Union Members Gather To Discuss A&P Layoffs

Union leaders representing workers at seven A&P supermarkets in Connecticut threatened with closure say they still hope to protect their members’ rights. The seven are being sold to Big Y as A&P struggles with its finances. WNPR’s Harriet Jones reports.

Officials from the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 371 met Wednesday with A&P executives and investors in New Jersey, where the chain is headquartered. Almost 700 workers will be laid off next month when the seven Connecticut stores close. Union president Thomas Wilkinson says he still hopes to be able to secure a good deal for them.

Big Y has said it will re-open some of the stores but it has not given a commitment on all seven. Workers will have to re-apply for new jobs-- Big Y is not unionized.

For WNPR, I'm Harriet Jones.