COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 25, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) today announced that associates working at stores in Kroger's Columbus division have ratified a new labor agreement with UFCW Local 1059.

"We are pleased to reach an agreement that is good for our associates. This new contract provides wage increases, affordable health care and ongoing investment in our associates' pension fund to support their retirement," said Joe Grieshaber, president of Kroger's Columbus division. "This agreement comes after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting the agreement and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day."

The contract covers more than 12,000 associates working in 85 stores, 64 fuel centers and 83 pharmacies in the Columbus metro area and suburbs and region.

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs nearly 400,000 associates who serve customers in 2,626 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 34 states and the District of Columbia under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, City Market, Dillons, Food 4 Less, Fred Meyer, Fry's, Harris Teeter, Jay C, King Soopers, QFC, Ralphs and Smith's. The company also operates 780 convenience stores, 327 fine jewelry stores, 1,342 supermarket fuel centers and 37 food processing plants in the U.S. Recognized by Forbes as the most generous company in America, Kroger supports hunger relief, breast cancer awareness, the military and their families, and more than 30,000 schools and community organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 100 Feeding America food bank partners. A leader in supplier diversity, Kroger is a proud member of the Billion Dollar Roundtable and the U.S. Hispanic Chamber's Million Dollar Club.

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SOURCE The Kroger Co.