DAYTON, Ohio, Aug. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Associates with The Kroger Co. in Dayton have ratified a new labor agreement, the company (NYSE: KR) said today. The associates are members of United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 75.

The agreement covers more than 4,000 associates who work in 30 stores in Dayton and the surrounding areas.

"This agreement provides good, stable jobs for our associates, increases take-home pay, and provides high-quality, affordable health care. At the same time, it enables our company to remain competitive in a difficult economy with intense competition," said Geoff Covert, President of Kroger's Cincinnati/Dayton Division.

Kroger, one of the nation's largest retail grocery chains, employs more than 326,000 associates who serve customers in 2,475 supermarkets and multi-department stores in 31 states. Kroger operates stores under two dozen local banner names including Kroger, Ralphs, Fred Meyer, Food 4 Less, Fry's, King Soopers, Smith's, Dillons, QFC and City Market. In addition, Kroger associates serve customers in 764 convenience stores, 387 fine jewelry stores and 798 supermarket fuel centers the Company operates. Kroger also operates 40 food processing plants in the U.S. Headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, Kroger focuses its charitable efforts on supporting hunger relief, health and wellness initiatives, and local schools and grassroots organizations in the communities it serves. For more information about the Company, please visit www.kroger.com.

SOURCE The Kroger Co.