Dec 13 (Reuters) - Some United Food and Commercial

Workers (UFCW) local unions on Friday urged Kroger's ( KR )

board to replace CEO Rodney McMullen following the company's

announcement of a $7.5 billion stock buyback plan after

terminating a deal to buy Albertsons ( ACI ).

The UFCW local unions that led the "Stop the Merger

coalition" argued that the "abrupt" and "massive" share

repurchase program comes at a time when Kroger ( KR ) needs investments

in staffing, repairs and store remodels.

Kroger ( KR ) and Albertsons ( ACI ) terminated their $25-billion merger

plan on Wednesday after a U.S. judge blocked the deal.

Albertsons ( ACI ) then filed a lawsuit against Kroger ( KR ), alleging a

breach of contract that led to the deal's demise.

Kroger ( KR ) announced a new repurchase program later on Wednesday

and said it intends to enter an accelerated share buyback

program of about $5 billion of common stock.

"It is outrageous that Rodney McMullen would try to distract

attention from his multiple failures as CEO by announcing a

massive one-time giveaway to shareholders," said Kim Cordova,

president of UFCW Local 7 in Colorado and Wyoming.

"Statements from UFCW locals leaders, who are in the midst

of CBA (collective bargaining agreement) negotiations,

mischaracterize Kroger's ( KR ) actions and intent," Kroger ( KR )

spokesperson said.

Since Kroger ( KR ) has terminated the merger agreement, the

company is in a position to resume share repurchases which was

paused since the merger agreement in 2022, the company

spokesperson added.