America’s Largest Grocery Union Condemns New Policy that Hurts Workers and Undermines Customer Service
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union (UFCW), the largest grocery union in the country, condemned the plan by Whole Foods, which is owned by Amazon, to cut healthcare benefits for part-time employees. UFCW President Marc Perrone released the following statement:
“Amazon’s plan to cut healthcare for these part-time employees is one of Jeff Bezos’ most brazen attacks on the quality of jobs at Whole Foods and the communities they support.
“Too many workers today are already working two to three jobs just to get the hours and benefits they need, and these cuts by Jeff Bezos just made it harder for them. Grocery jobs should be good jobs and one job should be enough to provide for yourself and your family.”
Background:
As reported by Business Insider, Whole Foods is cutting medical benefits for hundreds of part-time workers. The changes will take effect on January 1 and is expected to hurt 1,900 people who will lose healthcare benefits. The benefits that the company is cutting are offered to part-time employees who work at least 20 hours a week.
UFCW has been a vocal critic of Amazon’s aggressive move to devalue and degrade grocery jobs at Whole Foods. In March 2019, UFCW condemned actions by Whole Foods to reduce employee hours. These cuts came just months after Amazon announced a wage increase that was supposed to be an investment in Whole Foods workers. The reduction in employee hours eliminated any overall increase in income for many Whole Foods workers.
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The UFCW is the largest private sector union in the United States, representing 1.3 million professionals and their families in grocery stores, meatpacking, food processing, retail shops and other industries.
Our members help put food on our nation’s tables and serve customers in all 50 states, Canada and Puerto Rico.
Learn more about the UFCW at www.ufcw.org