UFCW strikers outside Stop & Shop, April 11, 2019. Image credit: UFCW Local 1445
DAY ONE: After weeks of negotiations with New England’s most-unionized grocer Stop & Shop, the UFCW has ordered its 31,000 members in New England out on strike.
NEW ENGLAND—On Thursday, after failing to reach an agreement on their already-expired contracts, five locals of the United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) ordered their 31,000 members who work at New England’s Stop & Shop out on strike.
“After 35 bargaining sessions with your employer, Stop & Shop, I along with the other Presidents of UFCW New England have ordered a work stoppage at all Stop & Shop stores in New England,” stated Timothy M. Melia, President of UFCW Local 328.
[AdSense-A]
Kristen Johnson, a 12-year Stop & Shop employee told MassLive.com that she is hoping the strike will lead to a quick contract.
“But we are prepared to be out here for the long haul,” Johnson, who works as a deli manager at he Somerville store. “As long as it takes.”
[AdSense-B]
However, not all employees are prepared to stay out for the long haul. At least one employee has already had a GoFundMe page set up on her behalf.
“Given that negotiations with assistance of the federal mediators are continuing, we are disappointed that the UFCW chose to order a work stoppage in an attempt to disrupt service at our stores,” Stop & Shop said in a statement. “Additionally, this morning the company made several suggestions to the federal mediators to encourage further bargaining. The mediators gave those proposals to the locals late in the morning. The locals provided no counterproposals to the mediators and simply stated they were proceeding with their plans.”
Below is just some of the social media posts so far this evening.
[AdSense-C]
Image credit: UFCW Local 371 Screenshot
Source: UFCW Local 1459
STRIKE ALERT: 31,000 Stop & Shop workers across MA are on strike as of 1pm today. Show our union family in @UFCW support and join a picket. Grab a sign and hold the line! #1u#solidarity
