Union leaders issue strike notice for Stop & Shop
March 4, 2010 02:40
By Katie Johnston Chase, Bsoton Globe Staff

Union leaders involved in contract talks with Quincy-based Stop & Shop have issued 24-hour notices to end the collective bargaining agreement, which could trigger a strike if an agreement isn't reached by noon Friday.

The main points of contention, according to UFCW Local 1445 -- one of five union locals involved in the negotiations -- are higher health insurance contributions and a lack of wage increases. The company also wants to reduce the pension for newly hired full time workers and reduce holidays for new part-timers.

The labor contract covering nearly 36,000 meat cutters, cashiers, and other supermarket workers in Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut expired last month. Negotiations have been going on since early January.

If the workers go on strike, Stop & Shop plans to bring in temporary replacement workers to keep the stores open.

"Our members are frustrated because Stop & Shop's profits have increased," said Local 1445 spokesman Jim Carvalho. "They represent the largest market share for all the supermarkets in New England, and our members are disappointed by Stop & Shop's negative approach toward these negotiations. They don't want to strike, but they feel Stop & Shop is forcing them into that position in order to earn a fair contract."

Stop & Shop spokeswoman Faith Weiner said the company is negotiating in good faith to reach an agreement.

"We are exchanging proposals and working to narrow the gap on open issues," she said. "Progress continues to be made."