Shaw’s Supermarket Truckers, Mechanics Go On Strike

Truck drivers and mechanics for Shaw's supermarkets went on strike Monday morning, according to Teamsters Local 340.

The union authorized a strike in November, according to a statement from Shaw's to WMTW TV at the time. Talks have continued since unsuccessfully since August over health insurance, retirement benefits and subcontracting language, the union wrote on its Facebook page along with pictures posted of its members holding picket signs.

"The company has enjoyed approximately 125% profit during the pandemic. All employees for the company have given their all during this time, as they always do. Dispute that, the company has failed to bring forward a fair contract offer," the union said.

Shaw's employs 65 drivers and mechanics at two locations on Payne Road in Scarborough and Spencer Drive in Wells, according to the earlier statement.

A spokesperson for Shaw’s told Seacoast Current the company has been bargaining "in good faith" with the union and will continue those talks this week.

"Since August 2020 we have participated in approximately 20 bargaining sessions including one quarter of these sessions with a federal mediator in attendance. We remain committed to reaching an agreement that recognizes the tremendous value our associates provide to our company’s current and future success," the spokesperson said.

The chain said its latest offer was not presented to the membership for a vote.

"Our current proposal is consistent with our outlined goal, setting forth industry leading contract improvements, yet it was not presented to the membership for a vote for approval. We look forward to our employees returning to work this week," the spokesperson said.

Customers should not be affected by the strike as the spokesperson said the chain prepared and deliveries will continue as scheduled.

"Our customers can be assured that throughout this process, we will continue to provide the unmatched customer service they have come to expect from Shaw’s," the spokesperson said.

Shaw's has 26 stores in New Hampshire, 55 in Massachusetts and 21 in Maine. Six locations are on the Seacoast.

Note: This story was edited Monday afternoon to add comment from Shaw's.

Contact reporter Dan Alexander at Dan.Alexander@townsquaremedia.com or via Twitter @DanAlexanderNH