IMPORTANT MESSAGE FROM PRESIDENT JOHN T. NICCOLLAI TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2026

ACME CONTRACT NEGOTIATIONS

President John T. Niccollai reported today that the Union contract committee met with the ACME Markets contract committee at 10:00 a.m. this morning.  Although the parties agree that our medical plan has substantial reserves, the company is still adamant that both full-time and part-time members must co-pay for their healthcare. They cite the fact that others around the country, in all industries, are co-paying for healthcare and it is now the time for us to co-pay as well.  The Union committee continues to reject this position and it appears more unlikely that we can reach an amicable agreement on this issue. 

The negotiations moved on to other areas of the contract relating to wages and pension benefits. The Union committee stressed the fact that, based upon the monumental increases in living costs, our wage increases must be substantial.  The company acknowledged spiraling living costs but stated they are not Shop Rite and that wage increases must be reasonable in light of their business model and position in the industry. Regarding pension, President Niccollai stated that we are not willing to go from a guaranteed defined-benefit plan to a 401K plan as the company is demanding.  We will not jeopardize the security of our retirement years by destroying the excellent pension plan we have presently.  This is especially concerning since the social security system is questionable as we move into the future. President Niccollai went on to warn the company that the contract expiration is only four days away and we have yet to receive a contract proposal from ACME.  Chief company negotiator Dan Dosenbach indicated that ACME will be prepared with a contract proposal as the first order of business at the next meeting.  The parties agreed to meet again on Friday, February 20^th in an attempt to formulate a new contract.

As your President, I am once again asking that you, as a member, put the company on notice that we are heading for serious problems if they fail to recognize our needs concerning no co-pay medical, substantial wage increases and the proper funding of our defined-benefit pension plan.  No one wants a strike but we can’t afford to live with a contract that doesn’t provide a lifestyle which accommodates our economic, medical and pension needs.

Thank you and please speak up.