LANCASTER, N.Y. — As of Sunday, Tops company reached a tentative agreement with Teamsters Local 264 after negotiations took place.
In a statement made by Tops they said
"Following further negotiations Sunday, June 9, Tops Markets and Teamsters Local Union #264, which represents Tops Distribution Center associates, reached a tentative agreement that will go before union membership for a vote on Monday, June 10. Local union leadership indicated their strong support of the new agreement on Sunday after we worked through their members’ concerns while together at the bargaining table. Sunday’s negotiations resulted in a four-year contract agreement that contains a strong, industry-leading compensation and benefits package for Tops associates. As we await the upcoming vote, Tops stores remain open and serving customers."
Friday morning began with the strike and ended with a tentative four-year agreement between Tops Friendly Markets and the membership of Teamsters Local Union No. 264.
The union voted down that agreement on Saturday, so the strike continued on at the Tops distribution center on Genesee Street in Lancaster. The union represents about 590 Tops warehouse associates and drivers.
Union members declined to speak with 2 On Your Side on Saturday afternoon. They had said on Friday that they want to be fairly compensated, especially with rising costs due to inflation.
Tops Markets issued a statement Saturday, following the vote:
"Tops Markets is disappointed that the exceptional, industry-leading terms of our tentative contract agreement were voted down on Saturday by the membership of Teamsters Local Union #264, which represents about 590 Tops warehouse associates and drivers.
"At the conclusion of our all-day negotiations Friday, union leadership communicated their firm support for the terms of the agreement and stated an intent to publicly endorse the offer with both media and their membership. Tops remains committed to reaching a long-term contract agreement and is willing to work with union leadership to address the concerns of their members; however, it is evident that the union must resolve certain internal discord before any progress can be achieved.
"Our responsibility as an organization is to ensure that every community we serve has access to the groceries they need to feed their families. Throughout our company footprint, Tops is often the only supermarket in a town or neighborhood, rendering it essential that we keep all stores open, stocked, and serving customers. As such, we have advanced contingency plans to do exactly that. We will keep feeding our communities while meeting the needs of all 14,000 Tops associates. In the days to come, customers will continue to experience the same service, selection, and value that they rely on from their local Tops store."
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