Teamsters Local 25 Achieves Landmark Contract with Stop & Shop in Massachusetts

Landmark Agreement in Massachusetts

In an impressive show of solidarity and determination, Teamsters Local 25 has successfully negotiated a tentative six-year agreement with Stop & Shop, impacting more than 900 workers at their distribution center in Freetown, Massachusetts. This agreement comes on the heels of a credible threat of a strike, demonstrating the strength and resolve of the union members.

The newly forged deal assures that the distribution center will continue its operations and brings forth substantial wage increases that represent the largest gains in the history of the workers. The agreement was reached after Teamsters President Sean M. O'Brien asserted that the company attempted to undermine the workers by promoting a substandard nonunion healthcare plan. Despite the intimidation tactics, union members stood firm, emphasizing their worth and the importance of their jobs.

A Unified Front

Teamsters Local 25 gained unwavering support from over 30,000 members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW). They pledged to honor the picket lines if Stop & Shop proceeded with threats that could jeopardize their jobs. Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey was among the elected officials who urged the company to negotiate fairly, reinforcing the need for protecting these essential employment opportunities.

“I am proud to have stood with the Teamsters to ensure these good-paying union jobs stay in Massachusetts,” Governor Healey expressed. “Keeping the Freetown distribution center open while securing strong wages and benefits is a win for these workers and our entire state.”

Unprecedented Wage Increases

The contract introduces record economic advantages for Teamsters at Stop & Shop. New hires will now enjoy an 80% wage increase over the contract's duration, while long-serving employees will see their salaries rise by over 30%. Moreover, the agreement guarantees top-tier Teamsters healthcare coverage, significantly boosts pension contributions, and ensures the long-term viability of the Freetown facility.

“Our focus was on holding Stop & Shop accountable and achieving one of the strongest contracts in the supermarket sector,” stated Tom Mari, President of Local 25. He extended gratitude to the members for their resilience, the UFCW allies for their steadfast support, and the local community for standing in solidarity with them. This victory serves as a testament to what collective action can achieve when workers refuse to be intimidated.

The Legacy of Teamsters

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters, founded in 1903, now represents approximately 1.3 million hard-working individuals in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. Their unwavering commitment to advocating for workers' rights continues to draw attention and respect across the industry.

For updates and more information on their initiatives, the Teamsters can be followed through various platforms including X and Facebook.

As this agreement stands, it marks a turning point not only for the workers at Stop & Shop but also serves as a beacon for labor movements across the country, reinforcing the importance of unity and worker rights in the modern economy.