UFCW Says A&P Discusses Union Contracts

SN STAFF

CLIFTON, N.J. — For the first time since A&P filed for bankruptcy protection late last year, the chain discussed possible changes in its labor contracts with representatives of 12 locals of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union, a UFCW official said Friday.

Harvey Whille, president of UFCW Local 1262 here, said A&P also discussed the role it believes Pathmark should play in the bankruptcy process

"Our hope is for Pathmark to emerge as a healthy company that supports good union jobs in as many communities as possible," Whille said in a press statement.

"UFCW members are, and always have been, the backbone of Pathmark. By standing together in solidarity with other UFCW local unions and the respective A&P stores they represent, such as Pathmark, we will emerge from this process stronger than ever."

The 12 locals have been meeting with A&P management in a continuing series of meetings related to the bankruptcy filing. Local 1262 represents approximately 30,000 members employed by Pathmark and other supermarkets in New Jersey and New York's Hudson Valley.