A&P Gets a New CEO

Pathmark (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Attention Pathmark members: A&P has named Paul Hertz as new CEO.  Hertz replaces Sam Martin, read more.

Monday Mornin' News Bites

Stop & Shop is now filling Pet prescriptions.

The Daily Kos has a good article, 36 ways a union improved your life.

Supermarket News reported all Walmart Directors have been reelected, amidst bribery controversy.
More @ Reuters.

Washington Post: Walmart's proxy vote totals show dissent against CEO and other execs.

Thomas Duane is leaving the NY Senate after 14 years.

A&P CEO Sam Martin was on Fox Business News discussing A&P's comeback and rebound.

Aldi plans on opening on Route 9, Poughkeepsie, this Fall.

Working in These Times looks at labor & Social Media, writes on our victory against Stop & Shop's policy.

The Fresh Market is killing it, analysts call it Whole Foods 2.0.

Tuesday Mornin' One-Liners: A N.Y. Walmart is Infested w/ Rodents, A&P to Localize Stores

Updated 5/29/12 11:58 PM 

UFCW Local 1189 will be having a union election at Aldi.

Fairway Market will be moving into an old Pathmark at Woodland Park, NJ.

The Record: Sam Martin: The man with the plan to save A&P.

Supermarket News takes a look at initiatives to help food deserts.

New York's Iron Workers have a new contract.

A new ShopRite opened in Baltimore, bringing 250 new jobs to the neighborhood.


Walmart shareholders were urged not to re-elect Mike Duke as CEO.  Meanwhile U.S. lawmakers are frustrated with Walmart's lack of cooperation in the Mexican bribery investigation.

The Walmart in Sullivan, New York, has failed its' 4th health inspection, the store is infected with rodents.  The store could shut down if they fail a 5th.

On April 25, inspectors found 9 pounds of defiled food, more than 1,000 fresh droppings behind the chips and snacks, and three dead mice carcasses. On March 2, mouse droppings and mouse trails were found around the soda, pet foods and bread aisle. On Jan. 3, inspectors found 35.9 pounds of defiled food and 1,000 fresh mouse droppings behind the peanut and snack racks.

The Business Insider asks if this is the 'Most Disgusting Store in the Country?'

The Chicago Tribune wonders what affect the Mexican bribery scandal will have on Walmart's annual company party.

More: Controversy looms on Walmart's 50th anniversary.

A&P is expanding "Localized Remodels" starting with the Food Emporium on the Upper East Side.

Supermarket News analyzes that fresh store formats are growing, while traditional supermarkets are shrinking...

The Minnesota Star Tribune's Jim Spencer wrote on Target in Valley Stream's re-vote: Union still faces difficult odds against Target.

Workday Minnesota loves writing about Target workers getting a re-vote in Valley Stream.

The highly scrutinized NLRB's Flynn resigned this weekend.  Earlier this year NLRB Inspector General issued reports which detailed Flynn dispersing detailed, confidential information about NLRB cases and procedures in order to discredit the National Labor Relations Board.

A&P Emerges From Bankruptcy

Attention all Local 1500 Members working for Pathmark, yesterday A&P/Pathmark announced they have exited Bankruptcy.

Here is their Full Company Press Release: http://www.aptea.com/pressRoom_article.asp?id=248

Article from the Associated Press:

MONTVALE, N.J. (AP) — The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Company Inc., which was once the nation's largest grocer, said Tuesday that it has emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection as a private company.

The company filed for bankruptcy protection in late 2010 after struggling with weak sales and enormous debts.

The grocer, known for its A&P chain, has secured financing for operations, refurbished some stores and negotiated new agreements with suppliers and its employee unions.

It also has a new management team in place. The company announced Tuesday that it has named Raymond Silcock as its chief financial officer. He joined the company in 2011 as head of finance. Silcock replaces Frederic Brace, who is resigning from his role as chief restructuring, financial and administrative officer now that the bankruptcy process is complete.

"In just over one year, we have completed a thorough restructuring of A&P's cost structure and balance sheet to build a strong foundation for the company's future," Sam Martin, A&P's president and CEO said in a statement. "With the full support of our financial partners, the new A&P is committed to delivering exceptional value and an enhanced in-store experience to all of our customers."

