ShopRite workers approve new labor agreement

We're used to reading about problems between supermarket chains and their unionized employees, just as we're used to reading about ShopRite's success and climb to supremacy in the Greater Philadelphia Region. So, it should come as no surprise that 24,000 workers at ShopRite and Stop & Shop stores in New York and New Jersey represented by United Food & Commercial Workers Local 1262 voted to accept a new labor agreement.

According to Union President Harvey White, the new two-year contract provides health care benefits, pension and wage increases. He calls it one of the best labor agreements in the Northeast.

NJ union workers approve plan to help save A&P

Members of 13 New Jersey chapters of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union voted earlier this week to approve a deal designed to help get their employer, A&P (Super Fresh, Pathmark), out of bankruptcy. The plan, which was approved 7,200 - 1,827, will lower wages by about three percent and decrease vacation time but keep the employee health plan free from any co-pays.

The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company has more than 13,000 employees in New Jersey. It filed for bankruptcy protection last December, and passage of the deal by the unions sets the stage for the company to emerge from bankruptcy (pending court approval) thanks to a $490 million buyout bid by The Yucaipa Companies, a California-based investment firm.