Local Stop & Shop Union authorizes strike

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 328 who serves Rhode Island and Southern Massachusetts, authorized a strike Sunday afternoon.

“UFCW Local 328 members employed at Stop & Shop unanimously voted to authorize a strike today! We would like to thank our membership for their amazing turnout despite the bad weather. We stand strong and united for a deal that respects our hardworking members, their families, and the communities they serve.”

According to some union members, many were stuck in traffic and unable to vote due to the large group of members trying to get in.

The union workers have been without a contract since February 23rd.

Now four of the five local unions representing Stop & Shop workers have authorized a strike.

Stop & Shop has issued the following statement and statistics.

“Full-time Stop & Shop associates are among the highest paid food retail workers in the region, and we are working hard to reach strong new contracts that will continue to provide Stop & Shop associates with competitive wages and affordable health care for eligible associates. Stop & Shop also has committed up to $2 billion to upgrade our stores over the next several years to better serve our customers and communities as we also lower prices and expand opportunities for our associates.”

“We are proud of our relationship with our associates and optimistic that we will be able to reach a new agreement.”

According to Stop & Shop, their contract proposal includes pay increases, more vacation time and high-quality health insurance.

For more on he potential strike: https://fallriverreporter.com/stop-shop-contract-expires-one-union-authorizes-use-of-strike/