The Teamsters Union with 22,000 members working for either Kroger or Albertsons have expressed their formal opposition to the proposed merger of Albertsons and the Kroger Company.  Despite negotiations relating to job security and benefits, the Union has not received any assurances from either company.

The General president of the Teamsters Union, Sean O’Brien noted, “Kroger and Albertsons management like to talk the talk on job security when they are sitting in front of Congress but talk means little when it comes to protecting our members.”  He added, “We expected better from these two longtime Teamsters employers.  Clearly, they are more interested in guaranteeing big payouts for management.”  Opposition expressed by the Teamsters is echoed by a similar rejection of the merger by the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union. They have called for transparency and release of information that would indicate the impact on memberships of the Union and the communities served by the companies.

Both Albertsons and Kroger have responded to Union comments with Albertsons stating, “We have a rich history of creating quality jobs and working collaboratively alongside Teamsters. Our proposed merger with Kroger will secure the long-term future of Union jobs by establishing a more competitive alternative to large, non-union retailers.”

The Federal Trade Commission has yet to announce their decision on the proposed merger that will at the very least require divestment of stores and other installations to viable competitors.