Meat, Deli & Seafood Workers Local 88 to vote May 4 on new Schnucks pact

UFCW Meat, Deli & Seafood Workers Local 88 will vote May 4 on a new three-year contact with Schnucks Markets recommended by the union’s negotiating committee and officers, Local 88 President Dan Telle announced.

The vote comes on the heels of members’ 95 percent vote to reject the company’s original offer. After the rejection, the union and Schnucks management returned to the negotiating table the next day.

“I have to compliment management for their realization of the serious concerns our members had and willingness to immediately return to the bargaining table and negotiate in good faith to meet those concerns,” Tulle told the Labor Tribune.

The union’s contract expired in March 2020 and more than 30 negotiating sessions had failed to meet some of the union’s most serious concerns, Telle said. The almost unanimous rejection on April 20 included authorization for a strike if needed.

“Our members were serious and management understood that,” Telle said. “After the rejection they were willing to come back to the bargaining table and respond accordingly.”

Telle praised Local 88’s members for their solidarity and willingness to stand united against what everyone felt was an unacceptable initial offer.

The membership vote on the new proposal will be held next Tuesday at the St. Charles Convention Center. Doors will open at 9 a.m. The contract offer discussion will begin at 10 a.m. followed by voting.