More Than 1000 Workers at Local Portland Grocery Store Chain New Seasons Market Are on Strike | Eater Portland
"Workers at 11 unionized locations of a local Portland grocery chain are on strike and participating in a work stoppage today, November 27, in response to alleged unfair labor practices and failing to reach a new deal with management. "We have made our best effort to offer the company numerous ways to avert a strike by ceasing their unfair labor practices and offering our members a deal that meets their needs, yet they refuse," says Ava Robins, co-chair of the labor union, in a press release. In a statement, a company spokesperson said, "[The market] staff are the heart of our business, and we respect the NSLU’s right to engage in this protected activity, which is common during collective bargaining. We remain focused on minimizing disruption so we can provide our customers with the service they’ve come to expect." According to the union press release, the strike was prompted by a recent management proposal that allegedly included a "a dismal increase" of 25 cents for new hires, a reduction in holiday pay, and increasing the hours necessary to receive benefits and paid time off from 24 to 30 hours a week; in a prior bargaining session management also allegedly proposed eliminating company-funded health insurance in exchange for a higher wage. The company notes that both parties have met at "mutually agreed-upon times" and have reached 16 tentative agreements, and a spokesperson added, "Throughout the collective bargaining process, our priority has been the well-being of our staff and customers. We remain committed to constructive negotiations, which we believe are the path to resolution." The union is also urging a holiday-season boycott: "We have always had support from our community in our fight for a fair contract, and the number one way that customers can support us now is by refusing to shop at [the market] this holiday season, and joining us on the picket line on Wednesday," says Jimbo Heiner, a chapter representative at the Sellwood location. New Seasons Labor Union, founded in 2022, represents over 1,000 workers across the Portland metro area and is organizing to raise the wage threshold to the living-wage minimum of $27.04 set by the MIT Economics department, push for cost-of-living raises, increased paid time off, permission for cashiers and other workers to sit during their shifts, premium pay for overnight work, and more. Currently the company offers a starting wage of $16.25 an hour, an automatic raise every six months, and benefits eligibility for employees working at least 24 hours per week; the Portland metro minimum wage is $15.95 an hour. In advance of the strike, the union has filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board." - Rebecca Roland
