Stop & Shop unions say OK to strike, but give negotiations one more week

This morning, union workers unanimously endorsed the strike authorization in the three New England states.

In Marlborough, 4,500 workers filled the Best Western Royal Plaza Hotel and Trade Center to approve the possible action.

Jim Carvalho, a union representative for the 10,000 eastern
Massachusetts Stop & Shop employees, said no strike date had been
set.

Carvalho said this week's negotiations would be crucial in the talks, which have gone on for more than a month.

Depending on the progress of the discussions, Carvalho said the
unions could agree to a further temporary extension or begin a strike
after Saturday.

Stop & Shop spokeswoman Faith Weiner said today that all 240
stores in the three states would remain open this week. Weiner declined
to discuss details of the negotiations.

"We're disappointed that they took this action and remain committed
to negotiating at the bargaining table to reach a positive conclusion,"
said Weiner.

Carvalho said the strike vote occurred after
company negotiators insisted that union workers increase contributions
to their health insurance and pension plans. He said the company has
also been unwilling to give annual wage increases and is asking
employees to accept bonuses. Carvalho would not say how much the
company had asked for.

"Our members are frustrated with the company's negative approach to
negotiations," said Carvalho. "At a time when Stop & Shop profits
are increasing, it's disappointing to our members that they would ask
them to pay more and not receive any wage increases."