Stop & Shop Distribution Center Workers Overwhelmingly Ratify Contract

 

The contract was ratified 448 to 21.

 

“This is a great contract because it preserves the excellent worker benefits,” said Bob Fabrizio, Local 25 Business Agent who represents the 778 warehouse members.

 

“This contract will give us continued security for ourselves and for our families for the next five years,” said worker Tommy Alex. “My hat is off to the Negotiating Committee for putting together this excellent contract.”

 

The contract maintains the excellent health, welfare and pension benefits.

 

Employees work under a two-tier wage system. The top tier, or senior tier workers, will receive a $1,500 bonus the first year and 50-cent-per-hour wage increases in years two through five. By taking a bonus, they help narrow the pay gap between the top tier and second tier. The gap had been $3.25 per hour, but will narrow to $1.75 per hour through the progression.

 

“The top-tier employees did the right thing to bring fairness into the workplace,” said Sean M. O’Brien, Local 25 President. “By ratifying this contract, they showed true Teamster unity. This is a great group of Teamsters.”

 

The contract also addresses outsourcing. HK crane work at the center had been outsourced. However, starting in January 2010, the company will train maintenance employees at the center to take over the work.

 

Given the terrible economy, the fact that benefits were maintained is even more impressive. Also, the company tried to take back benefits, such as sick days, holidays and place limits on overtime.

 

“We successfully fought off the company’s attempts at takeaways,” O’Brien said.