Nearly 1,000 Grocery Workers Earn Wage Increases, Protection Against LGBT Discrimination & Increased Guaranteed Hours for More Part Time Workers
Last week UFCW Local 1500 members working at D’Agostino Supermarket unanimously ratified a new three-year contract. The contract provides five raises over the next three years to nearly 1,000 men and women working at D’Agostino’s 13 stores. “I’m very proud of this new contract,” said negotiating committee member Jasmine Dalton, “We got the raises that we deserve, maintained our benefits and increased the guaranteed hours for more part-time workers. It’s a win,” Dalton concluded.
The agreement significantly expanded the amount of part-time workers who receive a guaranteed minimum 20-hour workweek, a key benefit for retail jobs. "This is huge for us," said Terry Quinones, lead union negotiator, "Retail scheduling is usually sporadic, making it difficult to balance a personal life and schedule. Now, even more part-timers can have an ease of mind knowing they have a minimum set number of hours each week. This is going to help hundreds of our families," Quinones said.
The new contract maintains all health and welfare benefits, and protects all members of UFCW Local 1500 from any discrimination because of: race, color religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, disability, national origin, genetic information or gender identity or expression.
