Wakefern Disputes Union Charges

KEASBEY, N.J. — A spokeswoman for Wakefern Food Corp. told SN Wednesday that the retailer demoted a Rhode Island worker for violating company policy, and not for speaking at a pro-labor rally, as a local union alleged.

As reported in SN yesterday, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 23, Providence, R.I., has filed unfair labor charges against Wakefern, saying the retailer demoted and cut pay for Joe Sorrentino, a night crew chief at a PriceRite store operated by Wakefern.

Karen Melta, the spokeswoman, declined to elaborate on the nature of the violation. She added that Wakefern officials had yet to see the complaint. The NLRB will decide whether to proceed with charges.

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