The Kroger Co. announced that associates working at 98 stores across Kroger's Dallas division ratified a new labor agreement with the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) Local 1000. The improvements accompany Kroger's continued efforts to rebalance pay and benefits. The Kroger agreement includes: Increased wages for all associates; Ratification bonuses and retroactive pay for department heads, store leads, high-performing associates and other store positions; Improved Kroger health benefits including lower associate contributions and lower deductibles. Leaders of the United Food and Commercial Workers also praised the deal. The new agreement impacts more than 11,000 associates covered under the Kroger Dallas division collective bargaining agreement with UFCW Local 1000.