Resolution - Stop and Shop — File 25-0353

A Resolution Concerning The Labor Dispute Between Teamsters and Stop & Shop WHEREAS: Stop & Shop’s 1.1 Million square foot distribution center in Freetown, Massachusetts is a critical component of their supply chain in New England; and WHEREAS: The facility sits on over 150 acres and delivers perishable and non- perishable goods to more than 200 Stop & Shop locations across Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island; and WHEREAS: Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of Stop & Shop, has made clear its intent to close the Freetown Distribution Center unless Teamsters Local 25 members accept drastic concessions on their healthcare - a benefit they have relied on for over 40 years; and WHEREAS: This escalating crisis threatens the livelihoods of over 900 hardworking Massachusetts residents, and potentially the food security of our region; and WHEREAS: Many of these workers have dedicated decades of service to this company, ensuring that New England families have access to fresh food and essential goods; and WHEREAS: This fight is not just about a single warehouse; it is about protecting good- paying union jobs, standing up to corporate exploitation, and ensuring that companies receiving tax incentives from Massachusetts do not turn their backs on our workers; and WHEREAS: Ahold Delhaize and Stop & Shop have accepted millions in local tax breaks to build and operate the Freetown Facility, but are now prepared to walk away from it entirely; NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council recognizes Stop & Shop’s decision to weaponize job loss in order to force workers into a substandard healthcare plan is not only unjust but also a direct attack on the very communities they serve; AND BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: That the Somerville City Council supports Teamsters Local 25 should they decide to take action, including extending picket lines to every Stop & Shop store in New England, and demands that Ahold Delhaize and Stop & Shop return to the bargaining table in good faith.