Amish Market's Owner is Heading to Jail Because of Brave Workers

By: Joseph Fedele

Adem Arici is heading to jail and the brave workers from his six-store chain are finally rejoicing that justice has been served.  In 2009 UFCW Local 1500 helped workers at The Amish Market re-collect over $1.5 million in stoel wages.  The NY Department of Labor's wage theft investigation found Arici and his business partners were failing to pay their employees correct wages and not paying employees overtime.

Shortly after, federal prosecutors began examining Arici's entire business, including tax records for the six-store chain.  It was found that Arici and his business partners were not only stealing wages from their employees, but they were fudging the books in NYC for years, withholding over $50 million in taxes.

Amish Market workers regain over $1.5 million in unpaid wages [2009]

via NY Daily News:

The Turkish-born grocer is the seventh member accused in the scam to plead guilty. Arici and his fellow cheats skimmed cash from grocery sales to avoid paying taxes, paid undocumented foreign workers in cash and submitted fraudulent tax returns, authorities said.

As workers, we all know how real wage theft is.  Although it may not get as much public attention as it should, it's occurring every day in throughout our country.   Many businesses today have an inherent belief that basic labor laws do not apply to them.  Whether it's stealing wages, or closing stores to avoid unionization, the trend to "save a buck" by violating workers rights continues to grow with little resistance.  Though on a day like today when a corrupt Adem Arici is sentenced to jail for fixing his books and not paying taxes, it should be noted that the light was shined on his dark & dirty business by a small band of union Organizers and a group of brave workers standing up against injustice.  Without the tremendous courage from the workers at Amish Market, who fought back against their boss stealing wages, Adem Arici may not have been sentenced to jail for evading taxes.

As prevalent as wage theft is, NY Republicans STILL want to repeal the Wage Theft Prevention Act.  Why? So businesses can continue to profit from cheating their workers out of money they are owed.  This isn't a partisan political issue,  it's a people issue.  If you believe workers should be paid the amount agreed upon when hired, simple as that you agree with the Act.  End of story.

NYS Attorney General, Eric Schneiderman, said it best on wage theft, "An employer who knowingly violates labor laws is not an upstanding businessman saving a few bucks.  In the end, he is hardly any different from the pickpocket, and the law should treat him as such."  The pickpocket is heading to jail, and New York has the proud, brave, and courageous gourmet grocery workers to thank.


Related articles

• N.Y. attorney general investigating fast food industry wage theft

Join Us on June 6th: Food Workers & Food Justice Conference!

It's right around the corner! Register today for this great event we're co-sponsoring with our friends from Food Chain Workers Alliance and Align!  Register here: http://foodworkersandjustice.eventbrite.com/

A&P Seeks More Time to File Reorganization Plan

Via Supermarket News: 
http://supermarketnews.com/retail_financial/ap_plan_0803/?cid=upd
By: John Springer

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — A&P has asked U.S. Bankruptcy Court here for a second extension of its deadline to submit an exclusive plan of reorganization to its creditors. The retailer in court papers filed this week said the extension — to Jan. 16 of next year from a previous deadline of Dec. 31 — would assure stability through the holiday season giving it "the very best opportunity for a successful exit from Chapter 11." A&P said talks with organized labor over the renegotiation of 34 collective bargaining agreements was at a "crucial stage" while it was pushing ahead with other efforts on its operational turnaround. The exclusivity period allows company management to craft a plan to pay back creditors as opposed to creditor constituencies, which can present their own plans after the deadline. The request to extend also asks the court approve an extension of A&P's exclusive solicitation period through March 16, from an earlier date of Feb. 29.

We will continue to keep you updated, please contact us at 800-522-0456 or info@ufcw1500.org for any questions or comments you may have.

Message to Local 1500 Members Working at Pathmark Supermarkets

Image by Getty Images via @daylifeDear Pathmark Member;

The A&P/Pathmark bankruptcy process continues to evolve. I realize the frustration you must all be feeling and I greatly appreciate your patience. I assure you the process is moving along.

