STOP & SHOP CONTRACT UPDATE

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

Yesterday, UFCW Local 328 members who work for Stop & Shop overwhelmingly ratified a new three year contract.  Over 1,500 people attended three separate ratification meetings held at the Rhodes on the Pawtuxet in Cranston, as well as separate meetings on the islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.  The vast majority felt that the package was better than they expected, with over 97% voting to ratify the contract.

These negotiations were the most difficult in our local’s history as well as for all of our sister locals throughout New England.  The initial proposal by the company slashed your health care – gutted your pension - sought to cut benefits for new employees and presented a substandard wage package. 

From what has been negotiated throughout the country in the last 18 months, this is by far the richest contract that has been bargained.  This includes such employers as Kroger, A&P and Safeway.  Your employer will spend $163 million NEW dollars to fund these contracts over the next three years. 

Health and Welfare -   $76 Million

Wages -                    $63 Million

Pension -                   $24 Million

We would like to take this opportunity to deeply thank all of you for your patience and commitment to our common goal.  We commend all of you who passed out the 100% off coupons, all of you who confided in your customers and friends, and all of you who took the time to handbill outside of your stores on your free time.  You have no idea how essential your actions were to helping us reach this agreement.  And for that……we applaud you!!

Your strength is your unity and your unity is your strength.

In Solidarity,

Dave Fleming

Dave Fleming, President
UFCW Local 328