Kroger’s Atlanta division and the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1996have agreed to significant wage increases for Atlanta and Savannah associates.

The agreement will provide an increase to starting wages to $14.50 an hour for clerks and early increases in hourly wages for all Atlanta and Savannah associates.

“Kroger is a place where you can come for a job and discover a career. A key driver for Kroger is talent development, and we are committed in investing and rewarding our associates,” said Victor Smith, president of the Kroger Atlanta division.

The Kroger Atlanta division is investing over $22 million in wage increases for its associates in Atlanta and Savannah. Increases for existing associates are being implemented nearly five months early.

“We are pleased that we could reach an agreement for our Atlanta and Savannah associates. These agreements provide significant pay increases, while continuing to fund affordable and comprehensive healthcare and continued investment in our associates’ pension fund,” added Smith. “These agreements demonstrate what we can do together to support our associates to allow them to do what they do best, delivering excellent service to our customers and communities.”

The collective bargaining agreements with UFCW Local 1996 cover over 22,000 associates working at 165 stores in Georgia.