Protesters and union leaders met Sunday morning to try to negotiate healthcare, pensions and wages with Stop and Shop.
However, they could not come to an agreement.
Now, union leaders said workers all over New England may strike if Stop and Shop does not agree to the union’s new contract terms.
Negotiations will continue this week.
On Sunday, Philip Tracey, Stop & Shop Spokesperson,released this statement:
It’s unfortunate that the leadership of UFCW Local 1445 chose to move forward with a strike authorization vote while we are in the middle of continued negotiations.
Stop & Shop’s offer on the table provides our Associates with increased pay, generous paid time-off, rich health care benefits with Associate premiums that are significantly less than market averages, and maintains our current contribution level to their industry-leading defined benefit pension plan.
The four other UFCW locals postponed their strike authorization meetings and have continued to negotiate in good faith to reach a new contract as soon as possible. We remain willing to continue to negotiate with Local 1445 as well.A vote to authorize a strike does not necessarily mean a union strike will occur. Stop & Shop has a long history of reaching contracts with the unions that represent our Associates without any disruption to their work or customer service.
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