Impact of potential Hannaford distribution center strike on local stores unclear

The Lilac Mall Hannaford store, one of two currently in Rochester. (Courtesy photo)

ROCHESTER - A potential strike by warehouse workers at Hannaford's South Portland, Maine, warehouse isn't expected to immediately affect Hannaford's two stores in Rochester, but if any job actions drag on it's possible it might.

Mike Norton, a Hannaford spokesman at their Scarborough, Maine, corporate office, said today that they don't operate the distribution center, but refused to elaborate or make further comment.

Norton said he'd send an email that the chain food retailer had prepared for media outlets, but after several hours it hadn't arrived and Norton was not available by phone.

Union workers at the Hannaford Distribution Center voted to reject Hannaford's offer for a three-year contract and allow a strike, but did not set a date for one, UFCW Local 1445 Jim Carvalho told The Rochester Voice today.

Dissatisfaction among union rank and file included the higher cost of insurance and especially Hannaford's plan to lower the starting pay for those hired after the agreement is signed.

"It would basically be a two-tiered system, which is never good for a work environment," Carvalho said.

Carvalho said union representatives would continue to reach out to Hannaford's this week to try to avert a work action, but if there is no movement, a strike could become imminent.

UFCW Local 1445 represents 15,000 workers in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

A Hannaford store manager at its Lilac Mall store referred all media inquiries to the corporate office in Scarborough.