Whole Foods Workers in Philadelphia Make History as 1st Unionized Store
Whole Foods employees voted 130 in favor and 100 against union representation.
Workers at a prominent Whole Foods location in Philadelphia have made history by becoming the first store in the Amazon-owned grocery chain to unionize.
United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1776 celebrated the landmark achievement on social media, stating, “Workers at Amazon’s Whole Foods in Philadelphia made history today as they voted to unionize and WON!”
On Tuesday, the National Labor Relations Board confirmed to YSL News that “Region 4-Philadelphia conducted a ballot count today for 297 full-time and part-time employees at Whole Foods in Philadelphia, PA, to vote on union representation by UFCW Local 1176 Keystone State.”
The board reported that the final vote was 130 in favor and 100 against union representation. With the vote finalized, Whole Foods is now required to “bargain in good faith with the union,” as stated by the board.
Both parties have a period of five business days to raise any objections regarding the election results. If there are no objections, the outcome will be officially certified.
Whole Foods Market Expresses Disappointment
In a statement sent to YSL News on Tuesday, Whole Foods Market expressed its “disappointment with the election results.”
The company emphasized its commitment to fostering a positive work environment at its Center City store in Philadelphia.
Additionally, Whole Foods stated, “We are proud to offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and opportunities for career growth to all Team Members.”
