Teamsters strike at Associated Grocers Northeast causes Vermont delivery delays

Grocery and convenience stores across Vermont are experiencing reduced inventory and delayed shipments as a labor strike at the Associated Grocers Northeast warehouse in Pembroke, New Hampshire, enters its first week. The work stoppage, which began Monday, involves 255 members of Teamsters Local 633, according to union business agent Keith Judge.

The labor dispute centers on a proposed contract that would transition employees from a pension plan to a 401(k) retirement structure without company matching contributions. Union members voted 98% in favor of the strike after negotiations, which began in June, failed to reach a resolution.

Impact on Vermont Retailers

Associated Grocers serves as a key supplier for more than 600 retail locations between Pennsylvania and Maine. In Vermont, the distributor provides goods to community stores and independent markets, including locations in Essex Junction, Jericho, Londonderry, Newport, Richmond, Shelburne, Stowe, Waterbury, and Woodstock.

Matt Cota, executive director for the Vermont Retail and Grocers Association, noted that the severity of the supply disruptions varies depending on the specific inventory needs and brand selections of individual store owners. “People can understandably be like, ‘Oh, this store used to have, you know, more variety or used to have more choices or whatever,'” Cota said. He emphasized that affected stores remain open and encouraged community members to continue supporting local businesses during the supply shortfall.

Status of Contract Negotiations

Union representatives reported that they met with Associated Grocers management on Friday, but the company declined to participate in further discussions. A representative for Associated Grocers did not provide a comment regarding the strike when contacted on Friday afternoon.

The Teamsters have identified the preservation of the existing pension plan as a non-negotiable point. While the union stated it is willing to continue discussions on wages, health insurance, and contract language, it maintains that the removal of the pension remains a deal-breaker for the workforce.

Strike Affects Vermont Retailers Supplied by New Hampshire Warehouse

Which stores in Vermont are currently affected?
The strike affects retailers supplied by the Associated Grocers warehouse in Pembroke, New Hampshire. This includes nine specific locations in Essex Junction, Jericho, Londonderry, Newport, Richmond, Shelburne, Stowe, Waterbury, and Woodstock, as well as various other independent grocers that rely on the distributor for their stock.

What is the primary cause of the labor dispute?
The strike was triggered by a contract proposal that would eliminate the employees’ current pension plan. The company proposed replacing the pension with a 401(k) plan that does not include matching contributions from the employer.

How long does the union intend to strike?
Teamsters Local 633 representatives have stated that the strike will continue until a fair agreement is reached that includes the retention of the pension plan.