Teamsters Secure Landmark Contract for Stop & Shop Workers in Freetown

The Facts -

Teamsters Secure Historic Contract for Stop & Shop Workers in Freetown

The Teamsters Local 25 has triumphantly negotiated a pivotal agreement with Stop & Shop, ensuring a promising future for over 900 workers at the Freetown distribution center. With this six-year contract, workers will enjoy unprecedented wage increases and fortified benefits.

In a statement highlighting the intense negotiations, Teamsters General President Sean M. O’Brien criticized Stop & Shop's attempt to impose an unsatisfactory health plan. He stated, “Stop & Shop tried to strong-arm our members by pushing a nonunion, substandard company health care plan, but our members refused to be intimidated by the company’s corporate threats.” The negotiation process underlined the union's commitment to confronting corporate pressures head-on.

The support of over 30,000 United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) members played a crucial role. They pledged solidarity with the Teamsters, vowing to support picket lines if necessary. Adding to the pressure, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey advocated for a fair resolution, emphasizing the importance of keeping the distribution center operational.

Governor Healey remarked on the success of the negotiations, stating, “I am proud to have stood with the Teamsters to ensure these good-paying union jobs stay in Massachusetts. Keeping the Freetown distribution center open while securing strong wages and benefits is a win for these workers and our entire state.”

The freshly negotiated contract marks a significant achievement for the Stop & Shop Teamsters. New employees are set to receive an 80% wage boost over the agreement's duration, while seasoned workers will enjoy over a 30% increase. The deal maintains premium health benefits, significantly enhances pension contributions, and confirms the facility's continued operations.

Local 25 President Tom Mari expressed gratitude to all involved, stating, “We held Stop & Shop accountable and secured one of the strongest contracts in the supermarket industry. I want to thank our members for their strength, our UFCW allies for their unwavering solidarity, and the community for standing with us. This victory shows what happens when workers refuse to back down.”

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, established in 1903, represents 1.3 million workers across the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. More information is available on Teamster.org. Follow their updates on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

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