The affected Unions and A&P are currently exchanging information. A&P’s financial data and business plan are continuously being reviewed. The Union negotiating team must have the most accurate and credible information to properly assess A&P’s current financial situation.

I can tell you that the company has given the UFCW Locals its initial proposal and it is being reviewed. I expect to make a summary of the company’s initial proposal available for your review within the next few days. I caution you that these are only the companies’ first set of proposals. As long time Union members, you understand that the first proposal will only be a starting point for negotiations and that we will only use it for purposes of negotiating a more reasonable settlement.

Our goal from day one of this process has been too work with the company to reach an agreement that allows them to recover and grow economically while protecting the rights and livelihoods of our members working in their stores. That goal has not and will not change.

While we must hope for and work towards the best possible solution, we must prepare for the worst possible result. Our staff has developed a comprehensive response should one become necessary.

Again, I thank you for your patience. I also want to thank you for the many words of support and encouragement I have heard over the last few weeks. As long as we continue our strong solidarity, we will survive these difficult and challenging times.

Remember: One Union, One Voice!!

Bruce W. Both
President

Recap of the NYC Council Hearing: When Walmart Comes to Town

By: Diana Robinson, Food Policy Coordinator

Wal-Mart is the largest private in employer in the country; it also has the largest class action law suit against them for discriminating against female employees. In addition to this it is recognized by Human Rights Watch as the greatest violator of worker rights. So it is no surprise that Wal-Mart was a no show at New York City Council hearing yesterday to discuss Wal-Mart’s labor practices and documented history of discrimination against women.

Before the hearing there was a demonstration in front of the Emigrant Savings Bank where the hearing was held. Protesters held up signs that said “Wal-Mart is Anti Women” and “Wal-Mart sucks the life out of Communities”. They also chanted “Wal-Mart cheats, Wal-Mart hates, Wal-Mart discriminates”. Joining protesters were former Wal-Mart employees from around the country, who testified on their experiences working for Wal-Mart.

During the hearing several panels gave testimony on facts about Wal-Mart’s practices in discriminating against women and violating workers rights. Annette Bernhardt, Policy Co-Director at National Employment Law Project testified that Wal-Mart participates in a practiced called “time-shaving” where if any employee is over 40 Hours they will go into the system and remove the overtime hours to avoid having to pay the employees’ overtime.

Kenneth James a former Wal-Mart department manager testified how after he participated in a press conference to support the Employee Free Choice Act his hours were reduced from 37 hours a week to 18 hours a week; he went on to say that at one point he received a paycheck for $514, and was then forced to live off of $14 for two weeks after having to pay his rent. He also testified that female co-worker also suffered retaliation after participating in the press conference and her hours were reduced to zero.

Councilman Eric Ulrich commented that” We have the toughest laws, Wal-Mart won’t [participate in wage theft] do it here, and that with these economic times any job would be good.” To which Bernhardt responded that is doesn’t matter what laws are in existent if they cannot be enforced because of lack of resources and when the only solution are lawsuits. Councilwoman Melissa Mark Viverito also responded to Ulrich’s comments by saying that New Yorkers ‘don’t just want any jobs, they want good jobs that will help our communities and the people in them grow.’

It was clear throughout the hearing that Wal-Mart has systematic pattern of violating workers rights and discriminating against women: whether it be by cutting pro union workers hours or denying women promotions. Their promise of jobs and low prices isn’t enough for New Yorkers. Wal-Mart’ decision to not appear at the New York City Council hearings and defend its self shows its unwillingness to face the facts and own up to what they have done. It is also insulting to the NYC Council members and the New Yorkers that they represent. How can we allow them to enter our communities if they are not willing to answer our questions and face us?

Wednesday Morning One Liners:

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

Up in Thompsonville, NY, Local 342 won an election and ratified a five-year contract at Deb-El Foods, Inc.

Fairway's new warehouse will cut truck traffic, what used to be six truck deliveries a day to their store on 74th and Broadway, will now be a mere two truck stops to stock up the store.  DNAinfo has more.

