UFCW 400, CSA to Help Magruder's Workers as Independent Grocer Closes

(Metropolitan Washington Council, AFL-CIO)United Food & Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 400 will provide active and intensive assistance to its members working at Magruder's following the small, independent chain's decision to close its four grocery stores and one liquor store after 138 years; the last 46 under the current management. "We are saddened by Magruder's decision to leave the grocery and retail business," said Local 400 President Mark P. Federici. "Unfortunately, this is a reflection of the still-struggling economy, skyrocketing real estate costs, and competition against predatory retailing giants trying to drive the few remaining independent, family-run businesses out of the market.” Local 400 will work “tenaciously” to place the roughly 85 affected members in new union jobs with other grocery chains and in connecting members with needed community services, assisted by the Metro Washington Council’s Community Services Agency. "Our hard-working members did everything possible to keep Magruder's alive," Federici said, "and we will do everything possible to ensure that no one is left behind. Our Magruder's members can count on their union to help them through this challenging time and empower them to achieve a better future." - photo: a Magruder's employee makes a delivery to a customer's home in N.W. Washington D.C - circa 1942; photo courtesy Magruder’s