The company operates more than 300 grocery and drug stores in six states under the A&P, Best Cellars, Food Basics, The Food Emporium, Pathmark, Superfresh and Waldbaum's names

A&P, based in Montvale, was founded in 1859 and is considered one of the country's first supermarket chains.

Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved

Weeks End News Briefs: Walmart in LA, A&P Bankruptcy & Whole Foods in Brooklyn

Here's a round up of the top News from this week: 

The A&P Bankruptcy judge has OK'd the company's Chapter 11 exit plan.  A&P also announced, Sam Martin will remain as CEO.

President Bruce Both of UFCW Local 1500 has released a statement on Sam Martin's salary and bonus during bankruptcy.

UFCW President Joe Hansen was on the Bill Press show discussing: Walmart, Presidential Primaries & the political attack on workers around the country. Check it out on the UFCW Blog!

A 52,000 square foot Pennsylvania Pathmark, set to close within two months, has four potential supermarket retailers vying for the site. Hopefully they're union employers.

The Southampton Press has an update on a new King Kullen in Southampton.

Trader Joe's has finally signed the Fair Food Agreement with the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, agreeing to pay a penny more a pound for tomato pickers in Florida, which is speculated to be nearly a 50% increase in pay for farmers.

With Whole Foods on pace to open 27 new stores this year, on Tuesday they won approval to build their first store in Brooklyn at the Gowanus Canal.

Walmart is trying to open a neighborhood market in LA, a 33,000 square foot store would be the first 'neighborhood market' in LA, and is proposed to be opened below a multi-floor senior citizen apartment complex. The project is being met with opposition from small businesses throughout downtown LA. Check out more @HuffingtonPost.

Ahold (parent company of Stop & Shop) has bought the online retailer Bol.com for $470 million, in order to increase internet sales.

Ahold also had a huge fourth-quarter, announcing their fourth-quarter profit jumped 75% 

Britain's largest unions are threatening a strike during the Olympics.

American Rights at Work released a great report which reveals when employees come together, benefits go beyond the workplace.

In support of UFCW Local 5's negotiations, Local 5 members are dropping by stores asking consumers for support by signing pledge cards.

And finally if you hadn't heard, an over 15-year UFCW Local 1776 member and Diary Manager won a Grammy! Congratulations!

Statement On A&P CEO Sam Martin's Lucrative Bonus & Salary During Bankruptcy

In response to the report from Supermarket News of A&P retaining CEO Sam Martin for a $1.2 million dollar annual salary and $720,000 signing bonus, President Bruce Both released the following statement:

The Following is a Statement from UFCW Local 1500 President Bruce W. Both Regarding the Details of A&P/Pathmark President Sam Martins Salary and Financial Incentive Package

“At a time when we should all be feeling positive about A&P/Pathmark emerging from Chapter 11, we are reminded how unfair the bankruptcy process has been to the A&P/Pathmark employees and union members operating the stores.

While the workers who are the foundation of this company and its only hope for a successful turnaround have been asked to endure painful economic cuts, A&P CEO Sam Martin is being given an unnecessary and excessive signing bonus in addition to his $1.2 million dollar annual salary.

These actions are the type that cut at the morale of the workforce and question whether A&P has any understanding of the sacrifice its employees have made to turn around this once proud supermarket chain and return it to profitability.”

Related:  Supermarket News: A&P to Retain Sam Martin as CEO http://supermarketnews.com/latest-news/martin-stay-ap-ceo

Sam Martin to Remain as A&P CEO

Update for Pathmark Members, A&P has announced Sam Martin will remain as CEO, inking a $1.2 million annual deal, which included a $720,000 signing bonus.

From Supermarket News: http://supermarketnews.com/latest-news/martin-stay-ap-ceo
Martin to Stay as A&P CEO
Thu, 2012-03-01 06:52
By: Jon Springer

MONTVALE, N.J. — Sam Martin has accepted an offer of $1.2 million annually to remain as the chief executive officer of A&P upon its emergence from Chapter 11, court papers showed.

Martin — along with most of his current senior executive team — is set to remain in place as A&P exits Chapter 11 bankruptcy and continues as a private company with new owners. Martin will receive an annual salary of $1.2 million and agreed to a sign-on bonus of $720,000 to be paid by the company’s new owners. Martin will also participate in a long-term incentive plan that could earn him a share of up to 7.5% of the equity in the new company, as well as a short-term bonus plan.