The New York Times has a piece detailing that even New Yorkers who shop regularly at Wal-Mart don't want all the affects a Wal-Mart in NYC would bring. 

“I don’t believe Wal-Mart should be in the city,” Ms. Clark, 29, said. “All the local mom-and-pop stores would lose business. And it’s already congested. I mean, can you just imagine?”  Read more @NYT

In more Wal-Mart taking over the retail world news, they, along with five other companies have bought the fast growing online retail giant in China, 360buy.com.  The investment is reported to be $3.3 billion.

Private Equity Firm Leonard Green is mulling a BJ's Wholesale Club takeover, the NY Post Reports. The New York Times also commented on the possible takeover.

Supermarket News covered our meeting with NYC Mayor Bloomberg, asking NYC to help with the recently bankrupt A&P.

Supermarket News is also reporting that ShopRite is eying a major 'Albany expansion'.

Friday Morning One Liners: Gristedes Makes a Push toward Food Emporium, Beef with Wal-Mart why not Target?

Castimatidis: “it's no secret that we have interest in [Food Emporium].”
According to a report from Crain's John Castimatidis, owner of Gristedes is apparently the front runner and highest bidder in the Food Emporium fire sale.

The Crain's article also comments on D'Agostino's struggles:

Separately, family-owned D'Agostino's grocery-store chain is selling its only three stores in Westchester, according to a company insider. Those stores, located in Chappaqua, Rye Brook and Cross River, have struggled against competitors like Whole Foods, Super Stop & Shop and others, said supermarket consultant Burt Flickinger.

Very interesting piece in the Wall Street Journal: In the Cities That Battle Wal-Mart, Target gets a Welcome.

The Gawker looks at what Wal-Mart would mean for New York.

A&P is shuttering stores today in Yorktown, NY, two others  in the Philadelphia area (Pathmark in Broomall, PA loses108 jobs lost & a SuperFresh in Hatfield, PA), another Pathmark in Millville, NJ where Wal-Mart has actually proposed to a 40,000 sqft store w/ grocery to fill the vacant space.

Some good news though, the UFCW Canada's victory at Saskatchewan Wal-Mart was upheld, unanimously, in court yesterday.



The Grand Opening and celebration party for the new Rockaway Stop & Shop is slated for October 21.

The Windsor Star: Strike continues to loom in second local Loblaw vote

Other Bargaining News:
Unionized workers at Walt Disney World voted against a proposed labor contract Thursday, despite the largest of the resort's unions coming out in support of the contract before the vote.


And in Politics Frank Padavan, out raises and is out spending Tony Avella.

Tues, Weds & Thursday Morning One-Liners: Aldi's breaking into NYC later than sooner...

Progressive Grocer: 16,000 NY Grocery Union Contracts set to Expire June 26
(you can find all media outlets who covered our release here)

At Co-op City, Trash Piles Up as Workers Go on Strike
Mountains of trash bags sprouted across Co-op City on Tuesday as residents and office workers rushed to perform basic maintenance tasks left undone by more than 500 unionized janitors, groundskeepers and parking attendants who went on strike on a contract dispute. 


UMass Memorial, Food Workers Union reach tentative contract
UMass Memorial Health Care and the union representing 1,300 of its workers have tentatively agreed to a two-year contract, avoiding the threat of a strike. 


Shaw's workers win support in Sommerville (MA)
Striking Shaw's workers took their fight through Somerville this week for support from labor and faith groups and a protest in Twin Cities. 


Oh the Aldi NYC thing again,

Supermarket News: Aldi to Open in NYC in 2011

The discounter has agreed to locate in the Rego Park II development in Queens, with the store scheduled to open in early 2011. Aldi had previously hoped to have arrived in New York as soon as last year, but plans for its initial store fell through, company officials said. The company is now seeking to hire staff for the Queens store. 

