Cincy Reporter

Republican gubernatorial candidate Jim Renacci called on Gov. Mike DeWine to stop The Kroger Co. from making employees who haven't taken a COVID-19 jab pay an additional $600 for health insurance.

"Kroger is based in Cincinnati and employs thousands of Ohioans, Mike DeWine is going to sit back and just let this happen." Renacci told the Cincy Reporter. 

"After DeWine weaved a web of corruption in Columbus, crooked politicians and corporate executives have no problem getting rich," he said. "But when hardworking Ohioans are about to get stiffed, this disaster of a Governor is nowhere to be found.  Ohio simply can't afford another four years of his lack of moral leadership."

Jim Renacci | Renacci for Governor

In addition to the health care surcharge, Kroger is also removing paid emergency sick leave for employees who refuse the COVID-19 vaccine. 

DeWine confirmed last week that he would oppose any state legislative efforts to prohibit companies like Kroger from mandating their employees take COVID-19 vaccines, or from punishing or firing them if they don't comply. That's even amidst studies from Canada and Denmark indicating the new Omicron virus is disproportionately infecting COVID-vaccinated and "boosted" people.

Kroger has more than 30,000 employees in Ohio and some 460,000 nationwide.

In July, Dewine led a ribbon-cutting at Kroger's $55 million "automated distribution center" grand opening in the Butler County suburb of Monroe. It uses robotic technology to replace Kroger employees who used to pack groceries.

Two Kroger store employees sued the company last year, after it fired them for refusing to wear aprons that included an LGBTQ symbol, celebrating "gay pride." 

"We’re one of just a few retailers willing to openly advocate for and make real change toward LGBTQ+ diversity and inclusion," the company announced last year, announcing its "Kroger Pride" initiative.

The nation's largest supermarket chain with 2,800 stores, Kroger operates regional brands across 35 states, including Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Ralphs, Mariano's, Fry's, Smith's, King Soopers and QFC.

Renacci, 63, is an accountant and entrepreneur who once owned the Columbus Destroyers Arena Football Team. He won election to U.S. Congress in 2010 as part of the Tea Party movement, and later endorsed Donald Trump over then-Ohio Gov. John Kasich in the 2016 primary for President. 

Renacci announced his bid for governor in June.

Dewine, 74, was Kasich's choice to replace him as Ohio Governor in 2019. He is one of the longest-serving public officials in state history, having been in elected office for 41 years. That includes stints in the Ohio State Senate, U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate and as Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Lieutenant Governor.