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Amazon workers at a PhiladelphiaWhole Foods store have become the first in the company’s grocery chain to form a union, marking a significant milestone as the giant e-commerce giant continues to face growing labor organizing efforts across its stores, warehouses, and delivery teams. The union victory, which was narrowly passed with 130 votes in favor and 100 against, comes amid heightened scrutiny fromWhole Foods after employees began organizing earlier this fall. Workers cited frustration with cuts in wages, benefits, and staffing levels as Amazon took over control of the store in 2017.
Amazon has been actively combating union drives among warehouse workers and delivery drivers, and now faces another round of organized labor threats at its grocery operations. The company, which denied any wrongdoing and called the election result “disappointing,” acknowledged that it could not legally change wages during the voting period or impose restrictions on employees to avoid appearing influenced by the ballot.
The successful unionization effort in Philadelphia has sparked concern among organizers about a potential wave of organizing across otherWhole Foods stores. Meanwhile, Amazon’s broader labor struggles have led to calls for greater transparency from public and private quarters, with some experts warning that the company’s current approach could set a dangerous precedent for regulating worker solidarity.
As the legal battle over contract negotiations between Amazon and its grocery workers intensifies, the union victory in Philadelphia serves as a reminder of the growing power of organized labor at a time when federal labor laws remain a key tool for protecting workers’ rights.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/27/business/whole-foods-union-vote.html