AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI - 9-17-2020

AN IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 17, 2020

CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS UPDATE

President Niccollai reported today that the third negotiating session was held involving ShopRite, Stop & Shop and Foodtown via Zoom at 10:30 this morning.  Kings failed to participate in the meeting.  We have previously sent them emails and letters concerning their non-participation, as well as citing those facts in the bankruptcy discussions with the Company and our Attorneys.

As anticipated, the Companies presented a list of counter-proposals, with the most noteworthy as follows:

1. Co-pay for both full-time and part-time Medical for current and future employees up to $300.00 per month.

2. A restructuring of the Medical Plan to reduce coverage and eliminate a large portion of part-time employees from the Health Care Plan.

3. A restructuring of the Pension Plan from Defined Benefit to Defined Contribution, which would eliminate a guaranteed monthly payment amount.

4. The establishment of a New Hire Tier with lesser holidays, sick time, personal days, and premiums.

The Union Negotiating Committee rejected the Employers’ counter-proposals and indicated that we view modifications of our Pension Plan and co-pay Medical as strike issues.  The Companies characterized both our Medical and Pension Plans as dinosaurs and indicated the contracts the Companies negotiated recently have member co-pay for Health Care and, for the most part, the elimination of part-time coverage. In addition, they stressed the fact that Pension Plans have been converted from Defined Benefit to either Defined Contribution or 401K.  The Union stressed the fact that based upon the outstanding guidance of both the Union and Company Trustees, our Plans are well-funded, cost-efficient and the proposed modifications are not necessary to continue future benefits.

The Union also reviewed a number of other important issues as submitted to the Companies in our proposals.  The Companies objected to the continuation of the high costs of premiums and any additional holidays or paid time off.

The next meeting of the Negotiating Committee is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2020, and both sides agree that notwithstanding monumental differences, they will try to pursue the course toward a contract. 

We will continue to post updates on our website as the negotiations progress.

WORK SMARTLY – WORK SAFELY