(Rochester, N.Y.) – Lieutenant Governor Robert Duffy has called on Wegmans Food Markets, Inc. and Teamsters Local Union 118 to return to the bargaining table to resolve the expired labor agreement covering 900 warehouse workers, drivers and skilled tradesmen at the company’s headquarters in Rochester, N.Y.

In a letter to the parties, Duffy called on both sides “to return to the bargaining table, for the benefit of our local communities and with the intention of finalizing a labor agreement by October 15, 2013.” Accordingly, the parties will not initiate a labor dispute through this period of resumed negotiations.

Wegmans and the Teamsters have agreed and plan to resume negotiations Oct. 11. Duffy or his appointee will remain available to the parties should their assistance become necessary.

Duffy’s office called for renewed negotiations, in part, because the federal government shutdown shuttered offices including the Federal Mediation and Conciliation service and National Labor Relations Board.

“As the former Mayor of Rochester and the current Lieutenant Governor of New York State, I urge both groups to work together,” Duffy said. “I have a positive relationship with, and great respect for, both organizations, and I would be willing to assist the process in any way that could help lead to a positive resolution.”

Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and “like” us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters.

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