(The Center Square) — U.S. Sen. Ruben Gallego, D-Arizona, sent a letter to Kroger this week after the company laid off around 130 truck drivers and mechanics.
In his letter, Gallego said he was “concerned” about Kroger’s decision to let go of Ruan Transportation workers after the company declined its contract with the transportation provider.
Gallego said this decision puts “good-paying jobs at risk and impacts community stability.”
Ruan Transportation employees affected by these job cuts are members of Teamsters Local 104 in Tolleson, Arizona.
Gallego noted in his letter that Kroger has previously attempted to remove union workers, but failed due to worker and public pushback.
“Unions can be a partner in helping companies maintain a safe and healthy workplace, reduce worker attrition that can cause supply chain disruptions, and create workforce development pipelines,” the senator wrote.
Gallego said the Ruan Transportation workforce in Tolleson has “helped ensure Kroger’s supply chain remains resilient and reliable.” The senator said if the company continues to go through with these job cuts, it will hurt its reputation “in the communities it serves.”
His letter noted some of the affected workers who have worked at its distribution center for more than 26 years and are at an age where starting a new career can be “difficult and daunting.”
The senator ended his letter by asking the company to return to the “negotiating table with Ruan Transportation and the Teamsters.”
After Gallego sent this letter, Teamsters Local 104 union thanked him on Facebook for sending it.
“We greatly appreciate Senator Gallego standing with our members who are fighting for their jobs at Ruan after Kroger canceled Ruan’s contract,” said a Local 104 Vice President Josh Graves. “Our members have given their careers to Kroger and have delivered quality labor for over 26 years. Kroger still has time to stop this travesty and do the right thing.”
The Center Square reached out to Kroger, but did not get an immediate response.
