TEAMSTERS FORCED ON STRIKE AT AGNE

Over 255 Warehouse Workers at Local 633 Strike Over Pension Attacks

PEMBROKE, N.H., Nov. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- More than 255 members of Teamsters Local 633 at Associated Grocers Northeast (AGNE) are on strike after the company failed to offer a fair contract. The warehouse workers and drivers are demanding higher wages, better benefits, and safer working conditions.

On September 26, Teamsters at the Pembroke distribution center voted by a 98 percent margin to authorize a strike if the company continued to demand concessions at the bargaining table, including cuts to the New England Teamsters Pension Fund.

"After months of negotiations, management still refuses to recognize the value of workers who keep their operation running," said Jeff Padellaro, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 633. "Our members are sending a clear message: keep the pension or no contract."

AGNE is the largest retailer-owned wholesale grocery distributor in New England, serving hundreds of independent grocery stores throughout the region. The strike has already disrupted deliveries across New England and New York.

"The company is trying to strip away retirement benefits that we've spent years earning," said Shawn Gilan, a 14-year maintenance worker and member of Local 633. "We're fighting to protect our pension so that we have security and dignity."

"New England Teamsters will not let corporate greed rob them of the retirement security they have rightfully earned. Our pensions are not bargaining chips," said Tom Erickson, Director of the Teamsters Warehouse Division. "We demand that AGNE end its attacks on our members' pensions and return to the bargaining table with a serious proposal. The entire Teamsters Union stands behind Local 633 members. We will not back down until our members win a fair agreement that protects their retirement."

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents over 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow us on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/teamsters.

Contact:
Lena Melentijevic, (347) 208-2279
LMelentijevic@teamster.org

SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters