By Randy Tucker
The Cincinnati Enquirer

Three female employees of Kroger Co. filed a federal lawsuit accusing the Cincinnati-based supermarket giant of violating their rights under the Family Medical Leave Act.

The plaintiffs - all from Indiana - claim Kroger violated their rights by not continuing their full health benefits while on leave and not restoring them to positions with equivalent benefits when they returned.

The lawsuit filed Monday in U.S. District Court in Cincinnati states that Kroger "has continued to violate the (Family Leave Act) despite continuous and repeated complaints by employees.''

Gary Rhodes, a Kroger spokesman, said that as a matter of policy the company does not comment on litigation. But he added, referring to the suit, "we believe it's without merit.''

The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status for their lawsuit on behalf of hourly employees at Kroger who took leave over the past three years and upon their return were placed in positions with lesser health care benefits.

The suit seeks compensatory damages and an injunction preventing future violations such as those alleged against Kroger.

Kroger operates in 32 states.

E-mail rtucker@enquier.com