Update 5: October 23

On Tuesday, October 22nd, your committee met with Wakefern and your owner groups. Rank-and-file committee members did a great job expressing your concerns regarding wage compression, equality, and the ability to retain good employees.

While more progress was made, the Union committee is disgusted with the company’s lack of movement on economics at the bargaining table. Your Shoprite owners have had periods of record profits during the last four years, which should lead to a record contract like it has with other employers in the industry.

We are scheduled to meet again on Wednesday, October 30th. If there is no significant movement by the company on the 30th, Local 152 is prepared to mobilize the membership and inform the customer base.

Your committee is dedicated to achieving an Agreement that recognizes your hard work and dedication.

Update 4: October 14

Your committee met with Wakefern and your respective owner groups again on Friday, October 11th. More progress was made on key requests from the membership regarding seniority, scheduling, and vacation usage. Your committee also received our first economic counter from the company. While the proposal is not remotely close to what is needed, it’s a start to the process of bargaining over economics.

Future sessions are scheduled for the 22nd and 30th of October. While bargaining over economic items can sometimes get sticky, rest assured that your committee has vetted its proposals and is positioning itself in a manner to achieve the greatest outcome for all!

More information to follow.

Update 3: September 11

Yesterday, Local 152 met with Wakefern and representatives from most of the owner groups.

Your rank-and-file committee members did an excellent job voicing your concerns across the table. Progress was made on some non-economic items. The parties are scheduled to meet again on Friday, September 27th.

Future updates will be forthcoming. As always, especially during negotiations, the most important thing is that we remain a united front.

Update 2: August 12

On Monday, August 12, President Dan Ross, Jr. issued a letter to Pat Durning of Wakefern Food Corporation. In the letter, President Ross addresses Wakefern’s failure to respond to date suggestions to continue negotiations.

Read an excerpt of the letter:

“… Since July 22nd, we have repeatedly requested dates to continue negotiations but have not received the courtesy of an affirmative response which is extremely troubling. The Local 152 members who work for Bottino’s, Saker and Village have shown their loyalty and dedication to their employers. Their hard work has allowed the Companies to reap record profits during the COVID Pandemic and beyond — these essential workers now deserve the respect of having their voices heard through the collective bargaining process!

Additionally, I should not have to remind the Companies of their legal obligations to meet and confer at reasonable times for negotiations with Local 152. […] We reserve our right to address the continued failure to engage in good faith negotiations by filing the appropriate Unfair Labor Practice Charge with the National Labor Relations Board.”

Read the letter in its entirety by clicking here.

Local 152 will continue to keep you informed and updates as future dates for bargaining are secured.

Update 1: July 22

On Monday, July 22, your Local 152 Negotiation Committee met with Wakefern and the respective ShopRite owner groups to present a 12-page proposal.

This proposal was formulated based on the membership’s feedback and industry trends. It addresses many items geared toward seniority, recruitment, retention, and work-life balance. The proposal was explained, and future dates are circulated as we await a response from Wakefern.

Future updates will be here. Together, we are stronger!