More @ Queens Central: Aldi Supermarket to open at Rego Center
The discount supermarket chain plans to open its first New York City store at the Rego Park ll shopping center at 65-35 Junction Blvd. in Queens, in 2011

Progressive Grocer also covered Aldi's NYC Plans.

Fowl is fair! Key Food's chicken relabeling is completely kosher.
A Brooklyn Heights Key Food that has been repeatedly accused of changing the "sell-by" date on meat is off the hook this week after the state revealed that the relabeling practice is completely legal. 


Workers at 3 MMJ Businesses in Oakland Unionize
California- Workers at three medical marijuana businesses in Oakland will announce Friday that they have unionized, another step in a concerted campaign aimed at bringing legitimacy to a once-hidden sector of the state's economy and boosting the marijuana-legalization initiative.


A crowed showed up last  week at Starrett City to protest Walmart's proposed first New York City superstore.


Unions v Wal-Mart
The Economist looks at an old unions stronghold battles the bigger retailer.

Undercitting its rivals: Wal-Mart slashing prices, restoring some basics.
Wal-Mart is counting on $1 ketchup bottles and sub-$4 cases of Coke to get its low-price mojo back.


Wal-Mart Expecting a Break Out?
Wal-Mart's price action is below this important level, which makes the stock difficult to buy, as there will certainly be resistance as it approaches its 200 day moving average.



Wal-Mart says recalled Miley Cyrus jewlery was not intended for children.
In a statement released by Wal-Mart, they announced that the line of Miley Cyrus jewelry was not intended for children. That comment has been met with skepticism by many mothers of tween girls who, for the past four years, have been sleeping, eating, breathing and buying everything Hannah Montana and Miley Cyrus.

1.2 million un-employed workers will lose benefits since congress failed to act.

Politics, City & Everything in between...
Schneiderman for Espaillat, UFCW Local 1500 for Levine
UFCW Local 1500 continued its early endorsement streak by becoming the first labor union to endorse in the 31st SD race, throwing its weight behind District Leader Mark Levine.

Bronx May Land Fuel Alternative
The Bloomberg administration is pushing to build New York's first public alternative-fuel station to pump natural gas, ethanol and biodiesel.

Apparently Skinny People Shop at Whole Foods:
Researchers at the University of Washington further illustrate the link between poverty and obesity.


Co-op City workers in Bronx to Strike Over Proposed Wage Freeze
Building workers at Co-op City in the Bronx will strike this morning, seething over a four-year wage freeze proposed by management of the massive complex, union officials said Monday night. 


Race against time to keep MTA workers as layoffs loom
Hundreds of bus drivers and other transit workers could get a reprieve from impending layoffs if MTA and union officials can negotiate a deal-but the clock is ticking.

Bloomberg eliminates Teachers' raises, saves 4,400 jobs: Crains NY Business.

Tuesday Afternoon One LIners...

Wal-Mart to pay $27.6 million to settle California environmental case

Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $27.6 million to settle charges that it violated California environmental laws in its handling and disposal of hazardous materials, prosecutors involved in the case announced Monday in San Diego.

 

NY Daily News responds to Walmarts "cheap underwear" critics...

 

Bringing Down Wal-Mart

The woman who once dreamed of turning her life around through hard work and promotion into Wal-Mart corporate management is now the first “named plaintiff” in a sexual-bias class-action lawsuit against the mega-corporation. 

 

Shaw’s Rejects Union’s Offer to Settle Strike at Methuen Warehouse

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791 announced today that Shaw’s Supermarkets rejected the union’s contract offer...

 

New Whole Foods Market to open in Schaumburg, IL

Air Products’ Hydrogen and Technology Fueling Wegmans’ Warehouse Operations [PA]

The produce at Wegmans Retail ServiceCenter (RSC) just got greener...

 

Concern over possible Flushing supermarket closure 

Hundreds of Flushing residents and their leaders are gearing up to fight the rumored closing of the Key Food supermarket at the intersection of Roosevelt Avenue and Bowne Street.

