COLUMBUS, Ohio — Recently the union members of United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1059 voted to reject the latest tentative agreement offering from Kroger.

Following the rejection, the union also voted to authorize a strike, but has not called for one  yet. UFCW Local 1079 represents members in 47 counties in central, north-northwest, and south-southeast Ohio, according to its website.

This was the third tentative agreement fully recommended for ratification by both the union and company bargaining committees, according to the company.

"We understand the union also received strike authorization," Kroger's statement said. "We are disappointed in the outcome of the vote."

The company said while a strike authorization was received by the union it does not mean a strike and associates should continue to work as scheduled.

"The Fully Recommended Agreement on our Last best and Final offer show our commitment to the whole person, providing wage increases, high-quality, affordable health care and a pension benefit for retirement," Kroger's statement said. "The most productive thing the union can do is to work with the company in a manner that positively addresses these items. Our focus remains on our associates and reaching an agreement that is good for all parties."

Union President Randy Quickel said 45% of members voted yes on the contract while 55% voted no. For the strike 81% voted yes and 19% voted no. 

Quickel said the union reached out to Kroger to continue negotiations a reitterated that no strike has been called and workers should continue to report for work.

This is a developing story, check back for updates.