Stop and Shop Union Members Authorize Strike

WEST HARTFORD - Stop and Shop Union employees have threatened to strike after a failed attempt to reach a new contract with the grocery chain.þþA number of Stop and Shop employees gathered for a meeting in Cromwell on Wednesday to vote against or in favor of the new contract proposed by Stop and Shop.þþThe previous contract had expired on February 23rd.þþMembers of United Food and Commercial Workers International Local Union 371 rejected the contract. Afterwards, over 600 employees voted unanimously to authorize a strike.þþIn a statement, UFCW Local 371 President Tom Wilkinson said:þþ“We hope that yesterday’s decision will send a clear message that our Union family is committed to making Stop and Shop a better place to work and shop. The cuts that Stop and Shop are proposing not only hurt workers, but will also affect the customer service and shopping experience our communities have come to know and appreciate.”þþStop and Shop employees are represented by United Food and Commercial Workers International and consist of five Union Locals. Local 1445 also authorized a strike and the three remaining Locals are meeting on Sunday.þþStop and Shop customers said they are not looking forward to the possibility of a strike.þþ“That worries me and if they do strike I won't cross a picket line, I'll find somewhere else to shop,” Bethany Berger said.þþ“I would be very sad, I mean, it’s really the only store we go to for groceries,” Natasha Patterson said.þþThe UFCW Local Unions represent 31,000 Stop and Shop employees throughout Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.þþStop and Shop released an official statement:þþ“We are working hard to reach strong new contracts that will continue to provide highly competitive wages, comprehensive health care coverage and, unlike any other area food retailers, a defined benefit pension. we are proud of our relationship with associates and optimistic that we will be able to reach new agreements.”þþAlthough members voted to authorize a strike, it does not mean it will take place. As of Thursday, Local 371 said there are no official plans for a strike.þþ“You’re only as strong as your weakest employee, so if your employees aren’t happy that’s everything,” Stop and Shop customer Allison Omara said.þ