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- calendar_today November 10, 2026
Warehouse Workers Strike at AGNE Enters Ninth Day
Associated Grocers of New England (AGNE), the largest retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor in the Northeast, is facing significant disruption as more than 255 warehouse workers and delivery drivers, represented by Teamsters Local 633, enter the ninth day of a strike. The labor action stems from failed contract negotiations, primarily regarding proposed cuts to the New England Teamsters Pension Fund.
Union Demands Focus on Wages, Benefits, and Pension Security
Teamsters Local 633 is calling for higher wages, improved benefits, and safer working conditions. Jeff Padellaro, secretary-treasurer of Teamsters Local 633, stated, “Our members are sending a clear message: Keep the pension or no contract.” The standoff began after several months of unsuccessful negotiations with AGNE, which has sought concessions including pension reductions.
On Saturday, union members maintained their picket line in Pembroke, New Hampshire, joined by U.S. Representative Maggie Goodlander and state legislators, even amidst adverse weather. Keith Judge, business agent for Teamsters Local 633, expressed solidarity with the striking members: “They are standing together in the pouring rain, defending their families and protecting the pension they earned through years of hard work.”
AGNE’s Response and Contingency Plans
AGNE, which supplies hundreds of independent grocery stores across the region, stated that the union is no longer participating in negotiations but maintains the company remains dedicated to finding a resolution. President and CEO Mike Violette acknowledged, “We are disappointed that negotiations have stalled, but AGNE leaders remain at the table and hope for a resolution to this contract dispute.” With Thanksgiving approaching, Violette assured that AGNE has contingency plans to maintain service during the holiday rush.
Impact on Independent Grocery Stores
The ongoing agne strike is having tangible effects on small and independent markets across the region. The Leverett Village Co-op in rural Massachusetts reported a $2,000 loss in sales since the warehouse workers strike began, according to general manager Ken Washburn. “As a small rural store, we are struggling with the impacts of the strike,” Washburn told Boston.com, noting that while local products remain in stock, many non-local items are unavailable.
Other independent grocers, like Vermette’s Market in Amesbury and West Newbury Food Mart, have also experienced supply chain disruption. Mary Fowler, a family owner, said recent deliveries had "significant shortages on the trucks." She emphasized independent markets’ vital community role, especially during the holiday retail impact period, and described the situation as "an evolving interruption in the supply chain."
Concerns Over the Future of Small Markets and Workers
Store managers and owners have voiced frustration at AGNE’s handling of labor negotiations. Washburn criticized AGNE for not seeking input from member stores, warning that continued refusal to negotiate could threaten the viability of small retailers. "It’s possible that small stores may close," Washburn said, describing the situation as "top-down corporate bullying" affecting workers, local economies, and shoppers alike.
Fowler acknowledged the difficult position faced by delivery drivers, stating many are "very torn" due to their dedication both to the AGNE network and their own families. The ongoing union contract dispute has left independent markets and their communities facing uncertainty as the critical Thanksgiving season approaches.
Looking Ahead
As the agne strike persists, independent market operators and their customers remain uncertain about product availability during one of the busiest shopping periods of the year. Both sides in the labor negotiations have expressed intentions to resolve the dispute, but no agreement has yet been reached.
Source: boston.com.
