Kroger union workers in central Ohio have rejected a tentative deal with the grocer and have authorized a strike, the company and union said Friday.

Members of Local 1059 of the United Food and Commercial Workers turned down the contract in voting this week, union officials said.

Of the 6,719 members who voted over three days this week, 55% rejected the contract and 81% authorized a strike, according to the union. A two-thirds vote of the voting members is required for strike authorization.

The union represents about 12,500 workers in the Columbus area and beyond.

"We have asked them to return to the bargaining table to address member concerns," union President Randy Quickel said in an email.

He said union members have been asked to continue to work.

Kroger workers, like those at other grocery stores, were on the frontline when the pandemic started in 2020 and as consumers packed stores to refill pantries, refrigerators and freezers at home. Kroger responded by issuing "hero" bonuses to frontline workers.

Kroger, like other companies, also has had a difficult time filling openings.

The strike authorization doesn't mean a walkout is imminent. Kroger says it is business as usual at the stores covered by the workers and that workers should report to work as scheduled.

"UFC Local 1059 has informed us that its members voted down the fully recommended tentative agreement this week," the company said in a statement. "We understand the union also received strike authorization. We are disappointed in the outcome of the vote."

The company and the union released no details about the offer or terms of the contract.

Kroger said its "last best and final offer showed our commitment to the whole person, providing wage increases, high-quality, affordable health care, and a pension benefit for retirement," the statement read.

"The most productive thing the union can do is to work with the company in a manner that positively addresses these items," the company said. "Our focus remains on our associates and reaching an agreement that is good for all parties."

The union represents represents members in 47 counties in central, north-northwest, and south-southeast Ohio, according to its website.

mawilliams@dispatch.com

@BizMarkWilliams

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Kroger workers in Ohio authorize strike after rejecting tentative deal