Striking Shaws workers accept new contract

A sometimes bitter four-month long strike by about 300 workers at a Shaw's Supermarkets Inc. distribution center in Methuen has ended with the signing of a new four-year contract.

An official with Local 791 of the United Food and Commercial Workers says workers overwhelmingly voted to accept the new contract on Thursday.

The employees went on strike March 7.

Union officials did not reveal details of the deal, but called it "one of the best warehouse contracts in the industry."

A Shaw's official say the contract includes wage hikes as well as higher health plan contributions by both employees and the company.

The Methuen facility distributes meats, dairy products, produce and other perishables to Shaw's and Star Markets throughout New England.