Schnucks, workers reach tentative contract deal

Union workers at Schnuck Markets stores are expected to vote Wednesday on whether to accept a proposed contract, ending a contentious round of negotiations.

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 655 said late last week that its negotiating committee is recommending workers approve the latest offer, which was arrived at three weeks after an initial offer from Schnucks was rejected by 87% of voting workers.

Local 665 also said it expected to finalize negotiations on a tentative agreement for members working at Dierbergs and Shop ‘n Save this week.

Details of the tentative contract with Schnucks weren't immediately available. The union overwhelmingly rejected Schnucks' previous offer, saying the deal would reduce full-time jobs, eliminate certain schedule guarantees for part time workers, and cut health care coverage for part-timers.