Teamsters and Stop & Shop Reach 6-Year Deal

Teamsters Local 25 and Stop & Shop have reached a tentative six-year agreement that averts potential strikes and ensures the Freetown, Massachusetts distribution center remains operational, preserving over 900 union jobs. The agreement, described as one of the strongest in the supermarket industry, includes significant wage increases for both new hires and veteran workers, with new employees seeing an 80% wage rise and veteran workers receiving over a 30% increase. The contract also maintains comprehensive health benefits and boosts pension contributions. This resolution follows a tense negotiation period where Stop & Shop was accused of attempting to strong-arm the union into accepting a less favorable health plan. The union had strong support from over 30,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union and backing from Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who emphasized the importance of preserving union jobs in the state. Stop & Shop President Roger Wheeler expressed satisfaction with the contract, noting it aligns with efforts to improve customer experience and reduce operating costs.