WELLS, Maine (WBZ NewsRadio) — The drivers and mechanics who supply food to many Shaw's/Star Market stores across New England have gone on strike.
Teamsters Local 340, of Maine, represents around 4,000 people, including the truck-drivers for Shaw's and Star Market. The drivers and mechanics went on strike at 5:30 AM Monday morning.
Local 340 Business Agent Joseph Piccone told the Associated Press that 70 members of Teamsters Local 340 deliver grocery goods to more than 100 stores across the region.
He said that “Nobody wants to strike."
The Teamsters said Shaw's has dragged out negotiations, meeting more than 20 times since last October, when the previous contract expired. The union said the company now says it has a counter-offer, but has no one available with the authority to negotiate with the union.
Albertsons, the company that owns Shaw's/Starmarket, operates more than 150 stores in New England, according to SEC data.
WBZ NewsRadio reached out to Albertsons, but the company had not responded by publication time.
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Written by Chaiel Schaffel
(Photo: Teamsters Joint Council 10)