
ShopRite ("Meat" Contract) 2026 Contract Negotiation Updates
UFCW Local 152 created this page to update our ShopRite members about the status of the 2026 contract negotiations.


Update 13: August 5
Your Contract Was Ratified!
Dear Members,
Yesterday, the ShopRite Meat, Seafood, and Deli Tentative Agreement was overwhelmingly ratified by the membership!
This agreement delivers the largest economic package ever achieved for this bargaining unit, along with meaningful improvements throughout the contract.
To ensure access, UFCW Local 152 provided more polling locations and voting hours than ever before, resulting in a stronger turnout that demonstrated our members’ commitment to their union and their future.
Thank you for standing together, staying engaged, and proving once again that when we are united, we are stronger.
In Solidarity,
President Ross

Update 12: July 31
Highlights & A Message from President Ross
Dear Members,
The economics of this tentative agreement represent the largest overall economic package this bargaining unit has ever received.
In addition to these historic wage improvements, we protected your healthcare by maintaining zero employee cost-sharing for full-time employees, preserving 100% employer-paid ancillary benefits for part-time employees, and retaining the $600 annual HRA benefit card for all members after 18 months of service.
Just as importantly, there are no concessions in this agreement.
Please review the following highlight sheets, which summarize key improvements achieved through these negotiations. The full Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) will be available for review at each voting location.
Union Representatives will be present at every voting location to answer your questions before you cast your vote.
Finally, I want to extend my sincere appreciation to your rank-and-file Negotiating Committee for their dedication and countless hours of hard work throughout this process. I also want to thank each of you for your participation and support. Together, we secured an agreement that reflects your priorities and is one that every member can be proud of.
In Solidarity,
President Ross

Update 11: July 29
ATTENTION SHOPRITE MEAT MEMBERS!
The ratification vote on your tentative agreement will be held on Tuesday, August 4.
Your Union is working diligently to secure polling locations throughout the three states.
Complete details, including times and locations, will be shared once finalized.
Your negotiating committee has worked extremely hard to reach a tentative agreement you can be proud of!
This agreement delivers:
✅ Higher wages
✅ Recognition of seniority
✅ Improved vacation benefits
✅ Expanded leave protections
✅ Stronger workplace safety language
✅ Protection of health care benefits
✅ Increases to retirement savings
More information to follow.

Update 10: July 27

Congratulations, an agreement has been reached!
Your negotiating committee reached a tentative agreement last night!
This agreement delivers the largest wage increases ever for department heads and classified positions, while ensuring seniority matters through tiered raises that reward experience and address wage compression.
Our union medical insurance was protected and many other improvements rounded out this landmark package!
This tentative agreement reflects months of hard work and the strength of our members standing together.
More details and ratification information will be shared next week.
Thank you for your solidarity. When we stand united, we win.

Update 9: July 23
July 23 Negotiations Update
Today’s bargaining started off bumpy, but we finished the day on a much better note.
While there is still work to be done, meaningful progress was made and the day ended with productive discussions.
Your negotiating committee remains focused on securing an agreement that recognizes seniority, skill set, and your hard work.
Thank you for your continued support and solidarity. We return to the table tomorrow morning committed to delivering a contract that you can all be proud of.
United we stand, divided we beg!
July 22 Negotiations Update
While discussions were indeed had, we had hoped to have made more progress yesterday in light of our agreement expiring at midnight on Friday.
The employers are certainly signaling that they are willing to reward long-term employees, department heads, and classified positions.
While one of our key objectives is recognizing seniority, department heads, and their classified positions — their current proposal falls far short of providing the meaningful wage increases that all employees deserve.
We are also united in protecting our medical insurance coverage and advancing retirement savings.
Your bargaining committee remains committed to fight for an agreement that recognizes the hard work and dedication of every member.
We will continue to keep you informed as negotiations progress.

