Union Says A&P Workers Side with Waldbaum Pharmacists in Labor Dispute
Over 1,700 A&P workers covered by Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW contracts have signed petitions in support of the approximately 90 pharmacists at their sister banner Waldbaum's who are engaged in a labor dispute with parent company Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co., said the union.
The bone of contention is the grocer's alleged refusal to reach an agreement unless the union allows it to withdraw from the Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW retirement plan.
The pharmacists, who work at 35 Waldbaum's stores, have also signed petitions addressed to Eric Claus A&P president and c.e.o.; and Allan Richards, s.v.p. of human resources, labor relations, and legal services, saying that they would reject any proposals that may affect their participation in the pension plan.
"All current and previous A&P contracts contain inclusion in the Local 338 retirement plan, so other employees are concerned whether the company will insist on withdrawal from the plan when their contracts come up for renewal," said Local 338 Secretary-Treasurer John DeMartino. "That's why the list of signatures is more than 1,700, and growing every day."
A&P officials were unavailable for comment on the labor dispute.
The pharmacists' contract expired April 1, and an extension ran out April 30. Workers approved a strike vote May 13.
The bone of contention is the grocer's alleged refusal to reach an agreement unless the union allows it to withdraw from the Local 338 RWDSU/UFCW retirement plan.
The pharmacists, who work at 35 Waldbaum's stores, have also signed petitions addressed to Eric Claus A&P president and c.e.o.; and Allan Richards, s.v.p. of human resources, labor relations, and legal services, saying that they would reject any proposals that may affect their participation in the pension plan.
"All current and previous A&P contracts contain inclusion in the Local 338 retirement plan, so other employees are concerned whether the company will insist on withdrawal from the plan when their contracts come up for renewal," said Local 338 Secretary-Treasurer John DeMartino. "That's why the list of signatures is more than 1,700, and growing every day."
A&P officials were unavailable for comment on the labor dispute.
The pharmacists' contract expired April 1, and an extension ran out April 30. Workers approved a strike vote May 13.