Negotiations between A&P and 13 local unions on a new contract designed to make the company more competitive are not making much progress, according to a story yesterday in the Supermarket News. The unions claim the bankrupt grocer's latest proposal, which followed an initial proposal that the unions were very critical of, would result in hundreds of layoffs and rules that subvert worker seniority.
A&P is reportedly seeking job cuts, wage and benefit reductions, and the ability to replace lower-pay workers with senior employees, but at the same pay as the fired employees.
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Showing posts with label unions. Show all posts
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Friday, June 10, 2011
More hurdles in the sale of Mid-Atlantic Super Fresh stores
Ten days ago I wrote about one landlord's objection to A&P's sale of a Super Fresh store to Mrs. Green's Natural Market on the basis that it could not be sure the new tenant could meet the obligations of the lease. Since that time, more objections have been filed.
Another landlord has filed a similar objection regarding Mrs. Green's and the existing lease obligations, and a third landlord's objection states that A&P was responsible for property improvements.
Not surprisingly, unions have their concerns as well. One union that represents employees at some of the stores has argued that the sale of the 12 stores shouldn't be allowed until it makes sure its succession rights are preserved. Another union is objecting to a footnote it says can be interpreted to mean A&P can reject the contract if an agreement with the new operator isn't reached.
The CEO for Natural Market Restaurants, the Toronto-based retail group that includes Mrs. Green's Management Co., said yesterday the company's first priority is to meet with unions and landlords. In response to concerns about the financial stability of his company, he said cash flow has grown 58% in the past 12 months.
* Sources include Supermarket News.
Another landlord has filed a similar objection regarding Mrs. Green's and the existing lease obligations, and a third landlord's objection states that A&P was responsible for property improvements.
Not surprisingly, unions have their concerns as well. One union that represents employees at some of the stores has argued that the sale of the 12 stores shouldn't be allowed until it makes sure its succession rights are preserved. Another union is objecting to a footnote it says can be interpreted to mean A&P can reject the contract if an agreement with the new operator isn't reached.
The CEO for Natural Market Restaurants, the Toronto-based retail group that includes Mrs. Green's Management Co., said yesterday the company's first priority is to meet with unions and landlords. In response to concerns about the financial stability of his company, he said cash flow has grown 58% in the past 12 months.
* Sources include Supermarket News.
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Aldi succeeds in urban areas as Walmart struggles to gain access
The New York Times story below reports on Aldi's success in the United States. The company has been able to move into urban areas with much success and seemingly no barriers (and non-union workers), while Walmart continues to face a wave of opposition from unions, politicians and residents alike. And the fact that the Aldi Group, a German company, was the eighth largest retailer in the world in 2009 is lost on many people.
Where Wal-Mart Failed, Aldi Succeeds
Where Wal-Mart Failed, Aldi Succeeds
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Unions Warn of Potential A&P Strike
Labor unions are worried that A&P may seek bankruptcy court approval to reject labor contracts or lower wages and benefits without bargaining. So, in a message to union members, the union president said they may have no choice but to strike if that should happen.
More details in the following Supermarket News story: Unions Warn of Potential A&P Strike
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