Whole Foods workers in Philadelphia win landmark union victory

Whole Foods workers in Philadelphia have formed a union with the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW) Local 1776, marking the first successful labour drive at the Amazon-owned grocery chain. This historic win will hopefully be the first of many at the upscale food retailer.

Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, praised the workers’ determination. “Whole Foods workers have overcome Amazon’s aggressive union-busting to secure a voice on the job. This victory is inspiring, not just for Whole Food workers in the U.S., but Amazon workers worldwide. It shows that not even the most powerful companies in the world can stop workers from organizing and demand the fair treatment they deserve.”

The majority of workers at the Philadelphia store cast voted in favour of joining the UFCW in an election held by the U.S. National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The vote despite Amazon’s to unions across its businesses, including warehouses, delivery operations and now grocery stores.

“This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young IV, president of UFCW Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”

The Philadelphia workers launched their union drive early last year. Their key demands include higher wages, affordable healthcare, childcare support, better work-life balance, and improved working conditions.

Marc Perrone, president of UFCW International, celebrated the win: “Today, we celebrate an incredible victory for the workers at Whole Foods in Philadelphia who have stood together to secure the union representation they deserve. This win sends a powerful message to workers everywhere that when we stand together, we can take on even the largest corporations and win.”

UFCW Local 1776 has already filed charges with the NRLB, accusing Whole Foods of withholding wage increases from the Philadelphia store due to its union efforts and retaliating against pro-union workers.