Stop and Shop to close Freetown warehouse if union deal not reached by February 28

FREETOWN, Mass. (WLNE) — Teamsters Local 25 members are picketing this morning at the Stop and Shop distribution center in Freetown.

The two sides have been at odds over contract talks at the Freetown warehouse.

Stop and Shop wants the members to give up the health care plan they’ve been using for over 40 years.

A teamsters’ member tells ABC6 that the union represents about 900 employees and contract negotiations are at a standstill.

“The company has refused to come back to the table,” said Teamsters Local 25 member Jason Lopes.

The Teamsters said if their demands aren’t met at the bargaining table a strike may ensue.

Meanwhile, Stop and Shop said the decision is part of its efforts to lower prices.

If negotiations stall, the company said it may transfer the work done at the Freetown warehouse to a third party.

Stop and Shop provided a statement to ABC6 saying in part:

We are disappointed that Teamsters Local 25 has not been willing to engage in discussions around proposals that would keep the Stop & Shop Freetown facility open.

We believe the savings can be achieved with a transition to a more competitive health plan, which is the same plan that management and other associates at the facility have.

However, the company said if a new contract is not agreed on by February 28, it will close Freetown’s distribution facility.