Day of Action to Support Mrs. Green's Workers Going Back to Work

This week, UFCW and UFCW/RWDSU Locals throughout Region 1 participated in a day of action on July 22, 2014 to support the eight unlawfully fired workers returning to work at Mrs. Green’s Natural Market.   The eight workers were leading union supporters in a closely contested union election in May 2013.   

Afterwards, Mrs. Green’s was federally charged for intimidating and interrogating employees.  The charges were settled after Mrs. Green’s agreed to create a safe, intimidation free atmosphere, and post a federally issued notice on workers’ right to organize.  In January 2014 the eight workers were unlawfully fired for “poor job performance”.  The workers had over 60 years combined experience, some of them worked at the store for over 13 years.  Local 1500 filed more charges, alleging the firings were in retaliation for their union support.   Workers had been on a picket line in front of the store for over six months until the company settled and agreed to return the workers with back pay, days before a federal hearing on July 24, 2014.  The day of action commemorated the workers’ victory, fighting back against a multi-national employer.     

“We're returning to work with the same fears we had in November, when we faced intimidation and threats before we were ultimately fired.  We still need protection at work and we still need your support.  The last time we worked inside the store, Mrs. Green’s illegal treatment of us led to the most difficult times in our lives, so thank you all for your support!” said Yesica Mendez, one of the eight unlawfully fired workers who returned to work on July 22.