ShopRite Labor Relations Director Retiring

Linda Lussier, director of labor relations at ShopRite Supermarkets Inc. (SRS), the owner and operator of 34 New York and New Jersey corporate ShopRite stores, is retiring after 43 years with the company.

Lussier began her career with ShopRite in 1974 as a courtesy counter associate, rising through the ranks to take on such roles as assistant manager, store director, VP of operations and, most recently, director of labor relations, in which capacity she oversaw all labor negotiations, incorporating her operations experience with her knowledge of labor law, union contracts and payroll processing to create best-in-class standards for SRS. She additionally supervised the administration of payroll and benefits to 6,500-plus associates.

“We thank Linda for the dedicated service and expertise she has brought to ShopRite over the years,” said Tom Urtz, VP of operations at Florida, N.Y.-based SRS. “Linda has been a consummate team player throughout her career, always striving to benefit the organization and maintain fairness for the associates she worked on behalf of daily. A strong leader and role model, she has had a profound influence on those around her, and is a shining example what can be achieved through hard work. We wish her all the best in her retirement.”

The recipient of many accolades over the course of her career, Lussier, who was the first female store director and VP of operations for Big V Supermarkets Inc., acquired by SRS in 2000, and ShopRite, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from SRS for her strong leadership and contributions to the company. She has also served as mentor for other women in the business.

SRS is a wholly owned subsidiary of Keasbey, N.J.-based Wakefern Food Corp., the largest U.S. retailer-owned cooperative with members who own and operate more than 270 supermarkets in six northeast states under the ShopRite, the Fresh Grocer, Price Rite and Dearborn Market banners.