ATLANTA, April 18, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR) Atlanta Division associates working at Kroger stores in the Atlanta metro and surrounding area have ratified new labor agreements with UFCW Local 1996.

"We are pleased to reach agreements that are good for our associates. These agreements provide wage increases, affordable health care and a stable pension fund to support our associates' retirement," said Bruce Lucia, president of Kroger's Atlanta Division. "These agreements come after thoughtful and productive work by both the company and union bargaining committees. I want to thank our associates for supporting these agreements and for the excellent service they provide to our customers every day."

The contracts cover 23,598 associates working in 163 stores in the Atlanta area and 12 in Savannah.

Kroger, one of the world's largest retailers, employs more than 375,000 associates who serve customers in 2,640 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 786 convenience stores, 320 fine jewelry stores, 1,240 supermarket fuel centers and 38 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 grassroots organizations. Kroger contributes food and funds equal to 200 million meals a year through more than 80 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.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.