UFCW OKs contracts with ShopRite, Acme in Pennsylvania

Nearly 6,000 Philadelphia-area members of United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1776 Keystone State this week ratified new union contracts with ShopRite and Albertsons Cos.’ Acme Markets chain.

UFCW Local 1776KS said more than 2,500 workers for six ShopRite employers yesterday voted in favor of a five-year pact that safeguards benefits, raises wages, expands non-discriminatory language, requires earlier notification of scheduling and provides additional shop stewards.

Talks began early last year and wrapped up on May 3, UFCW Local 1776KS reported. The new agreement covers members from southeastern Pennsylvania ShopRite operators Ammons Supermarkets, Browns Superstores, Collins Family Market, Colligas Family Market, R & R Shoprite and GMS Zallie Holdings.

"I want to thank our bargaining committee for their hard work," UFCW Local 1776KS President Wendell Young said in a statement. "I am incredibly proud of this membership, who stood together and worked to negotiate an agreement that raises wages and protects benefits. I am happy to see a good contract come out of this committee's dedication."

Just three days earlier, 3,300 union members working at 41 Acme Markets stores “overwhelmingly” approved a new four-year contract, UFCW Local 1776KS said.

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The new agreement includes an increased starting rate, lump sum/hourly wage hikes, higher premiums for many positions, expanded anti-discrimination language that covers gender identity and expression, protection of benefits and continued provisions for retirement, according to the local.

Negotiations for the new pact got under way in late 2017 and lasted until early this month, the union said.

"When we started negotiations, we had a tough road ahead with some challenging decisions to make. However, throughout more than a year of bargaining, our union committee remained dedicated and unwavering as we worked to secure a good union contract. We worked tirelessly to ensure that all key matters were tackled," Young said. "At the end of the day, we were able to find common ground and reach an agreement that continues to provide for retirement, increases wages, protects our members' benefits, and expands anti-discrimination language. It is a good outcome and a solid contract."

UFCW Local 1776KS represents more than 35,000 members, including supermarket workers across Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio and New York.