On Tuesday, May 12, UFCW Local 152 President Brian String issued a letter to Acme Markets officials describing the Local’s stance on continuing appreciation pay for members.

“As you know UFCW Local 152 members have shown their loyalty and dedication to ACME Markets (“Company”) as well the community and the general public by diligently working during the COVID-19 pandemic. These members have taken on significant medical risks to themselves and their families by reporting to the stores on a daily basis to do their part to keep the retail food supply available to a nervous public. They have also been recognized as front line essential workers and heroes by their Governors and State Legislatures. Unfortunately, many of our members have paid the price of being on the front lines by contracting the COVID virus with the significant personal and family consequences that come with the diagnosis.

“It is with this background that Local 152 urges the ACME Markets to continue the hazard pay program of $2.00 per hour to our members beyond May 15, 2020,” President String writes.

“There is simply no valid reason to deny them the premium pay which they deserve. The Company must show its value to these dedicated members by not eliminating the premium based on short-sighted corporate profits. It is in this time of crisis that Local 152 members have shown their dedication to the Company and their communities. The Company should do the same and continue the hazard pay program indefinitely.”

Acme Markets reportedly plans on ceasing the appreciation pay premium effective Sunday, May 16. UFCW Local 152 believes this decision is unfair and unreasonable. We will continue to update our members as updates come. Please visit our Coronavirus page for all the latest news and updates concerning COVID-19.