The following is an unedited statement from Mark McGowan, President of Stop & Shop on the United Food & Commercial Workers strike, posted on April 12, 2019.
“This is a challenging time, but I want you to know that I and the entire Stop & Shop team remain firmly committed to getting a fair new contract in place for all of our associates in New England. Our team is standing by and remains ready to continue negotiations anytime. We hope that the UFCW local unions return to the table to reach a fair and responsible contract now.”
“As a 28-year veteran of Stop & Shop, I want you to know how much I care about our associates. I stand behind the comprehensive offer we have placed on the table. Our offer provides pay increases for all associates, excellent health coverage with deductibles that would not change, increased contributions to the employee pension plans and no changes in paid time off or holidays for current associates. You can see for yourself in the offer summary fact sheets we have posted here.”
“Importantly, the offer also maintains a responsible balance in rewarding our associates, protecting jobs and serving our customers in a dramatically changing, mostly non-union environment. Stop & Shop has been an industry and community leader for more than 100 years, and we have every intention of remaining so for many years to come.”
“We want to get back to bargaining now on a new contract. We all want to focus again on doing what we do best — taking care of our customers. Our associates and the communities we serve deserve nothing less.”
Why was the previous contract changed with less benefits in the first place? Isn’t that why the strike began? You say you’re trying to come up with a fair contract! Why didn’t you leave the previous one the way it was? Please fill me in, if I’m misunderstanding this whole situation.
No, I didn’t say that! I said: What would you do if you were in their place?