Page 22 THE EVERETT ADVOCATE – Friday, April 19, 2019 STOP & SHOP | FROM PAGE 2 Despite being a regular Shop & Shop customer, State Sen. Sal DiDomenico said he will take his business elsewhere until a deal is reached. “Once again, we have another corporate giant who refuses to treat its employees with dignity and respect,” he said. “I am proud to support Stop & Shop workers in their fi ght for fair wages, affordable health care and a dependable retirement. I will continue to stand with them in this fi ght and urge everyone to respect their picket line.” U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren stood on the picket lines in Somerville. “These giant companies think they can knock unions back, but what they have to understand is that unions are here to stay,” she said. “Unions will fi ght back; you stay in the fi ght until you win.” Representatives from Stop & Shop maintained that under the proposed contract, the company would cover 92 percent of each health insurance premium. They have also guaranteed full funding for the UFCW’s defi ned benefi t pension fund as well as pay increases for all associates. Therefore, company representatives said they are “disappointed that the UFCW chose to order a work stoppage in an attempt to disrupt service at our stores.” “Stop & Shop has proposed a good and reasonable off er to our union.” Company representatives said the contract proposed by the UFCW would significantly increase Stop & Shop’s annual expenditures. “This would make our company less competitive in the mostly non-union New England food retail marketplace,” they said. Deliveries have also come to a standstill as the drivers are unionized as well. As a result, one customer at the Malden Stop & Shop said, expired meat products were still being sold. However, company spokeswoman Jennifer Brogan denied the accusation. “Meat that is not sold on shelf is being frozen prior to its expiration and donated to our regional food bank partners as well as local food pantries,” she said. As the strike dragged on, Stop & Shop President Mark McGowan reached out to his customers in an April 16 letter. “We are committed to resolving our labor negotiations as quickly as possible so that our employees can return to their jobs and we can get back to better serving you and the community,” he said. “Be assured, we are working around the clock to get back to business as usual.” At press time, the UFCW and Stop & Shop had not reached an agreement. WATCHES WANTED HIGHEST PRICES PAID 617-240-7857 781-241-3543 FRANK’S Housepainting (781) 289-0698 “Proper prep makes all the difference” – F. Ferrera • Interior • Exterior • Ceiling Dr. • Power Wash • Paper Removal • Carpentry FREE ESTIMATES — Fully Insured
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