The employment status of Jake Brace, the company’s current chief financial officer and its chief restructuring officer, remains subject to ongoing negotiations, A&P said.

Current senior executives Thomas O’Boyle (chief merchandising officer); Paul Hertz (chief operating officer); Christopher McGarry (chief legal officer) and Carter Knox (chief human resources officer) have also been retained and are likewise eligible for the long-term and short-term incentives as Martin.

Martin will also serve as one of seven members of the board of directors for the new company.

In a separate filing, the United Food and Commercial Workers union indicated it had designated Lou Giraurdo to serve on the board of directors of the new company. The UFCW was granted one board appointee who would not serve on behalf of, or take orders from, the union.

Giraurdo is a partner in a San Francisco law firm of Coblentz, Patch, Duffy & Bass and represents food and financial services firms in acquisitions and refinancings. He is also a co-founder and partner in GESD Capital Partners, a private equity firm with investments in several food and wine companies; a former CEO of Pacific Coast Baking Co.; and a former chairman of Pabst Brewing.

New owners Yucaipa Co., Mount Kellet Capital Management and Goldman Sachs were to appoint five board members. Yucaipa’s Ron Burkle will serve as chairman.

As reported previously, the judge this week approved A&P’s reorganization plan, and the company is expected to emerge from Chapter 11 shortly.

Thursday's News Briefs:

A UFCW represented Jim Beam plant in Cincinnati will close, leaving 122 UFCW 32D members jobless.

Patch asks what local shoppers think about the possibility of a Southern California strike.

A&P's new Philadelphia Superfresh is their first store in PA in 10-years.  It opened yesterday, Sam Martin, "On behalf of our 39,000 Associates across the Company, I want to thank Mayor Michael Nutter, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776, and the developer of the property, Bart Blatstein, for their support and for welcoming Superfresh to this great community."

A&P announced they'll be deploying 'deal management software."

The AFL-CIO is asking, "Who do you love on Labor Day?" We <3 Food & Commercial Workers! Who do you <3 this Labor Day?


Progressive Grocer has named ShopRite 2011 retailer of the year.

The Long Island Herald covers Target's illegal tactics and labor violations at Valley Stream: Union officials said they expected the NLRB’s decision to be in their favor. “We were confident from the beginning that Target’s conduct was illegal,” said Aly Waddy, a union organizer. “It was not surprising.” 

Businesses are coming out against the NLRB rule changes (obviously) and are claiming they'll affect 'job creation'.

The Fresh Market continues to grow...


Target is looking for hundreds of employees in their new Canada stores.

Statement from President Both; Re: A&P's Bonus Plan

Image via WikipediaThe following is a statement from Bruce W. Both, President of United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 1500:


“On April 26th A&P submitted a revised incentive plan to U.S. Bankruptcy Court that would provide its top executives with up to $3.7 million in performance bonuses. The incentive plan replaces the one that was opposed by us and other creditors and was rejected by the bankruptcy judge in the case last month.

As we did previously, UFCW Local 1500 opposes A&P's latest plan to reward their top executives while our members continue to suffer. It is outrageous for top executives to continue seek bonuses that total up to $3.7 million while asking our members to continue to shoulder real sacrifices.

A&P continues to exhibit such indifference to the hardships of our members. Company executives that have been with this company for no more than a year in some cases are seeking to benefit from the hard work our members have put in over the last few decades in order to keep their paychecks coming. They seek to transfer money out of the pockets of our members and into their own pockets. That is not a responsible reorganization plan.

It has been over 130 days since A&P filed for bankruptcy and A&P still has no turnaround business plan, yet they continue to lobby the courts for bonuses. That is irresponsible and indicative of the management problems that have brought is to this point.

UFCW Local 1500 will continue to oppose these “Key Employee Incentive Plans” until they realize that the “Key” employees are the members of our Union working in the stores.” 

Support and join Pathmark employees on Facebook.

Thursday Afternoon News Briefs

Image by Getty Images via @daylife

 "As part of our ongoing review of our store footprint, we determined that these 25 Superfresh locations are outside of A&P's core market,"
-Sam Martin, A&P CEO in today's Baltimore Sun.

