this sale is not happening now and it’s contingent on the overall merger being approved, a merger we are fighting. As a result, this sales deal only moves ahead if and when the federal regulators who are reviewing the overall merger approve it. We don’t think this sales deal will appease the Federal Trade Commission or the various State Attorneys General that have expressed concerns over the merger.
An additional 237 stores may also be sold to C&S as part of the deal, depending on the results of the regulatory review of the merger with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
The stores would not change hands unless and until the FTC approves the overall Kroger/Albertsons merger.
UFCW 3000 Telephone Town Hall Planned for Monday
We are planning a live Telephone Town Hall for our grocery store members on Monday, September 11 at 5 PM to share updated information and to address your questions. When your phone rings Monday at 5, just answer it and you will join the call. If for some reason, you don’t receive a call, you can call in to join us by dialing 1-877-365-5237 and entering meeting ID number 7585.
As of now, according to Korger and Albertsons, about ¼ of the stores to be sold to C&S, if and when the merger is completed, are in Washington state. The exact stores have not been identified at this time. There are no further details on store divestments available at this time. We will continue to keep you updated as more information becomes available. We will use every available resource to enforce our contracts with Safeway and Kroger and protect our members.
#StopTheMerger Coalition
We remain opposed to the Kroger/Albertsons merger for the negative impact it will have on our members, customers and communities. That’s why we’ve partnered with more than 100 unions and organizations nationwide in the Stop The Merger Coalition to urge the Federal Trade Commission to oppose this deal. Visit NoGroceryMerger.com to learn more and take action today.
Send a Message to the FTC
The Federal Trade Commission has the power to block this merger. Take action now by sending a message to the FTC to let them know we stand united in opposition to the Kroger/Albertsons merger.