Union representing Tops warehouse employees rejects latest contract offer

The union representing hundreds of Tops Markets warehouse employees, Teamsters Local 264, have voted to reject the latest contract offer on Saturday. This comes after the two sides reached a tentative four-year agreement Friday.

The union represents about 590 Tops warehouse workers and drivers.

In a statement, Tops officials say they are disappointed that the latest contract offer was voted down.

After an all day negotiation session on Friday, Tops officials told Spectrum News 1 union leadership supported the terms of the deal and stated they would endorse it but that did not materialize.

The company says they have an obligation to their customers and have contingency plans should they be needed.

“Tops Markets is disappointed that the exceptional, industry-leading terms of our tentative contract agreement were voted down on Saturday by the membership of Teamsters Local Union #264, which represents about 590 Tops warehouse associates and drivers,” the statement reads.

At the conclusion of our all-day negotiations Friday, union leadership communicated their firm support for the terms of the agreement and stated an intent to publicly endorse the offer with both media and their membership. Tops remains committed to reaching a long-term contract agreement and is willing to work with union leadership to address the concerns of their members; however, it is evident that the union must resolve certain internal discord before any progress can be achieved.

Our responsibility as an organization is to ensure that every community we serve has access to the groceries they need to feed their families. Throughout our company footprint, Tops is often the only supermarket in a town or neighborhood, rendering it essential that we keep all stores open, stocked, and serving customers. As such, we have advanced contingency plans to do exactly that. We will keep feeding our communities while meeting the needs of all 14,000 Tops associates. In the days to come, customers will continue to experience the same service, selection, and value that they rely on from their local Tops store.”

All Tops stores will remain open during the negotiations.

Spectrum News 1 has reached out to Teamsters Local 264 for comment and have yet to hear back.