A&P, UFCW Negotiations Affecting Local Workers

With A&P Stores and UFCW, the union that represents thousands of employees at A&P supermarkets, are in the midst of contentious contract negotiations, which could affect some local residents and their livelihoods.

Holbrook resident Joe Lambiase, a butcher at the Pathmark in Holbrook, has been with the company for 30 years.

“You can never over-service the customer, nor can you go wrong by offering them the best, finest cuts of meat and other products,” said Lambiase.

A&P has made significant demands during the negotiations including salary cuts, multi-year wage freezes, vacation and sick day cuts and an increase in the cost of healthcare insurance.

Even with the business negotiations going on, Lambiase said he still is proud to develop one-on-one relationships with customers and he considers many of them friends.

“I and my fellow workers at the Holbrook Pathmark take great pride in the service we provide to this community,” Lambiase said. “We relish this store and its customers and we have always felt good coming to work each day.”