Update 12: December 16

We are pleased to announce that on December 10, 2024, the membership overwhelmingly voted to pass your contract.

The accomplishments made in these negotiations would not have been possible without the contributions of your rank-and-file negotiation committee and the outward displays of solidarity in each and every location. Local 152 members should be proud of the significant improvements made to your contract.  When workers stand together — we win!

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact your Union Representative.

Thank you for your participation and continued support.

Sincerely,

​Daniel Ross, Jr.
President

Update 11: December 7

CONGRATULATIONS!

Your Negotiation Committee is happy to report that, at approximately 8pm last night, a tentative agreement was signed with your employers!

After over 6 months of hard bargaining, your committee was able to deliver a package that far surpasses anything we’ve been able to accomplish in the past. This agreement contains MANY improvements along with retroactive wage increases that reward dedicated workers and set the tone for future contracts.

This achievement was only made possible by collective actions and the solidarity displayed in each and every store! At the end of the day, your employers heard your voices loud and clear and made a significant investment in their most important asset — YOU!

Your new contract is not in effect until a majority of those voting on Tuesday, December 10th vote ‘YES’ to accept the agreement. Please go to whichever time and location is most convenient for you. Please make every effort to attend. You must be present to vote.

The location and times of the ratification meetings are as follows:

VFW Post #2189
500 Bethel Road
Somers Point, NJ 08244
10:00am and 6:00pm

Fairfield by Marriott
301 Bluebird Lane
Millville, NJ 08332
10:00am and 6:00pm

The Mainland Holiday Inn
152 Route 72 East
Manahawkin, NJ 08050
10:00am and 6:00pm

Update 10: December 6

This morning, your committee is back at the negotiation table. They are prepared to deliver a very clear message on your behalf:

We want our contract, and we want it NOW!

To keep pressure, contract vote meetings are scheduled for Tuesday, December 10th; locations and times to follow.

The terms of what we vote on are up to the employers. Let’s hope they show up prepared to deliver.

An update on today’s progress will follow.

Update 9: December 5

The overwhelming support your committee has received is amazing! The solidarity displayed in every store lets your owners know that you’re united in your quest for the contract you deserve!

United we bargain! Stay tuned for more updates.

Update 8: November 27

Your committee met with Wakefern and representatives from your Shoprite owners on November 22nd. Positive progress was made on wages, but the parties are still apart on the overall package your committee desires to achieve.

Hopefully, many of you have met the servicing teams assigned to your stores by now. These teams were assembled to assist your union committee and representatives with answering questions as contract negotiations come to a head.

These teams will make rounds regularly until contract negotiations have concluded to give updates, handle questions, and enforce your contract. While the last few days have been hectic, please take as much time as possible to enjoy the Thanksgiving Holiday tomorrow. Your committee is due back in negotiations next week. More updates to follow.

Update 7: November 22

Last night, dozens of ShopRite members flooded Local 152’s quarterly membership meeting to voice solidarity in our quest for a proper post-pandemic contract.

The status of contract negotiations was discussed at length, followed by a Q&A with President Ross and legal counsel.

The messages were loud and clear — you want your contract and you want it now!

Your committee is back at the table this morning and is determined to make significant headway. Will your Employer show up with the same determination? Details to follow.

Update 6: October 31

The parties met again yesterday. The tone of negotiations was much better. The company listened to committee members make valid points across the table, again focusing on the fact that our world has changed significantly over the last 4 years, and this contract needs to reward hardworking employees who have made ShopRite a success.

While there is still more work ahead, your Union committee left satisfied that significant progress was made on multiple economic and non-economic items.

The parties are scheduled to meet again twice before Thanksgiving week, which signifies the kick-off to an extremely busy time of the year for the retail grocery industry.

Your committee hopes to reach a tentative agreement before the holiday season, but that depends on ShopRite’s willingness to meet your needs and deliver the contract you deserve!

Stand by for more updates and remember, solidarity works!

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!