 

FreshDirect Rolls Out ‘Guaranteed Fresh’ Mark

Online grocer FreshDirect has debuted “Guaranteed Fresh” labels, which appear on all freshly made meals, meat, seafood, dairy and produce items. The designation clearly shows customers exactly how many days their food will remain fresh.

Stop & Shop Earns an A+ From Local Schools

Stop & Shop today announced it will distribute $1 million to local schools on behalf of Stop & Shop and its A+ Bonus Bucks shoppers. 

Whole Foods Market to Carry Converted Organics' Products

Total of 84 Stores With New Distribution Through North Atlantic and Mid-Atlantic Store Regions Whole Foods Expands Distribution of All-Natural Fertilizer by 66 Stores

 

 

Wednesday Morning One-Liners: Wal-Mart's Discrimination Suit, Brooklyn Plans

Wal-Mart & Brooklyn

NY1: A Wal-Mart Battle Grows in Brooklyn
With speculation mounting that Wal-Mart may try and open a store in Brooklyn, opponents of the big box retailer are already fighting back. NY1's Grace Rauh filed the following report. (video)

Supermarket News: ShopRite, Wal-Mart Said to Eye Brooklyn...
Both this week were said to be separately preparing to build new store sites in Brooklyn, though neither retailer had made an official announcement.

Brooklyn Eagle: Wal-Mart Coming to East NY?
“There’s no argument that Walmart will shut down small businesses,” said Pat Purcell, assistant to the President of United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Union Local 1500. It has been seen many times over that the low wages and vast array of products Walmart offers make this outcome inevitable. “Small businesses are killed,” he said.

WSJ: Wal-Mart a Target, Even Just Shopping

More @ WPIX11,

Wal-Mart Gender Suit
SN Wal-Mart Mulling Supreme Appeal
A U.S. appeals court here has ruled against Wal-Mart Stores in a lawsuit filed by former female employees who claim the retailer discriminated against women in awarding pay and promotions, but Wal-Mart said it is considering appealing the case to the Supreme Court.

NY Times: Steven Greenhouse, Wal-Mart Gender Case Divides Court
In a closely watched case, a sharply divided federal appeals court on Monday ruled 6-5 that a sex discrimination lawsuit against Wal-Mart could proceed as a class action for more than a million women. The suit is the biggest employment discrimination case in the nation’s history.

Forbes: Wal-Mart faces largest sex-discrimination suit in U.S. History.


Is this the employer we want in our city?

Shaw's gets support
Progressive Grocer: Unionized employees at Acme Markets in Philadelphia and New Jersey, and Shoppers Food & Drug in Maryland and Virginia are throwing their support behind the 300 workers at the Shaw’s warehouse in Methuen, Mass., who have been on strike since early March.

More @ Supermarket News

Head's up Connecticut, the Food Bazaar is expanding to CT
The New York-based chain with 16 stores specializing in serving inner-city customers, is slated to host a grand opening of its first Connecticut location here next Thursday, May 6.

LoHud: ShopRite Gets Permit to Build a City Center in White Plains
Following several months of review, the city handed a building permit to ShopRite, paving the way for the largest downtown supermarket to open at the City Center mall this fall.

Brooklyn Navy Yard
Admiral's Row to Mowed Down for ShopRite

NY Post: Brooklyn Navy Yard breaking walls to open new ShopRite



NY Times: In Wake of Immigration Law, Calls for an Economic Boycott of Arizona
A spreading call for an economic boycott of Arizona after its adoption of a tough immigration law that opponents consider racially discriminatory worried business leaders on Monday and angered the governor. 

Wednesday Morning Quick One Liners...32BJ

Just a few quick stories this morning...

7-Eleven Tests New Delivery Program which would Eliminate Union Jobs

Under the test program, "drinks will be shipped to a Costco business center, where a third-party logistics company will pick them up and deliver them to a warehouse. Then, when 7-Eleven stores need replenishment, the drinks will ship to the stores with other products as well."

