Dive Brief:
- A Whole Foods Market in Philadelphia is the first of the chain’s stores to vote in favor of unionizing, according to an announcement from UFCW Local 1776.
- The final vote tally to join the UFCW on Monday was 130 in favor and 100 against, according to the union.
- Whole Foods staffers supporting the unionization efforts met significant pushback from Amazon and Whole Foods management, the latter of which is facing allegations of unfair labor practices, according to UFCW Local 1776.
Dive Insight:
Whole Foods workers at the Philadelphia Center City store, located at 2101 Pennsylvania Ave., filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board in November to hold a union vote, but have been working to organize for about a year, UFCW Local 1776 President Wendell Young IV said in an interview.
The local union will now “bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities,” Young said in a statement.
One of the biggest issues amongst workers at the store is Amazon’s “unrealistic” workplace metrics for food store employees as well as Amazon’s distribution center workers and delivery drivers, Young said, adding that workers have said these metrics are “impossible to consistently reach.”
The unionization effort focused on getting fair wages, better benefits and a safer and more supportive working environment, according to a UFCW press release.
In an emailed statement, Whole Foods said it is “disappointed” by the election’s outcome, noting it is “proud to offer competitive compensation, great benefits, and career advancement opportunities to all Team Members.” The company also confirmed it has complied with all legal requirements throughout the unionization process.
Clarification: This story has been updated to note that workers at the Philadelphia Whole Foods store voted to join the UFCW Local 1776.
