FINAST MEMBERS ATTAIN INDUSTRY CONTRACT

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI : FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 19, 2021

FINAST MEMBERS ATTAIN INDUSTRY CONTRACT

INCLUDING NO CO-PAY MEDICAL

President Niccollai reported today that the Finast Negotiations were extremely difficult but because of our unshakeable Membership support, we prevailed in all areas.

The negotiations broke off for many hours, with the Union Committee informing Management that we would be preparing for a work stoppage on Sunday unless the Company agreed that members would not be required to contribute toward their Health Care. Late this afternoon, the Company notified us they would agree with the Union’s position.

We expect to have Union Representatives in all stores Saturday morning, November 20, 2021 with Contract Highlights, Ballots and Ballot Boxes for a ratification vote. The results will be tabulated on Monday, November 22, 2021 by the Contract Committee and reported to the Membership. In the meantime, all of our Finast Brothers and Sisters should continue working their normal schedules pending the report of the ratification vote on Monday. Your Contract Committee unanimously recommends a YES vote to accept the outstanding Final Offer of the Company.

This Agreement provides substantial wage increases for both full and part-time and addresses the issues enumerated in our Contract Demands. Most importantly, we will be one of the few organizations providing no co-pay Medical for the duration of the Agreement.

Other noteworthy highlights include:

• Continuation of our Defined Benefit Pension Plan.
• An increase from 12 to 24 prescriptions per year for part-time members.
• Wage increases of up to $185.00 per week for full-time Clerks over the term of the agreement.
• Wage increases of between $110.00 and $120.00 per week for employees not on progression over the term of the agreement.
• A $2.00 per hour increase for part-time members in addition to the minimum wage increases over the term of the agreement.
• Wage compression language providing rates above the minimum wage based upon years of service.
• An increase in the Premium for Lead Seafood Clerks, and Night Crew Chief. 
• An increase in the minimum rate for the Grocery Manager and Lead Bakeshop Clerk. 
• Full-time employees with Three (3) or more weeks of vacation may elect to take one (1) week each year in days. Days off shall be by mutual agreement with management.
• Effective January 1, 2022, part-time employees shall receive Four (4) Weeks of Vacation after 14 years of service. 
• Extension of pre-packaged meat job protection for butchers.
• Restrictions on others performing bargaining unit work.
• Updating of antiquated contract time periods.