e-News
|
|
Shaw's warehouse employees go on strike |
03.12.2010
|
METHUEN, Mass.-Distribution center workers at a Shaw's facility here went on strike March 8 after contract negotiations fell apart, according to the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791.
The strike vote was taken March 7, and was 228 in favor of a strike and eight opposed.
STORY CONTINUES BELOWAdvertisement
"The strike vote was taken after 17 days of negotiations that started back in January," said UFCW Local 791 President Russell Regan, in a statement on the union's Web site. "It was clear from the beginning of those negotiations that the company intended to force the workers at that facility to accept a contract with substandard wages and benefits."
In an email statement, Shaw's parent company, Supervalu, said, "Our Shaw's negotiation team was prepared to agree to a contract extension and continue negotiating, but the union insisted that we give them a last, best and final offer to vote on Sunday (March 7).
The contract offer our associates voted down was fair and reasonable. It would have increased wages, provided comprehensive healthcare and maintained the benefit levels and security of their pension. We do not believe the strike is in the best interest of our associates, our customers or our business, but we are prepared for every contingency to ensure we continue to serve our stores and their customers," said Supervalu spokesperson Rebekah Fawcett.
|
|
|
