UFCW Local 700

Dear Local 700 Members:

Kroger informed Local 700 that it will implement its new attendance policy on October 18, 2026, over the Union’s objections. The Union has made clear that the policy conflicts with protections in our collective bargaining agreements and that Kroger cannot use the policy to take away rights our members have negotiated and earned.

Kroger has decided to remove all attendance points issued before October 18 so that employees will have zero points when the policy begins. However, that decision does not resolve the Union’s objections or limit our ability to challenge the policy and its application.

Local 700, together with other affected UFCW Locals, has filed grievances challenging the policy. We will continue pursuing those grievances to protect our members. If you receive an attendance point under the new policy for an absence or occurrence that would not have resulted in an attendance point under the current policy, contact your Union Representative or Steward to file a grievance.

Local 700 will continue to challenge the new attendance policy where and when appropriate. Please remain in communication with your Union Steward and Union Representative as these grievances proceed through the contractual process. We will keep you informed of significant developments and any additional steps you may need to take.

In solidarity,

Tracy Bartak

President, UFCW 700

Congratulations to our latest Colts tickets winner Jacob Schoettmer from J-710!

Every Colts tickets home game, UFCW Local 700 gives away a pair of tickets to one lucky winner who is a member of our Active Ballot Club.

UFCW Active Ballot Club (ABC) is our union's political action committee. We use voluntary contributions to support pro-worker candidates of both parties.

To learn more and and join the Active Ballot Club, contact your union rep.

Kroger plans to implement a new attendance policy on October 4. We are aware that many of you have been approached by Kroger management about the new attendance policy and/or asked to sign a “read and sign” acknowledging receipt of the policy.

The Union wants you to know:

The Union did not agree to or approve this policy.
The Union has had two meeting with Kroger to discuss the proposed new attendance policy. During those meetings, the Union demanded to bargain, and Kroger refused.
The Union has filed class action grievances under the Kroger CBAs covering Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, and Decatur.
The Union is challenging Kroger’s decision to implement the policy without bargaining.
The Union is also challenging the policy to the extent it conflicts with the CBAs, including just cause. A new Company policy cannot cancel or replace your rights under the CBA.
If Kroger gives you a “read and sign” form:

Do not refuse to sign it. Under “obey now, grieve later,” refusing to sign could lead to discipline.
Your signature only confirms that Kroger gave you the policy. It does not mean that you agree with the policy.
Signing does not give up your rights or prevent the Union from challenging the policy or any discipline issued under it.
The Union knows this policy could affect your job, your livelihood, and your ability to support your family. We will not stand by while Kroger tries to change the rules without bargaining or uses this policy to discipline members in violation of the CBAs. We will fight to protect your rights, challenge the policy and any improper discipline, and hold Kroger accountable through every available grievance and legal process. If you receive attendance points, a warning, suspension, termination, or any other discipline under the new policy, contact your Union Representative immediately so we can stand with you and fight back.

Happy Labor Day from UFCW Local 700!

Labor Day is better celebrated together! If you are firing up the grill this weekend, you may as well make your Labor Day celebrations union-made.

From hot dogs and burgers to all the best fixings and drinks, buying union-made goods supports the hardworking people we celebrate today.

Thank you to everyone who helped make our South Bend member appreciation baseball night a great success, especially member Chris Watterson from store J966 who threw out the first pitch! It was an amazing evening with beautiful weather and we can't wait to come back again.

Members --

Please join us on Tuesday, September 29 at 6 p.m. for our quarterly general membership meeting at Hampton Inn on River Crossing Blvd in Indianapolis.

Update on store 957 in Noblesville:

Kroger is planning to open the store tomorrow morning at 9:00 a.m. They are calling associates tonight to see who is willing to come in and work. To be clear, this is strictly a voluntary basis.

If anyone does not feel they can make it into the store safely, they should not try and should stay home.

If anyone does go in, please know the parking lot is still currently flooded, and you will have to park in adjacent public parking lot and trek through water to get to the store.

Please use caution if you decide to try and make it to the store. Above all else, please be safe.

Send a message to learn more

Kroger has announced this is the final week they will use Retail Odyssey for DSD (Direct story delivery) work in stores.

Kroger has used DSD vendors for years, but the more recent addition of Retail Odyssey has caused issues for customers and workers alike and was the subject of numerous grievances filed on behalf of Local 700 members, and this is a victory for UFCW Local 700 members.

Victory! Kroger Ends the Retail Odyssey DSD Program Kroger has announced this is the final week they use Retail Odyssey for DSD (Direct story delivery) work in stores. Kroger has used DSD vendors for years, but the more recent addition of Retail Odyssey has caused issues for customers and workers alike and was the subject of numerous grievances filed...

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Ft. Wayne last week for our member appreciation baseball night at Parkview Field!

UFCW Local 700 proudly awards $22,000 per year in scholarships to members or dependents. Applications for Fall 2026 Scholarships are open NOW.

Click the link below to learn more and apply before the August 14 deadline:

UFCW Local 700 - Fall 2026 Scholarship Applications NOW OPEN UFCW Local 700 proudly awards $22,000 per year in scholarships to members or dependents. Applications for Fall 2026 Scholarships are open NOW. Applicants must be UFCW Local 700 members in good standing, or their legal dependents; have graduated or will graduate from high school or are currently enro...