Press Release
January 28, 2025


If Ratified, The Company’s Last, Best, and Final Offer Will Result in King Soopers Having Invested Over a Quarter Billion Dollars in Incremental Wages Between 2022 and 2028

Denver, CO (January 27, 2025) – King Soopers has a proven track record of investing in associates, while continuing to lead the way with market competitive wages. On January 6, 2025, the Company presented UFCW Local 7 with a Last, Best and Final Offer, which, if ratified, would represent a combined investment of more than $350 million in incremental wages when considering both the 2022 ratified contract and the newly proposed agreement extending through 2028. With the Last, Best and Final Offer, the Company has put all the money on the table to accelerate associate wages, while also maintaining affordable groceries for their customers.

“We have a responsibility to our associates, customers, and community,” said Joe Kelley, President of King Soopers. “For over 77 years, we’ve invested in our associates with competitive pay while ensuring our stores remain open and groceries affordable. This is a commitment we honor today and will continue to uphold in the future.”

King Soopers’ current average hourly wage for full time associates is $22.68 per hour. With comprehensive health care and pension benefits factored in, that average hourly rate goes up to $29.48. In contrast, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly rate for a cashier in the state of Colorado is $17.02, which is significantly lower than what King Soopers provides. Additionally, many employers across the state do not provide health care coverage or pension benefits, further highlighting the value of the overall compensation package at King Soopers. Since negotiations began in October, the Company has been committed to reaching a deal that rewards their associates. The Company’s offer includes:

  • Significant wage investments of up to a 6% increase in year one of the contract. This strong offer promises to support, protect and invest in the interests of their valued associates.
    • The offer will provide a $4.50 per hour increase for Top Rate Clerks, Department Heads, and Pharmacy Techs over the life of the 4-year contract. This breaks down to $1.50/hour increase in Year 1 and $1.00/hour increases in Years 2, 3, and 4.
  • The Company has a proven track record of investing in associates. If this offer is ratified, King Soopers will invest up to 23% in wage increases over the life of the new contract for their most tenured associates. This investment reflects King Soopers’ commitment to foster the growth and advancement of its associates, enabling them to forge a rewarding career within the Company.

King Soopers is eager to make this long-term investment in associate wages, however, the Union needs to first allow their members to exercise their voice by providing them the opportunity to vote on the Company’s Last, Best and Final Offer, which includes this significant wage offer.


About King Soopers/City Market
At King Soopers/City Market, a company of The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are Fresh for Everyone™ and dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit®. We are 23,000 associates who serve customers daily through a seamless shopping experience throughout Colorado. We are committed to creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.

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