UPDATE Stop & Shop and its unions announced tonight a tentative settlement in the 11-day strike by its workers in New England.
The union published this picture on social media after the tentative agreement was announced. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Contributed photo
“We are very pleased to announce Stop & Shop has reached fair new tentative agreements with UFCW Locals 328, 371, 919, 1445 and 1459, which represent our 31,000 associates in Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island,” a company statement said.
“We’re also glad to have our associates return to work as the strike has ended.
“The tentative three-year agreements, which are subject to ratification votes by members of each of the union locals, include:
“Increased pay for all associates;
“Continued excellent health coverage for eligible associates; and
“Ongoing defined benefit pension benefits for all eligible associates.
“Our associates’ top priority will be restocking our stores so we can return to taking care of our customers and communities and providing them with the service they deserve.
“We deeply appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers during this time, and we look forward to welcoming them back to Stop & Shop.”
United Food and Commercial Workers union (UFCW) 371, based in Westport, issued the following statement to members:
“Members, As of minutes ago, we have reached a tentative agreement with Stop & Shop. For the time being, all department managers and regularly scheduled daytime full-time should report to their store at 7:30 a.m. Monday.
“For all additional full- and part-time members, you should receive a phone call from your store no later than 12 p.m. tomorrow to get your schedule for the week. If you do not receive a call, please call your store for your schedule.
“Monetary benefits from the strike fund will still be coming soon for those who were on the lines.
“We strongly encourage you to attend your Local’s contract ratification meeting for a complete and detailed report of what is in the contract.
“We will send you immediate notices of when and where your Local’s meeting will be.
“In the meantime, be proud of what you have accomplished on the line, thank your friends, neighbors and customers who signed petitions, brought food, and shared your message with the world.
“And most importantly, thank your union family who stood through bad weather and tough times, to hold the line with you.
“The message you sent by collectively standing up for yourselves, your families, and for good jobs, has resonated not only with the company, but all of America. Thank you for everything that you’ve done.”
U, S, Sen. Richard Blumenthal welcomed the news.
“This powerful victory is a win for all American workers who stand strong for fair pay, affordable health care, and other basic rights,” he said in a statement.
“I was proud to stand with Stop & Shop workers all around Connecticut, visiting more than two dozen stores and seeing their fortitude and courage. Fairness triumphed.
“They had strong support from communities across Connecticut who recognize that they are the face and voice of customer service.”