In the typical DSD model, Coke ships drinks from its bottling facility to an adjacent warehouse, where they await shipment to a distribution center before being shipped to individual stores

Fairway Market is waiting to sign a lease for the 240 East 86th Street storefront until it can reach a deal with the MTA and Department of Transportation for an expanded loading zone. Read more @ DNAinfo

Supermarket News: A&P here on Tuesday said it has named Mark Kramer as its new senior vice president of operations.

Whole Foods has set a goal to reduce energy consumed per square foot 25 percent by 2015.

32BJ has reached a deal,The owners of more than 3,200 apartment buildings in New York City reached an agreement on a new labor contract with the union that represents about 30,000 doormen, porters, janitors and building superintendents, averting a strike that was due to begin at 7 a.m. Wednesday. read more at New York Times

Monday News at Noon

A hearing Monday in U.S. Bankruptcy Court should seal the sale of beleaguered Penn Traffic Co. to Tops Markets.

Acme cuts hours of 131 employees
The recession and price deflation are being blamed for cuts in employee hours and positions at Akron-based grocer Acme Fresh Markets.

Walmart has laid off an unspecified number of Sam's Club staffers, say several former employees of the company, a report from Forbes.com.

More:
Business Week: Wal-Mart Stores Inc.’s Sam’s Club chain, the second-largest U.S. warehouse club, will cut about 11,200 jobs in the next month after hiring an outside company to take over in-store product demonstrations.

Wall Street Journal:  Sam's Club, engaged in a tough struggle to stand apart from competitors, is cutting about 11,000 jobs and is turning to an independent marketing firm to handle in-store product demonstrations at its warehouses nationwide.

The Hudson Reporter reports on the new Walmart in Bergen County's impact on other supermarkets throughout New Jersey.

The New York Times reports on Walmart's continued struggles expanding in Chicago.

Walmart is also facing expansion troubles in Ontario.

The Brooklyn Daily Eagle covers the Outer Borough Supermarket Attraction event.

Brooklyn Daily Eagle: Borough Pres calls for more Affordable Units, Supermarket in retail space.

And Elizabeth Benjamin reports Bloomberg says the city will be forced to layoff 18,500 workers if Patterson's "unfair" budget is enacted.

Release: Campaign against Amish Market

Image via Wikipedia

NEW YORK - (Business Wire)

United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1500 is launching a city-wide, multi-media ad campaign urging New Yorkers to avoid shopping at Amish Market as a part of its ongoing effort to call attention to mistreatment of grocery workers.

The campaign – which includes outdoor, mail, online, and transit components – focuses on Amish Market’s theft of more than $1 million in wages from its employees, a transgression brought to the attention of state officials by UFCW Local 1500 in 2007.

“New Yorkers need to know that stores like Amish Market don’t deserve our support,” said Pat Purcell, Director of Special Projects at UFCW Local 1500. “If you want to do business in New York’s neighborhoods, you have to meet New York’s standards. Stealing more than a million dollars from working people doesn’t come close.”

The print components of the campaign are mirrored on major New York blogs (including Gothamist, CityRag, SeriousEats and MidtownLunch), where ads encourage readers to visit NothingFineAboutIt.org. The site documents a number of abuses committed by Amish Market; New Yorkers can also send a letter to the company announcing their intentions to shop elsewhere.

Campaign creatives can be viewed here:

http://www.ufcw.org/images/amishkioskscreen.jpg
http://www.ufcw.org/images/amishmailerscreen.jpg
http://www.ufcw.org/images/ufcw-pickp-vert-150x6002_120409_135744.gif

Press inquiries should be directed to Corey Owens, cowens@ufcw.org, 202-905-2179.

UFCW
Corey Owens, 202-905-2179
cowens@ufcw.org

Tuesday Morning Read,

Image via Wikipedia

A&P  said last week that Allan Richards, senior vice president, human resources, labor relations, legal services and secretary, will leave the company to pursue other opportunities.

A breakthrough collective agreement has been reached between the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW Canada) and Floralia Growers of Abbotsford, B.C. Read details here.

