Nearly 60 members of UFCW Local 152 who work at two Fresh Grocer stores in Philadelphia and Wyncote, Pa., ratified a new contract on Feb. 2 that strengthens wages and benefits. These members work in the meat, seafood, and deli departments. The two stores are owned and operated by Brown’s Super Stores.
The new contract introduces wage increases for all employees, including an improvement to the progression scale and retroactive increases. The contract also increases employer contributions to health care benefits. In addition, UFCW Local 152 was able to negotiate higher employer contributions to the local’s savings plan for full-time members. Eligible employees will now have the opportunity to voluntarily contribute a portion of their wages to the savings plan, helping to solidify a more comfortable retirement. The contract also allows members to elect to schedule their earned vacation in single days instead of weekly blocks. Members will also be paid higher premiums on holidays and Sundays based on their length of service.
With the new contract, the Shop Steward at each store is entitled to up to three paid days per year to attend UFCW Local 152 steward conferences or other union training. This agreement also gives new members an opportunity to meet their Union Representative or Shop Steward during an orientation to learn about the benefits of their contract, what union representation means, and the many benefits and discounts available to them as UFCW members.
