International News - Kroger settles Ohio pay dispute

Kroger has agreed a pay and benefits package with 3,000 striking employees in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia.

After reporting a 57 per cent slump in third-quarter profits last week, the US grocer agreed to increase healthcare contributions by US$12 million (£6.9 million) and fund a small pay rise.

The deal does not impact on the dispute raging in California, which pits Kroger, Albertsons and Safeway’s Vons and Pavilions chains against 70,000 workers. Talks here resume today.