Shaw's to cut heath care coverage of striking workers
Shaw’s Supermarkets Inc. is cutting off health care coverage Thursday for about 300 striking workers from the company’s Methuen distribution plant, according to union officials.
‘‘We’re extremely disappointed that the company has decided to cut the health insurance of these workers instead of sitting down and working out an agreement,’’ said Peter Derouen, a spokesman for the employees, who are members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791.
‘‘Now these workers and their families and children are without health care. This will not deter the workers. They will continue to strike until the company wants to come back to the table and bargain.’’
In a statement last night, Shaw’s said: ‘‘Though it is difficult to take this step now, we need to act with the long-term best interests of our business and 25,000 other associates in mind.’’
Union members, community leaders, and concerned shoppers are planning to protest at the distribution center and at stores across New England.
They will also hold a rally this afternoon at the Shaw’s supermarket in the Back Bay on Huntington Avenue.
The workers have been on strike since March 7 after rejecting a final contract offer.
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