#A&P/Pathmark

A&P has said it has approached bankruptcy courts to approve the sale of 25 Superfresh stores, as part of its plans to revive its business. The firm said the sale includes 22 outlets in Maryland, two in Delaware and one in Washington D.C. [Press Release]

So A&P is trying to sell 25 Superfresh stores as part as their turnaround strategy, why Superfresh? The Baltimore Sun analyzes the situation.

And then there is a planned Pathmark to open in North Liberties, PA. Where the developer has petitioned the bankruptcy judge to 'clear the way for a new supermarket to open', where Pathmark has continued to stall and are according to the motion "affecting the ability to sign leases with other tenants in the shopping center."  Read it @ Philly.com.

Seems that everyone is getting their licks in on A&P, in NYC a developer is suing A&P to recover some $6 million they put down on a deal which fell through to develop two luxury towers on Cherry Street in Manhattan. Read it @ WSJ Blogs.

Central Jersey Press: Hillsborough Pathmark to Close this Weekend.

Supermarket News covers our charge against A&P...Secretary-Treasurer Tony Speelman said on Twitter, "We will not allow A&P to 're-build' their company on our members' backs. Closing stores and laying off people who helped build this once great company is not a business plan." You can follow him on Twitter @Aspeel1500.

UFCW Reps are scheduled to speak at Ahold's (Stop & Shop owner) annual meeting in the Netherlands....  Three workers from Virginia will also attend.

UFCW California Contract: Members of seven California UFCW Locals are scheduled to take strike authorization votes next week.

#WalmartNYC

Crain's: Walmart foes battle retailer's Brooklyn Plan. 

@ NY1: Brooklyn Residents Raise Concerns on Potential Walmart.  "Walmart forces businesses to shut down. They can't compete with their low prices, and traffic is lost on neighborhood retail strips and small businesses close down," said Daniel Coates of Small Business United.  More @TheRealDeal.


New York City says "Don't be Related to Walmart!", Matt Ryan from JWJ writes in the Huffington Post.


Walmart is downsizing their electronics department for more plus-sized clothing...

#Elsewhere

A Met Foods in the Bronx is changing over to a Foodtown.


@AFL-CIO, you can show solidarity with workers, buy a 'We are ONE' pin or button.
 
The bidding for BJ's Wholesale Club starts today...

Target pushing north to Canada @FoxNews.

Afternoon News Recap: 3/18-3/21

The Washington D.C. Council is considering Walmart curbs, forcing retailers over 75k sqft and over $1 billion annual sales revenue, to sign a Community Benefits Agreement.

Sam Martin outlines his 5 steps for A&P's turnaround in Forbes. (link updated)

A judge in Wisconsin filed an injunction to block Scott Walker's collective bargaining law.

John Castimatidis is unsure if he'll run for Mayor of NYC.

Walmart announced they'll be opening 6 new stores in Chicago.

The NLRB has upheld UFCW Local 371's organizing victory of 400 workers at Foxwoods Casino.

BJ's Wholesale Club is looking to open a new store in Lansing, NY and Amherst, NY.

Wednesday Morning One Liners: A&P is closing 32 stores across six states

Yesterday, A&P announced they will be closing 32 stores across six states.   Supermarket News provides the full list of stores, not confirmed by the company.  They also announced six new VP's yesterday.

“While this was a very difficult decision that will unfortunately impact some of our customers, partners, communities and employees, these actions are absolutely necessary as we work to strengthen A&P’s operating foundation and improve our performance,” Sam Martin, chief executive officer of A&P, said in a statement.

Crain's NY: Bankrupt Grocer to Shutter 32 Stores.

More @ Asbury Park Press,  Philadelphia Business Journal, Star-Ledger, Long Island Business News, Patch, NJ.com,

Fresh Direct is expanding deliveries to Bergen County, New Jersey.

Four Walmart employees were fired a week after disarming a man who was attempting to smuggle a laptop computer out of the Utah store. Walmart says the employees were terminated because they violated company policy. [CNN]

Target to open 'City-Target' in Chicago.

Big-Y to take over vacant ShopRite site.

Yesterday, Greenburgh's town board approved the building of a new Stop & Shop.

NYC is not the only community protesting a possible Walmart.