Kroger Subsidiary Must Present Strong Agreement by Sept. 21 Deadline

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than two months of negotiations, Teamsters at Ralphs, a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger, are demanding a strong contract before their current agreement expires on Sunday, Sept. 21. If Kroger fails to come to terms on a fair deal, the company faces a potential labor dispute that could disrupt its supply chain across Southern California, affecting hundreds of Ralphs and Food 4 Less markets.

"Our members are the backbone of Ralphs' distribution network," said Lou Villalvazo, Grocery Chairman of Teamsters Joint Council 42. "They deserve wages that keep up with inflation, health and retirement benefits, and above all, job security in the face of automation. The Teamsters are committed to reaching an agreement before the contract expiration but are prepared to escalate if Kroger fails to deliver."

Workers are demanding a contract that provides strong job security, higher wages, and improved benefits. Any collective bargaining agreement the company presents must also include language that prevents Kroger from replacing Teamsters with autonomous semi-trucks, which pose an unacceptable risk to both working families and public safety.

"Kroger cannot balance its profits on the backs of workers and put the public at risk with unsafe automation," said Chris Griswold, President of Teamsters Joint Council 42. "This company runs because of Teamsters drivers, warehouse, and distribution workers. Unless management reaches a fair deal by September 21, our members are ready to act."

Teamsters Joint Council 42 represents 22 local unions and nearly 250,000 active and retired members across Southern California, Southern Nevada, Hawaii, and Guam. For more information, visit www.teamstersjc42.com.

Contact:  
Rene Holliday, (909) 630-5611
reneh@teamstersjc42.org

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SOURCE Teamsters Joint Council 42