N.Y. Stop & Shop Workers to Hold Strike Vote

MINEOLA, N.Y. — More than 1,100 meat, seafood and deli workers at Stop & Stop stores in New York City and Long Island said they would hold a strike authorization vote on Friday, citing a lack of progress in negotiations for a new contract.

The workers, represented by United Food and Commercial Workers Local 342 here, have been working under terms of a contract that was to have expired in October of 2011. According to the union, Stop & Shop has proposed wage freezes as well as “major changes” to health care benefits concurrent with policy changes under the Affordable Care Act. Similar differences have come between Stop & Shop and union workers in New England, who are negotiating with the company separately.

The vote Friday, if approved, would allow Local 342 leaders to call a strike.

A spokesperson for Stop & Shop’s Metro New York division was not immediately available for comment Wednesday.