Stop & Shop Negotiations Update
Good afternoon brothers and sisters,
We have just completed another week of bargaining with your employer Stop & Shop in Providence. While we have resolved many language issues proposed on each side, we are still having long and in-depth discussions around the Company’s insistence on allowing their management teams to perform bargaining unit work. This continues to be an ongoing problem, not for just 328, but for every Local in New England.
The Company refuses to change their position and feel that they will do whatever they need to do to run their business. We will continue to press the Company on this issue at the bargaining table. There is a determined effort by all Locals to either create or bolster existing language relating to this matter, we must continue to patrol and enforce our contracts.
That is where all of you come in. If you see something, say something. Either let your shop steward or union representative know when you see management violating this portion of our agreement. Document the time, place, type of infraction and name of the manager who is doing the work.
What they are doing is tantamount to wage theft. They are stealing hours and money from the pockets of our members. And in the long run jeopardizes future hours allocations for everyone.
The Company desires to lower their cost, particularly in labor, and they believe the use of management doing our work is another method in which to achieve that goal.
We will be back at the table next week with three dates scheduled. We anticipate that at some point next week we will exchange economic proposals. We cannot full respond to any economic proposals until we have a full understanding and agreement on issues involving language.
Based on the Company’s Business Review they presented to all the locals last week, it is apparent that they will be looking to scale back their cost of doing business at your expense. That fight has just begun.
In the meantime, while we continue to work at the bargaining table, I would ask that everyone continue to do what you do best. Take care of your customers by providing them with the exemplary service and continue to do the fine work that makes Stop & Shop members the best in the retail food industry.
We ask you to continue to have our backs while we continue to work on your behalf and bargain a fair and equitable contract that you all deserve. Stick together and stay strong.
Our unity is our strength, and our strength is our unity.
Sincerely and fraternally yours,
Timothy M. Melia
President
UFCW Local 328