Update 8: July 21
Upcoming Sessions
Tomorrow is the first of three scheduled bargaining sessions this week. Your negotiating committee is focused on securing an agreement that recognizes your hard work and reflects the value you bring to your employer every day.
While key issues remain, your committee is united, prepared, and committed to fighting for the best contract possible.
Stay united: your solidarity strengthens our position at the bargaining table and helps us secure the agreement you deserve!

Update 7: July 15
Day 3 of ShopRite Unity Days ✊
Our UFCW Local 152 rep teams were back out for Day 3. Two more days until our next negotiations session!

Update 6: July 14
Day 2 of ShopRite Unity Days ✊
Our UFCW Local 152 rep teams were back out for Day 2.
As we near another round of contract negotiations, let’s continue to stand together to send a clear message that Local 152 members are united!

Update 5: July 13
Day 1 of ShopRite Unity Days ✊
UFCW Local 152 rep teams were out in full force today!
Let’s stand together to send a clear message to Wakefern and the other ShopRite owners: 152 members are united, engaged, and are standing together for the contract they’ve earned and deserve.
Take a look at some of our great members we chatted with today!

Update 4: June 30
June Bargaining Sessions
The parties met on Friday, June 26 and Monday, June 29 and made progress on several non-economic and minor economic issues.
Four additional bargaining sessions are scheduled following the July 4th holiday as we approach the July 26 contract expiration date.
Now, more than ever, is the time to show your solidarity and unity. A strong and engaged membership strengthens our voice at the bargaining table.
We will continue to keep you updated as negotiations progress.

Update 3: June 17
First Bargaining Session
Your union kicked off negotiations yesterday in Mt Laurel, New Jersey, for our Meat, Deli, and Seafood members.
Wakefern provided a “State of the Co-op” and your ShopRite owners were represented in person to receive your initial proposals.
While negotiations are still in the early stages, your bargaining committee is committed to securing a contract that recognizes the hard work and dedication of our members.
We ask that members display solidarity on and off the clock. Your union will continue to keep you informed as bargaining progresses.
The next session is scheduled for Friday, June 26.

Update 2: April 2
Formal Request for Bargaining Dates
Today, UFCW Local 152 President Ross sent a formal request to secure bargaining dates.
Locking in dates well in advance is critical to holding employers accountable and ensuring the process moves forward without delay.
Effective negotiations require preparation, unity, and persistence. Your union negotiating committee is committed to working hard to bargain a contract that reflects the value and voices of our members.
Click the photo below to read the letter in its entirety.

Update 1: March 27
We’re ready.
Your surveys are in, your voices are heard, and your priorities are clear.
Yesterday, Local 152’s leadership spent the day with your negotiation committee, reviewing your feedback and preparing for the work that lies ahead.
We are prepared to begin bargaining with Wakefern and the individual store owners. This process will be driven by what matters most — wages, strong benefits, respect on the job, and dignity for every member.
Stay informed. Stay engaged. Stay united.
Your Negotiating Committee
Meet your rank-and-file committee members who will take part in negotiating your contract.

Back row: Pete Evangelidis (Oregon Ave), Tim Welsh (Burlington), Shawn Still (Lawnside), Joseph Celia (Glassboro), Dan Pomes (Glenolden), Hermanato Widjaja (Whitman Plaza), Donyale Martin (Knorr Street), Curt Hickey (Newark), Gregory Carbonaro (Somers Point), Job Adams (Galloway), James Solly (Roosevelt Blvd), Bubba Hill (Wilmington), Christopher Bair (Rio Grande), and Debbie Dodds (Local 27)
Front row: Wendy Santiago (Ewing), Barbara Stokley (West Chester), Pam Elliott (Marlton), Beth Martin (Upper Deerfield), Paul Vasapollo (Brooklawn), and Patricia Wagner (Marmora)
They will be accompanied by President Ross, Secretary-Treasurer Dan Konczyk, Recorder/Executive Vice President Lisa Sanders, Executive Assistant to the President Danette Montes-Palmore, Director of Bargaining Lou Faiola, Union Representatives Ed Fuller, Cary Lawson, and Kelli Wehmann, and SPUR Steve Rinaldi.






















































