FREETOWN, MASS. (WHDH) - Stop & Shop workers are threatening to strike over the proposed closure of a distribution center in Freetown, according to union leaders.
More than 900 Teamsters members are employed at the warehouse, which Stop & Shop plans to close amid a dispute with the union over healthcare coverage.
“Oh wow. That is not good. That is not good at all,” said Stop & Shop customer Bella White. “The workers go up front because that’s our economy.”
The international corporation Ahold Delhaize says it could save millions of dollars if it outsources the work.
Stop & Shop says it’s developing a multi-year strategy which will improve its stores and even lower prices.
“They shouldn’t do that. You know? They really shouldn’t. Keep the jobs here,” said customer Al Mendoza.
The chain was bought out by a Dutch corporation 30 years ago, which then merged with a company in Belgium. The company says if a new contract is not ratified by Feb. 28, Stop & Shop will move forward with an outsourcing agreement and close the Freetown facility.
“This is not a decision we take lightly, and we care deeply about our associates and maintaining our presence in Freetown,” Stop & Shop said in a statement.
The Teamsters say they will picket every Stop & Shop location in New England if the international company that owns the chain “continues down this path, threatening the livelihoods of more than 900 Teamsters.”
“The Teamsters will never let a foreign-owned corporation bully American workers into accepting substandard health care. Our members will not be intimidated. We will not back down,” Teamsters Local 25 said in a statement.
Stop & Shop is no stranger to labor disputes. In 2019, 30,000 store workers went on strike for 11 days, and then-former Vice President Joe Biden flew in to show his support for the union in Dorchester.
“This is morally wrong what’s going on around this country and I’ve had enough of it. I’m sick of it. And so are you,” Biden said.
Last year, Stop & Shop announced it was closing 32 underperforming stores. The chain says it always bargains it good faith and that it is available to meet with union members at any time.
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