According to WGME, hundreds of workers at the Hannaford distribution center in South Portland have gone on strike.

The United Food and Commercial Workers Union (UFCW) said the strike began early this morning (Wednesday).  Around 250 striking workers picketed and attempted to block trucks entering the distribution center.

The workers' old contract expired last week and they are not happy with the terms of their new contract.  The grocery company offered workers a 50 cent annual wage increase but reduced new hires rate from approximately $20/hour to $16/hour.

Delahize America Distribution, LLC, the operators of Hannaford, said the strike will not affect customers and released the following statement:

"Delhaize America Distribution, LLC, is disappointed with the actions of the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) Local 1445 given we have an agreement to mediate on Monday, Feb. 26, and the UFCW represented to us that there would not be a strike at the South Portland, Maine, distribution center prior to those mediation efforts."

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