This month, Zara workers in Cherry Hill and Freehold, N.J., chose to start a union at their work by joining UFCW Local 888. UFCW Local 888 represents over 250 New Jersey Zara workers.
Zara union workers chose to join UFCW Local 888 because of the UFCW’s leadership as the top retail union in the country representing the men and women in the retail industry. As one of the top retail unions, UFCW organizers were able to connect with these workers about the most important issues they face every day at their workplace, including scheduling and paid time off, and help them build a strategic plan to make lasting improvements.
Often times workers may face issues at their store that they do not realized are tied to larger, company or industry-wide problems. When workers are isolated, they are left to deal with these issues on their own, and may put up with less than they deserve if they believe they are the only ones impacted. Being part of a union helps connect the dots and make it possible to tackle systemic issues head on.
Zara is a global retail company specializing in clothing, accessories, shoes, swimwear, beauty, and perfumes. It is the largest company in the Inditex group, the world’s largest apparel retailer.
Twenty-nine million Americans work in the retail industry, making it the largest private sector-employer in the economy. According to The National Retail Federation, retail supports 42 million jobs and represents $2.6 trillion of annual GDP in the United States. Retail workers who contribute so much to our economy should have good wages and benefits they can build their lives around. The UFCW is committed to a better life for Zara workers, and for all hard working men and women.
“We are excited to welcome Zara Cherry Hill and Freehold to the Local 888 family and we are looking forward to working with all six stores in securing a strong UFCW contract,” said UFCW Local 888 President Max Bruny.