The union representing Kroger workers staged protests in Parkersburg, Beckley and Charleston Thursday, calling on the company to negotiate a fair union contract. Protestors met at the store at 5700 block of MacCorkle Avenue in Charleston to urge for a deal. Negotiations over a new union contract have been underway since August. The previous union contract expired Aug. 29 and is currently under extension until Oct. 17. Union members said they are pushing for better wages, health care and safe working conditions, including hazard pay for frontline associates continuing to work during the pandemic.