WakeupWal-Mart covers Wal-Mart's pricing fail, the same item marked separately as four different prices. 

Massachusetts’ attorney general says Wal-Mart has agreed to pay $3 million to settle complaints it did not give some employees proper meal breaks. 

One of the most heavily trafficked food stamp offices in NYC will be shutting its' doors in Coney Island, forcing hundreds of poor to travel to Downtown NYC to collect food stamps.

The Daily News covers what's going on at the Kingsbridge Armory Supermarket development.

Detroit, fights for access to fresh healthy food.

Whole Foods protesters greet executives at the annual 'Natural Products Expo' in Boston.

Last week the NYC Planning Commission OK'd Supermarket Incentives, but neglected to allow only 'responsible employers' access to the incentives, allowing all supermarkets, including those who treat workers poorly, treat communities poorly and fail to provide healthy food, to these lucrative incentives.  The plan is short-sighted.

Politics

President Obama may sit out the NYC Mayoral race between Thompson and Bloomberg.

Governor Patterson vowed not to back out of running on National TV Sunday.

Contract negotiations are approaching, find out here when your proposal meeting is!

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• CNBC: Wage War at Wal-Mart (msnbc.msn.com)

Wal-Mart forced to pull advertisment with lies, Local 1776 and 7 contract updates

Image via Wikipedia

Wal-Mart Stores has pulled a national advertisement that says consumers can save $700 a year shopping at its stores after H-E-B challenged the ad and filed its objections with an industry group.

More on Wal-Mart's checkered advertising campaigns.

Ahold yesterday made an offer to repurchase notes to reduce net interest expense and debt. The Amsterdam-based retail conglomerate’s subsidiary, Ahold Finance USA, is proposing to buy back any and all of the outstanding $690 million 8.25 percent guaranteed senior notes due in July 2010. The buyback will be paid for out of existing cash balances.

Meanwhile the S&P upgraded their stock.

Safeway workers across Colorado have overwhelmingly rejected the grocery chain's counter-offer and re-authorized a strike first approved on May 8.

Workers for Acme Markets Inc. poured into the Spectrum last night to reject a controversial contract, paving the way for a potential July 10 work stoppage at 41 Southeastern Pennsylvania stores

Meanwhile Coloardo Safeway workers have rejected their contract proposal as well.

UFCW Local 1776 and Acme are 'nearing a showdown' as the Philadelphia Inquirer says.

Over 25,000 letters sent to the city councils of Los Angeles and New York urging elected officials to not let Wal-Mart build stores in their communities.

A Saskatchewan judge has overturned the union certification of a Walmart in Weyburn. CKOM is reporting that Justice Peter Foley said in his ruling that workers should be allowed to vote on whether they want a union or not.

Walgreens will reintroduce beer and wine into their stores.

Tuesday Morning One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

Spartan Stores, a grocery supplier to independent grocers and operator of 99 retail stores throughout Michigan, offering GM workers and UAW workers who lost their jobs discounts on gasoline and groceries.

Rite-Aid workers and union supporters will rally in Times Square on Thursday before a shareholders meeting...workers in Lancaster have been struggling over one year to negotiate their first union contract.

A national Ad group has told Wal-Mart Stores yesterday that it should stop running TV ads claiming customers can save $700 a year by shopping its stores. This is not the first time Wal-Mart has been told to stop making claims like these in advertisements.

Wal-Mart has also named a new diversity officer.

Wal-Mart is also having yet another 'sales tax mishap', overcharging customers, this time in Missouri. If you remember this was previously an issue in Connecticut.

Lee Scott, the former chief executive officer of Wal-Mart Stores, called on attendees at the CIES World Food Business Summit here on Friday to join the Global Social Compliance Program to help ensure that suppliers are adhering to local wage and environmental regulations.

A&P store in Midland Park, N.J. next Saturday morning will have a Jonas Brothers day.

Price Chopper has announced they will analyze their labor costs.

