Truck drivers and warehouse workers for Associated Grocers Northeast (AGNE) in New Hampshire began a strike on Friday, citing a sudden shift away from a traditional pension plan. The walkout, organized by Teamsters Local 633, now includes over 255 union members who voted 98% to reject the proposed 401(k) replacement without employer matching.

Union says pension cut threatens families

Keith Judge, business agent for the union, explained that the pension change would leave many workers without a reliable retirement safety net. “Our members rely on the pension they earned over years of service,” Judge said. “Replacing it with an unmatched 401(k) jeopardizes the financial security of their families, especially as the holiday season approaches.”

Company acknowledges dispute, promises continuity

AGNE President and CEO Mike Violette issued a statement expressing disappointment that negotiations have stalled. “We remain at the bargaining table and hope for a resolution to this contract dispute,” Violette said. He added that the company has a contingency plan to maintain service through Thanksgiving, assuring customers, vendors, and stores that shelves will stay stocked.

Impact on local supermarkets

Associated Grocers Northeast supplies a network of independent supermarkets across the state, including Sully’s in Goffstown. Judge reported that some store owners have already felt the strain, with customers calling to report empty shelves. “We’re hearing from our members that shoppers are reaching out to regular drivers, asking why their shelves are bare,” he said.

Background and next steps

The contract between AGNE and its drivers and warehouse workers expired on October 17, triggering the strike after negotiations failed to produce an agreement on retirement benefits. While the union is prepared to stay on strike for as long as necessary, the company’s contingency measures aim to minimize disruption during the critical holiday shopping period.

Both sides have indicated a willingness to return to the negotiating table, but no timeline has been set for a new agreement. The outcome of this dispute will affect not only the workers and their families but also the broader community of New Hampshire shoppers who depend on AGNE‑supplied groceries.

Original reporting: WMUR (Hearst) – local news — read the source article.