Shoppers rally for grocery workers

June 12, 2010 3:18 pm

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Supporters of Giant Eagle workers negotiating for a new contract showed that support in a unique way this morning by shopping en masse in the supermarket's location in Shadyside.

About 75 people attended a rally outside the Market District Giant Eagle store on Centre Avenue this morning, rallying in favor of increased wages and benefits for members of the United Food & Commercial Workers union. The union represents about 6,000 workers at the chain, largely in Western Pennsylvania, and their contract with the company expires June 26.

Union members and representatives of the Pittsburgh Interfaith Impact Network then went into the store to hold a "shop-in," where they urged store management to increase worker pay, while also shopping.

"We want our share, and we want to share in the success of Giant Eagle," explained UFCW Local 23 president Tony Helfer.

Timothy McNulty: tmcnulty@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1581.
First Published June 12, 2010 3:18 pm

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