Tops union workers begin strike

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — About 550 union workers at Tops are expected to go on strike shortly after midnight Friday after rejecting the company’s latest offer, sources tell News 4 WIVB.

Teamsters Local 264 voted overwhelmingly against Tops’ latest contract proposal Thursday night, triggering the strike.

Three union contracts with Tops expired at the end of May. The union voted on May 16 to authorize a strike. The union represents warehouse workers and drivers.

“Tops’ latest offer contained industry-leading total compensation and benefits packages that exceed all previous contracts we have entered into with the union,” Tops said in a statement Thursday evening. “After our proposed agreement was rejected today, we immediately requested the resumption of negotiations to reach a resolution as quickly as possible. Building on our company’s long and proud union history, we value our partnership with the local workforce and are optimistic that we will soon reach a long-term agreement that meets our responsibility to our entire organization and allows us to fulfill our commitment to serve the grocery store. needs of our community.