We, the residents and community members of Los Alamos, call on Kroger to immediately implement a direct $5 per hour wage increase for all workers at our local Smith’s Food and Drug store.

Large, profitable corporations must pay their fair share rather than expecting local small businesses - many of which are already struggling - to shoulder the weight of a higher county-wide minimum wage. For a corporate giant generating $148 billion in annual revenue, providing a modest wage increase for roughly 200 to 250 local workers is statistically negligible. Even if every worker received an additional $200 per week, the total cost to Kroger is a fraction of a drop in the bucket. Yet, for these dedicated workers, it represents the difference between financial security and struggling to meet basic needs in one of New Mexico's most expensive communities- and after this raise, they will still be poor and unable to support their family. It is unacceptable that our Smith's employees in this special, affluent area, earn so little that many qualify for state public assistance. These low wages force local taxpayers to subsidize Kroger's massive ($148 billion annual) corporate PROFITS. Combined with weak union representation that has totally failed the workers, (fighting for a single $1 pay increase) - and failing to secure competitive pay or challenge Kroger’s dominance in our local market, workers are left with few options.

Because we are asking for so little from a company with such vast resources, this should not be a matter of prolonged debate. Our dedicated grocery workers serve our community every day. We expect a quick resolution and a firm date for when this $5/hour wage increase will take effect. If we don't hear back shortly we will continue our efforts on the county level.