September 2, 2015
From the announcement of A&P’s bankruptcy, we know how difficult this process has been for you and your family. From the very start, we’ve made clear we will fight as hard as we can for the benefits and wages you’ve earned with your hard work.
As part of our efforts to keep you informed of any and all developments, we wanted to make you aware of the latest developments, specifically as it relates to severance and bumping.
Yesterday, a hearing before the U.S. Bankruptcy Judge focused on those two issues, and we have made clear to the judge, that you and your family sacrificed for the company to succeed. These sacrifices are real and that A&P must meet its responsibilities.
In terms of severance payments, the judge strongly urged A&P to get the necessary financing from its lenders to increase severance pay for those laid off from the initial 25 closing stores to 52%. The judge is also urging A&P to pay an upfront severance payment that better reflects your years of dedicated service to your community and this company. After the 52%, members will qualify for additional severance payments depending on the outcome of store sales and other issues.
We know that this severance should be higher, and that this amount is not what you deserve, but we want you to know that we are fighting as hard as we can to increase this severance.
In terms of bumping, the judge did authorize changes to the bumping provisions in our contracts. He ruled that the Locals can only put a bumping plan in place that does not cost A&P any more money.
Locals were only given until Thursday, September 3rd, to complete this process. The tight deadline makes executing a plan like that impossible.
Finally, we want to thank you for the actions that so many of you have taken throughout this terribly difficult process. You have made a huge impact during these proceedings.
The judge made a point to recognize all of your efforts including submitting personal letters to him, sending our petition with thousands of our signatures, and recognizing our brave members who testified in court.
Because of your efforts, we were able to put a face to this bankruptcy and made our voices heard when the company tried to silence them. You told your stories of dedication and sacrifice for the company and stressed the turmoil that A&P’s failed strategies and the bankruptcy has had on you, your family and your community.
In short, by working together you’ve made a difference to everyone who is part of our union and A&P family.
Please visit our Pathmark update page for all archived updates.
What about the three month extension for our health care?
ReplyDeleteThey should suggest to the judge that so call incentives bonuses be the same way 52%up front or nothing at at all perhaps they deserve nothing (NADA)FOR SCREWED THE UNION MEMBERS AND ROBBED US OF OUR RIGHT TO SEVERANCE PACKAGE
ReplyDeleteThey should suggest to the judge that so call incentives bonuses be the same way 52%up front or nothing at at all perhaps they deserve nothing (NADA)FOR SCREWED THE UNION MEMBERS AND ROBBED US OF OUR RIGHT TO SEVERANCE PACKAGE
ReplyDeleteSuggesting to the judge seems pointless . But what about collecting money to sue A & P . In civil court . I,m sure there is something ilegal about how they ran our company into the ground.everytime something worked or sold well . They found a way to put it to rest. Or kill it. When they brought a product in that sold reasonably cheap .they discontinued it or raised it,s price . They reset the store for what? To spend needlessly . They got rid of our maintenance .we went from being proud of how clean our stores were to ashamed everytime a rating came out about the top store to the worse. There we were at the bottom. They planned and executed our demise . Isn,t that a crime to put so many people out of work.? The worse crime is to sit back and let them force the crumbs of misery down our throats. Together we can make a difference .where are you our leaders to help us with the legalities? Show us the way if you want to help us .union leaders throw us hope! Not just defeat. Janet Rumford.
ReplyDeleteAt least you're getting some kind of answers with Local 1500, my union rep hasn't been keeping us updated. We only find out when there's a conference call!
DeleteWe were robbed with our eyes open wide!!!
ReplyDeleteWe were robbed with our eyes open wide!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I got out of this business
ReplyDeleteI'm glad I got out of this business
ReplyDeleteThey should have just incorporated the workers into the stores that were still open. End of story
ReplyDelete