The Union Cares

Unlike Mary Kay Sigaty’s zoning amendments, the Planning Board unanimously approved the zoning that would clear the way for Wegmans. Of course, there is some debate among residents as to whether or not Wegmans “should” be allowed to in the community. Not surprisingly, one group that is speaking out against Wegmans is the employee union for Safeway and Giant employees:

During the hearing before the vote, union representatives said the advent of Wegmans would put other grocers out of business, bring unwanted traffic and alter Columbia's village-like setting with another big-box store.

"It is the wrong way for this county to go," said Buddy Mays, president of United Food & Commercial Workers Union Local 27, which represents Safeway and Giant workers.

You have to love the unbiased opinion of the union. If Wegmans puts any other grocer out of business, it is because a significant number of customers that previously shopped at the village center now shop at the Wegmans. Maybe that is due to better prices, maybe better quality, maybe better customer service. But for whatever reason, the Wegmans experience is expected to be better. Therefore, making an attempt to stop progress for concerns about other grocers is really a form of forced charity paid by the village center residents to the inferior village center grocers. THAT is the wrong way for the County to go.