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A&P, Unions to Negotiate Through Sunday

MONTVALE, N.J. — Negotiations are scheduled through the weekend as A&P and its union workers race to reach some $125 million in annual savings underpinning the retailer’s potential buyout from bankruptcy.

Jon Springer, Executive Editor

November 10, 2011

1 Min Read
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JON SPRINGER

MONTVALE, N.J. — Negotiations are scheduled through the weekend as A&P and its union workers race to reach some $125 million in annual savings underpinning the retailer’s potential buyout from bankruptcy.

As previously reported in SN, a hearing on Yucaipa Cos.’ proposed $490 million buyout of A&P is scheduled Monday at U.S. Bankruptcy Court in White Plains, N.Y. Union sources said they would fight to save jobs and wages but must also be prepared for the possibility their contracts are rejected under Chapter 11 if A&P’s savings goals — around $125 million annually, according to one source — are not met in time for Monday’s hearing.

“We are working tirelessly to save jobs and resist job cuts,” John T. Niccolai, president of Little Falls, N.J.-based United Food and Commercial Workers Local 464A said in a message posted Thursday on the union’s web site. Niccolai said company proposals would “completely gut the current contract,” and may result in wage cuts, loss of holiday and vacation entitlements and relinquished seniority benefits.

A spokeswoman for A&P said the company does not comment on ongoing contract negotiations.

About the Author

Jon Springer

Executive Editor

Jon Springer is executive editor of Winsight Grocery Business with responsibility for leading its digital news team. Jon has more than 20 years of experience covering consumer business and retail in New York, including more than 14 years at the Retail/Financial desk at Supermarket News. His previous experience includes covering consumer markets for KPMG’s Insiders; the U.S. beverage industry for Beverage Spectrum; and he was a Senior Editor covering commercial real estate and retail for the International Council of Shopping Centers. Jon began his career as a sports reporter and features editor for the Cecil Whig, a daily newspaper in Elkton, Md. Jon is also the author of two books on baseball. He has a Bachelor of Arts degree in English-Journalism from the University of Delaware. He lives in Brooklyn, N.Y. with his family.

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