Hyde Park Stop & Shop update: voting waits on traffic light location.

Another study has confirmed, lack of nearby supermarkets takes years off life.

As reported by the Chicago Sun-Times, adding a supermarket to a neighborhood could, collectively, mean a gain of up to 15 years of life for those suffering from diabetes; 13 years for those with liver disease; 58 years for people with diet-related cancers; and 112 years for people with cardiovascular disease.

City Council Speaker Christine Quinn unveiled an agreement with the Bloomberg administration last Thursday on a trifecta of measures geared toward making it easier for small businesses in the city to launch and prosper.

The city of Philadelphia has rejected a measure that would ban plastic bags.

USA Today: For immigrants, living the dream is getting tougher.

Wal-Mart News...

Image via Wikipedia

Wal-Mart predicts zero waste by 2025.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc's recently retired Chief Executive, Lee Scott, took home a total of $30.2 million in the year ended January, slightly down from a year ago, as revealed by the company's proxy statement.

Ohio investigates Wal-Mart cutting 650 jobs, No wine in Supermarkets, Monday Morning One Liners...

Image via Wikipedia

When Ohio gave Wal-Mart, the worlds largest retailer, a $1.8 million dollar job creation tax credit, they expected the jobs to be preserved. Friday, Wal-Mart announced they will be cutting 650 jobs, sparking the Ohio Dept. of Development to investigate if Wal-Mart reneged on their deal.

Albany: "No wine in grocery stores, beer taxes increase"

Howie Glickberg, "Out to conquer the New Jersey Market"

Gristedes has launched a new discount program.

Fresh & Easy launches 25 new wines.

Tom Suozzi signaled he’d run for governor again if David Paterson doesn’t seek re-election

The Times Union analyzes the budget.

What is in the new state budget?

Bloomberg opens campaign offices in 3 boroughs.

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• Tesco: 'Wal-Mart's Worst Nightmare' (businessweek.com)

Threat of Employee Free Choice downgrades stocks, Tuesdays One Liners...

Image by Getty Images via Daylife

Both houses of Congress could introduce versions of the Employee Free Choice Act as soon as today, according to reports yesterday.
Read more of this story

Wal-Mart was downgraded from 'buy' to 'hold' by Citi, why? Fear of the Employee Free Choice Act. [Reuters]

Bloomberg News runs down the major players supporting and opposing Employee Free Choice.

South Bronx: One bank per 20,000 residents.

The Fresh Market names a new executive.

Whole Foods will sell 13 stores to settle FTC case.

NYC nearing a launch of new supermarket development plan.

Wal-Mart's Sam's Club has a new CEO.

Nassau and Unions develop plans to save jobs.

Wal-Mart continues large eyebrow raising donations that stir up rumors in Chicago.

Politics

Jack Cafferty: "The GOP is becoming a cartoon"

The Gotham Gazette grades NYC Council members.

Ruben Diaz Jr. launched his campaign for Bronx borough president yesterday with an event at Borough Hall.

Mayoral candidate Bill Thompson supports the millionaire tax.

Do you pay the same tax rate as Donald Trump?

NYC Wal-Mart Rumors continue to fly, Whole Foods to sell 32 shops

Image via Wikipedia

Despite Supermarket News reporting this morning that Wal-Mart has declined interest in the Circut City and Virgin Megastore sites, Wal-Mart did acknowledge their continued interest in the "Jewel" of retail, New York City.

Retail, Wholesale and Department Store Union President Stuart Applebaum called the move opportunistic:
"We don't need Wal-Mart to take a advantage of an economic crisis to sneak into New York and drive down standards and wages," he said.

He's right, the last thing this city needs is for Wal-Mart to continue to take advantage of the recission. Reports have surfaced in the past few weeks of their strategy to take advantage of the recession in order to "sneak" into cities, they've done so in Chicago and now California.


NYC Rumors

Gothamist: "Reverend Billy to send Wal-Mart back to lake of hellfire"


Other News

Whole Foods to sell 32 stores in FTC agreement.