Earlier this month, meat, seafood, and deli workers at more than 60 ShopRite supermarket locations across southern New Jersey, eastern Pennsylvania, and Delaware voted overwhelmingly to ratify a new collective bargaining agreement. The workers are represented by UFCW Local 152.
The agreement raises starting rates for department managers and classified positions and includes annual wage increases that reward seniority and help close wage compression gaps. It also protects employer-funded union health benefits and expands vacation, leave of absence, and bereavement policies.
Organizers credit the outcome to extensive preparation, including conversations with UFCW Local 1776 about the successful blueprint from its Philadelphia-area agreement, and a deliberate effort to build on the gains UFCW Local 152 previously secured in the South Jersey clerks’ contract. Those prior victories laid a strong foundation for this round of bargaining, and coordination with UFCW Local 1500 ensured a unified approach at the table.
“This win belongs to our members. Their solidarity, strength, and determination allowed our negotiating committee to deliver a historic new contract. When workers are engaged and stand together, they win together,” said UFCW Local 152 President Daniel Ross.
Shop steward and ShopRite employee Paul Vasapollo took part in the discussions and was proud of the outcome. “Being on the union negotiating committee was my pleasure. I was honored to be tasked with the responsibility of speaking up for our members.”
