Contact: Nicole Young

Email: Nicoleyoung@ufcw1776.org

November 22, 2024 (Philadelphia) – Workers at Whole Foods in Philadelphia, supported by UFCW Local 1776, have filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) to hold a union election.

Workers at Philly Whole Foods issued the following statement: 

“Hello world! We are Philly Whole Foods Team Members seeking to form the very first union at Whole Foods Market! An overwhelming majority of workers at our store have made it clear: we need a collective voice to fight for what we deserve. No one should have to beg for fair compensation and better working conditions while working for one of the most profitable organic grocers in the world! Stay tuned for updates as our organizing continues and grows.  

Despite generating 93.8 billion dollars in gross profits in 2023, Whole Foods Market refuses to pay their workers a living wage. As Jason Buechel, Jeff Bezos and other major Amazon shareholders’ pockets grow deeper, team members struggle to afford rent, healthcare, childcare, and other basic necessities.

We work hard and have a lot of passion for what we do. Some of us have been with Whole Foods for decades. But, no matter how long we’ve been with the company, we should all be recognized and compensated fairly for our work. Lifting, stocking shelves, and bending repetitively, all while standing for hours, is physically demanding. The speed with which we are pushed to work increases every day. It is becoming impossible to balance our health, our safety, and our desire to satisfy and delight our customers with the company’s thirst for profits. 

With Thanksgiving approaching (the company’s busiest and most profitable time of year), it’s time for us to fight for what we deserve. By forming our union, we aim to be a beacon of hope for every Whole Foods and Amazon worker, all around the world. We can and will fight for what we deserve: fair pay, better working conditions, and a voice for all!”

The Philly Whole Foods Workers are on Instagram with the handle @phillywholefoodsworkers