Stop and Shop workers could strike this weekend

February 27, 2016 6:11 pm

By Bianca Buono

bbuono@abc6.com

@BBuonoABC6

The union representing Stop and Shop workers is negotiating a new labor contract. It expires Saturday night at midnight and so far, the two sides haven’t reached a deal.

Stop and Shop’s loyal customers are now questioning whether they will continue to shop there if employees go on strike.

"I know they strike because they need things and I’m not sure if I would be comfortable crossing it because that kind of weakens their strength,” said shopper Debbie Olivo.

"I actually know people that work here so it could keep me from coming here, sure,” said shopper Brian Fox.

That strike could happen as early as Sunday at stores across New England if the union and stop shop don’t agree on a new labor contract. The current one expires Saturday night at midnight and so far, the two sides are nowhere near a deal.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union represents thousands of workers across Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut. Five of their branches have been negotiating with Stop and Shop since January.

They have several issues with the proposed new contract, saying the company is looking to stop premium pay on holidays and Sundays, make cuts to pension benefits and increase health care premiums.

In a statement, Stop and Shop says:

"We have a long history of reaching contracts with the unions that represent our associates without any disruption to their work or customer service and we have no reason to believe that this time will be any different."

But the large grocery store chain seems to be preparing for a strike by posting Craigslist ads looking for temporary workers.

Four of the five union chapters have postponed their vote on whether or not they will strike.