Union protests use of out-of-state contractors at ALDI construction site

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 269 union protested Tuesday afternoon against the hiring of out-of-state contractors at the construction site of a new ALDI on Route 130.

Anthony Angelico, small work representative for IBEW Local 269, said area contractors are impacted because out-of-state workers were hired to construct ALDI stores in New Jersey.

"The hiring practices are bringing down the quality of life," Angelico said. "They are bringing in out-of-area contractors, some as far away as Connecticut."

ALDI representatives were not immediately available for comment.

ALDI bought out all of the Bottom Dollar Food stores in November and announced it would remodel and reopen some locations. Three in the Mercer County area are being converted into ALDIs.

Angelico said Bottom Dollar Food employed local contractors. The firms selected to build the stores paid well and offered benefits and retirement plans.

The contractors hired for to convert the Bottom Dollar locations to an ALDI do not receive benefits and a fair wage, Angelico said.

Other protests against ALDI were held at the Trenton ALDI on North Olden Avenue and at one location in Pennsylvania.

Bordentown Mayor Jim Cann said last week that ALDI would open in August, but did not specify a date.

A Dunkin' Donuts being built adjacent to ALDI is expected to be completed by Aug. 21 and will create 20 jobs, said Ed Donovan of Alliance Marketing Partners.

Source: NJ.com