Usually, when you hear from us, it’s because urgent action is needed, but today we are reporting back on a big WIN for New Seasons Labor Union.
When New Seasons Market in Portland, OR fired union treasurer Randy Foster for helping a blind co-worker while Randy was off the clock, the Labor Force was there to help fight back. Workers went on strike for NINE days at six area stores, and this community made countless phone calls to management and raised thousands of dollars in direct donations to Randy’s GoFundMe and New Seasons Labor Union’s strike fund.
We’re excited to say: Solidarity works!
Management budged and agreed to a mediated meeting about Randy’s discipline. Not only that, but during the most recent bargaining session, management made notable economic concessions after months of stalling.
As one picket sign read, “When you mess with Randy, you mess with ALL of us.” Randy’s coworkers, and all of you, put that sentiment into action. New Seasons management saw that the workers had a whole community behind them.
While this isn’t immediate reinstatement for Randy, it marks the first time ever that New Seasons management has agreed to discuss discipline.That’s a precedent-shifting win.
When we fight, we win. Even though at times we must fight tooth and nail for what feels like incremental progress, the fight is still worth fighting, and the wins are always worth celebrating. This is how change happens―one fight at a time.
New Seasons Labor Union is an independent, worker-led union, which makes this victory even more significant. Their support comes from within, and from the community, and The Labor Force is part of that.
To fighting and winning,
The Labor Force
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