Kroger negotiating with unions about end date for ‘hero pay’

Kroger Co. is negotiating with two unions that want the supermarket giant to extend its “hero bonus” for front-line workers beyond its newly set expiration date and improve worker safety conditions. Cincinnati-based Kroger (NYSE: KR), the nation’s largest operator of traditional supermarkets, told employees in its western states last week that the bonus of $2 per hour Kroger added March 31 will expire May 17, according to a Supermarket News article. The bonus is intended to reward front-line…