(WFSB) - Thursday marked day eight of a strike for Stop & Shop employees.þþFormer Vice President Joe Biden said he'll be joining picketers on Thursday.þþHe said he plans to speak outside of a store in Boston's Dorchester neighborhood.þþWednesday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal joined union workers in Connecticut.þþÿThe future of Connecticut and working people in Connecticut is really what is at risk if Stop & Shop fails to do the right thing,ÿ Blumenthal said.þþThe union and Stop & Shop are still at the negotiating table.þþStop & Shop's most recent offer involved healthcare premiums it said were still below the national average, a pay increase for associates and continued pension benefits.þþIn a recent statement, Stop & Shop's president said ÿAs negotiations on a new contract continue, I know we are all united in our hope that this situation is resolved soon and that we can all get our energies back to being fully focused on our customers.ÿþþHowever, the union said the proposal actually increases workers weekly healthcare premiums by hundreds of dollars, phases out time-and-a-half pay on Sundays and holidays and reduces monthly pension benefits for many workers.þþChannel 3 was the first station to break the story one week ago.þþOn Thursday, Stop & Shop workers said they're not going anywhere.þþ“Its been a week and I’m very proud of all my co-workers here,ÿ said Pat Valdez, a Stop & Shop employee.þþWhile many Stop & Shop locations are open with limited service, for the most part, the parking lots are clear.þþNot only does it seem, many shoppers are with them, but so are other union members too.þþFor some, desperation is sinking in, and some are looking for other jobs.þþÿEventually, what do you do if you have money coming in? Bills don't know a strike. Bills will still show up on your front door,ÿ said Ismael Roman. þþEat Like the World Depends on It.þYour choice is the most powerful tool for change, so eat like the world depends on it.þAd By Nature's Path þSee MoreþThat feeling of despair may have played a role when one union worker in Western Massachusetts decided to break off and cross the picket line. þþChannel 3 spoke with the Northampton Stop & Shop worker over the phone, and through the National Right to Work Foundation, we've learned he was allegedly told by UFCW officials that if he returned to work he'd be fired. þþThe foundation said employees have the right at any time to revoke their union membership and go back to work during a strike and it's now filing a federal unfair labor practice charge against the union. þþÿThere are going to be people who say, 'I have to cross, I have no choice, I have to put food on the table for my baby, my wife, kids.' I understand the frustration,ÿ Roman said. þþOn Thursday morning, New Haven firefighters stopped by the Whalley Avenue store, offering coffee, doughnuts, and encouragement.þþ“It just keeps us going, knowing we have all that support,” Valdez said.þþAt the Amity Road Stop & Shop, John Lupoli, who’s been with the company for 45 years, says while he’s done okay, it’s the part timers he’s most worried about.þþ“Most of my co-workers are part time and they leave here to get on a bus to go to work at their second job,” he said.
Source: www.wfsb.com
