Stop & Shop Negotiations Update 1/29/16

Greetings Brothers and Sisters,

We have just completed this week’s negotiations (1/27, 1/28) with Stop & Shop.  These negotiations continue to go at a very cautious pace, with each side continuing to exchange proposals and discuss matters of interest to both sides.  We continue to bargain alongside the other New England Locals as well as with the rank and file committees.

We are still discussing non-economic issues, such as transfers, grievance and arbitration and holidays, etc. in an attempt to complete this before we move on to the more challenging issues of pension, wages and health and welfare.

As I am sure all of you are aware, Stop & Shop decided this week to launch their ads for replacement workers in the event of a work stoppage or lockout.  We feel this was very premature and unnecessary simply due to the fact that we are very early in the process.

So this Wednesday, we responded by having our bargaining committee leaflet the customers at Stop & Shop in the Providence area and have now expanded that to all the stores in the Local 328 jurisdiction. This will continue until further notice.

As I have mentioned before, this can be a long and arduous process.  We need the support of each and every Local 328 member to stand behind and with their Local and show Stop & Shop that we will not be bullied.

Remember, our unity is our strength, and our strength is our unity.  Stay Strong!!

In Solidarity,

Timothy M. Melia

President, UFCW Local 328