The union representing New Seasons Market employees has announced a strike, citing “numerous ongoing unfair labor practices” by the company. NSLU Co-Chair Ava Robins stated that New Seasons has “refused” to present a proposal that could avert the strike.
Union efforts to organize began in 2022, and since then, members have claimed that the company has only offered a meager $0.25 increase in starting wages while cutting benefits such as holiday pay.
In previous statements, New Seasons Market claimed to have made multiple attempts to negotiate an agreement with the union. Alongside the planned one-day strike, the 1,100-member union is urging customers to boycott the grocery chain throughout the holiday season.
Workers at the Portland-area grocery chain are set to strike just before Thanksgiving. The New Seasons Labor Union announced that employees from several stores across the city will participate in an Unfair Labor Practice Strike on Wednesday, November 27, coinciding with one of the year’s busiest shopping days. The strike will impact ten of the eleven stores, excluding the University Park location, and follows a previous one-day strike in early September. This action received 82% approval during the authorization vote.
The affected locations are:
– 6400 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR 97217
– 3495 SW Cedar Hills Blvd, Beaverton, OR 97005
– 5320 NE 33rd Ave, Portland, OR 97211
– 3210 NE Broadway, Portland, OR 97232
– 4034 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland, OR 97214
– 1214 SE Tacoma St, Portland, OR 97202
– 1954 SE Division St, Portland, OR 97202
– 2170 NW Raleigh St, Portland, OR 97210
– 6300 N Lombard St, Portland, OR 97203
– 4500 SE Woodstock Blvd, Portland, OR 97206
– 3445 N Williams Ave, Portland, OR 97227
In a recent response, New Seasons stated that the union had “misrepresented” certain facts. The company emphasized the “comprehensive resources” offered to employees, including regular wage increases and holiday pay.
“We have consistently approached collective bargaining in good faith, dedicated to establishing a contract that reflects the interests of all involved,” the statement read. New Seasons asserted that they have met with NSLU at mutually agreed times and responded to their concerns. They also noted that the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has dismissed or withdrawn all charges investigated against them.
Negotiating first-time contracts can be complex, especially with newly formed, independent, worker-led unions lacking legal representation. The company referenced the lengthy process of ratifying a recent contract with Burgerville, which took over three years, and expressed their commitment to progress, having reached sixteen tentative agreements thus far.
