Stop & Shop’s Freetown Distribution Center may be in danger of closing

A local spot that employs hundreds of workers may be in danger of closing operations.

According to a statement by Teamsters Local 25, Ahold Delhaize, owner of Stop & Shop, “has threatened the livelihood and well-being of over 900 hardworking Teamsters Local 25 members and their families by threatening to close Stop & Shop’s Freetown Distribution Center, if Teamsters Local 25 does not agree to concessions in health care coverage that will cost our members thousands of dollars per year.”

Fall River Reporter contacted Stop & Shop for a response to Teamsters Local 25 statement.

“Stop & Shop is driving forward a multi-year strategy that includes efforts to lower prices and improve the in-store experience through initiatives like continued store remodels. An important component of this effort is reducing overall costs, including distribution costs at our Freetown, Mass., facility. To achieve this, our goal is to work with Teamsters Local 25 to reach a productive new agreement. We believe a fair labor savings goal can be achieved, while also offering associates wage increases, increased pension contributions as required by the fund, and by shifting to a more competitive healthcare plan that still maintains a high standard of benefits. 

“Stop & Shop met with Local 25 to review our proposal, and if they are unwilling to work with us to reach a timely agreement that addresses Freetown’s high operational costs, we made it clear that Stop & Shop will transition to a third-party distribution partner and close the facility. This is not a decision we take lightly, and we care deeply about protecting these union jobs and maintaining our presence in Freetown. It is critical that the local collaborates with us in achieving the labor savings needed to do so.  

“Stop & Shop always bargains in good faith, and we stand ready and available to meet with the local at any time.”