Mariano's

Local 881 Kroger and Mariano’s members have experienced numerous paycheck issues due to a new payroll system Kroger implemented this fall across all its banners. The payroll issues have impacted nearly all of its 500,000 employees, including management. Like many workers elsewhere, Local 881 members in Illinois have reported widespread payroll errors, including:

• • Not receiving paychecks
  • Paid incorrect wages
  • Not receiving contractual wage increases
  • Unlawful deduction of overpayments
  • Not paid for contractual holidays
  • Union dues being deducted incorrectly
    

Local 881 has attempted to work with Kroger and Mariano’s representatives to resolve these issues but has learned that the payroll problems are widespread and occurring all over the country. Local 881 has been actively taking all steps it can to bring pressure and resolution to this catastrophic failure on the part of Kroger.

Local 881 has demanded information from Kroger/Mariano’s that would provide a detailed account of all payroll periods since the new payroll system was implemented so that a thorough investigation of each and every affected member’s payroll history could be conducted. To date, that request for information has not yet been provided by the Company and Local 881 has filed unfair labor practice charges with National Labor Relations Board.

Local 881 has also filed a complaint with the Illinois Department of Labor asking for the agency to take immediate legal action to address the payroll issues, including the unlawful payroll deductions of overpayments made to employees.

Additionally, Local 881 has been in contact with the office of the Illinois Attorney General to consider its legal options, both civil and criminal, that would hold Kroger/Mariano’s accountable.

Local 881 and its attorneys are reviewing all legal options available to remedy this unbearable situation. In the meantime, Local 881 has posted a form on its website and is asking any member who has experienced a payroll issue to complete and submit the form.

We anticipate the materials to be in member mailboxes by mid-September.

Every eligible Mariano’s member will be mailed the document and have the opportunity to consider and vote on the Tentative Contract Agreement Offer. The members alone will decide the outcome.

After thorough and careful review, Local 881 has sent the Tentative Agreement Offer for your Union contract to be printed and mailed.

Why does the process take so long?

We know you are eager to review the proposed wage increases and improvements to the contract language. We believe this is a process that should never be rushed! The contract is a legal and binding document where each and every word matters. Both the Company and the Union have to review and sign off on voting materials. The preparation of these complex documents absolutely has to be correct and that takes time.

I heard we are getting…

Rumors can spread like wild fire. The Tentative Contract Agreement Offer includes many changes to current wage progressions. Don’t make a decision based on information that may be false or inaccurate. Wait to see the Tentative Agreement and read it for yourself. Ask your Union Representative for clarification on any questions about your specific wage increases.

Voting will take place in YOUR store!

Your Local Union is committed to making sure the voting process is administered in the most efficient, democratic, and equitable manner possible. Union Representatives will be on-site in your store on specified voting days at the end of September. For your convenience, you will be able to cast your vote in-person at your work location.

If you have questions,  talk to your Union Representative, call 847-294-5064. We are at your service!