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Stop & Shop Workers Stand Strong
to Secure Good Contract
On March 11,
Stop & Shop workers represented by five UFCW Local Unions, achieved a solid
victory when they ratified a three-year contract agreement securing affordable,
quality health care with access for all Stop & Shop employees.
Negotiations were tough, with
over a month of brutal sessions and no contract for several weeks past the
expiration. Workers were ready to go on strike if necessary to get a fair
contract.
In
the end, though, workers succeeded due to their coordinated efforts with
community and labor allies and supporters in the region and around the country.
Community members wrote letters, called store managers and CEOs, and promised
not to shop at Stop & Shop if workers were forced to strike. Meanwhile,
UFCW members working for Ahold
companies in other areas on the East Coast posted flyers in their stores, held
rallies and leafleted customers. Presidents of UFCW Local Unions representing
Ahold workers attended a bargaining session with Stop & Shop to show solidarity
with New England workers.
Throughout the negotiations, thousands
of emails, letters, and petitions were sent by customers and community members
in support of the Stop & Shop employees.
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The efforts of all involved paid off, as Stop &
Shop employees and supporters achieved their aims. The new contract cuts new
hires' waiting period for health care in half and requires no monthly
contribution towards health care from part-timers, who make up 80 percent of the
Stop & Shop workforce in New England. Full-timers will make a modest, affordable
monthly contribution towards health care premiums. Workers were also able to
secure good wage increases and retirement security for all Stop & Shop
employees.
Read recent stories about Stop & Shop negotiations and the contract: March 8, 2007 March 2, 2007 February 27, 2007
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