Union Asks NYC for Help With A&P

SN STAFF

NEW YORK — United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500 here last week said it sent letters to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and City Council Speaker Christine Quinn seeking to avert the closure of A&P stores in the city.

The 58 stores operate under the Pathmark, Waldbaums and Food Emporium banners and employ about 6,500 workers. A&P, which operates about 395 stores in several states, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Dec. 6, but it has not yet disclosed any specific plans for store closures.

UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both asked for a meeting to discuss the "tremendous negative effects on the economy of New York City" should there be store closings or layoffs.

"The food desert crisis that this city currently faces would reach unimaginable levels without these 58 stores," he added. "These 58 stores provide neighborhoods throughout New York City the essential building blocks for economic security: good food, good jobs and good health."