Whole Foods Market Unionizes

The July 13 Wisconsin State Journal reports that the Whole Foods Market in Madison, Wisconsin voted 65 to 54 in favor of joining United Food and Commercial Workers union Local 1444.

This is a first for Whole Foods, the nation’s largest natural supermarket chain with 135 stores. The company’s philosophy is that it’s “a culture that makes representation unnecessary.” John Mackey, Whole Foods’ founder and chief executive officer, is an outspoken opponent of unions. The Madison store openned in 1996.

Brendan O’Sullivan, a union organizer and produce employee, says workers voted for the union to give them a voice in the workplace. Company spokesperson Kate Lowery expressed their “surprise and disappointment” in a published statement. “We firmly believe that with our new regional and store leadership in place, our Madison team members would have soon realized our firm commitment to our founding core values that include team member excellence and happiness.” She also said the company remains “committed to creating and providing a work environment where our team members can flourish and succeed to their highest potential.”

According to the National Labor Relations Board, Whole Foods can file an objection to the election until Friday. Local 1444 will then have a year to bargain and sign a contract with Whole Foods. If they are unable to reach an agreement, the store’s employees may petition to decertify.

[sorry this link is no longer available]