MONTVALE, N.J. — A&P here has filed suit against the union representing butchers at its Pathmark, Waldbaum’s and Food Emporium stores for distributing what the retailer called a “libelous and defamatory” handbill that interfered with business and called the quality of its meat products into question. The leaflets, distributed by representatives of United Food & Commercial Workers Local 342, urged customers to buy fresh meat and suggested that frozen meat may have been warehoused for years, according to a copy of the lawsuit obtained by SN. The union distributed the bills in at least seven stores prior to Memorial Day. The suit, filed in U.S. District Court, seeks no less than $1 million for each of four causes of action, including violations of a collective bargaining agreement and interfering with its relationship with customers. Local 342 in a statement yesterday said the suit was “bogus and harassing” and that union activity at stores that weekend helped improve sales.

Read More of Today's Headlines