News Summary

In Freetown, Massachusetts, Teamsters Local 25 has secured a tentative six-year agreement with Stop & Shop, ensuring job security for over 900 workers. The deal, pending ratification, features substantial wage increases, enhanced benefits, and addresses previous threats of facility closure. With support from the community and local officials, this agreement marks a significant step forward for workers and the local economy.

Freetown Workers Celebrate New Deal with Stop & Shop!

Big news is buzzing around Freetown, Massachusetts! The local heroes from Teamsters Local 25 have managed to score a tentative six-year agreement with Stop & Shop, which means over 900 jobs at the Freetown distribution center are secure for now. This agreement comes after some serious negotiations and a looming threat of a strike, making it a welcome relief for everyone involved.

Keeping the Doors Open

Thanks to this new deal, the Freetown facility will remain operational. Workers can breathe a sigh of relief knowing that they will continue their jobs without interruption. However, it’s important to remember that while this agreement is in place, it still has to be approved by the union members. They will have their say and vote to ratify the contract within the coming week.

Walloping Wage Increases!

One of the most exciting parts of this tentative deal? Workers are set to receive the largest wage increases in the facility’s history! For new hires, this translates into an impressive 80% wage increase over the duration of the contract, which is massive. Veteran workers aren’t left out either, as they will see more than a 30% raise in their paychecks.

Enhanced Benefits for Everyone

But that’s not all! The agreement also strengthens benefits, ensuring that Teamsters’ health care remains intact. There are significant increases in pension contributions as well, which adds even more security for future retirement. It’s a win-win for both seasoned workers and newcomers alike!

Support from the Community

The deal has received a lot of support from elected officials, including Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, who believes this agreement is a major victory not just for the workers, but for the entire state. With over 30,000 members from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) also throwing their weight behind the Teamsters, the solidarity shows just how important this agreement is. If push came to shove, UFCW members pledged to honor Teamsters’ picket lines if the distribution center faced closure.

Job Security is Key

This tentative agreement also ensures job security for Teamsters at the Freetown location. It’s no secret that the facility faced closure threats from Ahold Delhaize, Stop & Shop’s parent company, if an agreement couldn’t be reached. Luckily, that pressure has led to this new arrangement that safeguards jobs and offers peace of mind to all involved.

Stop & Shop’s Legacy Continues

The Freetown distribution center doesn’t just provide jobs; it’s a vital part of the local economy. It contributes significantly through property taxes and other local taxes. Stop & Shop has a long-standing reputation as one of the region’s largest union employers in the retail sector, so it’s great to see them uphold that tradition while improving conditions for their employees.

The Road Ahead

As Teamsters Local 25 prepares to gather votes from its associates to ratify the new contract, there’s palpable excitement in the air. This agreement follows a history of labor disputes and even a major strike back in 2019, which cost Stop & Shop a staggering $345 million. It undoubtedly marks an essential chapter in the ongoing relationship between the union and the supermarket chain.

In summary, Freetown has reason to rejoice! Not only have workers secured their positions, but they also stand to benefit from increased wages and improved working conditions. As the weeks unfold, all eyes will be on the upcoming ratification vote. Here’s hoping for a bright future for the Teamsters and their families!

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Author: HERE Boston

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