Philadelphia Whole Foods workers form first successful union

“This fight is far from over, but today’s victory is an important step forward,” said Wendell Young IV, president of UFCW Local 1776. “We are ready to bring Whole Foods to the bargaining table to negotiate a fair first contract that reflects the workers’ needs and priorities.”

The unionization effort began early last year with demands including higher wages, affordable healthcare, childcare support, better work-life balance, and improved working conditions.

Marc Perrone, president of UFCW International, celebrated this achievement: “Today, we celebrate an incredible victory for the workers at Whole Foods in Philadelphia who have stood together to secure the union representation they deserve. This win sends a powerful message to workers everywhere that when we stand together, we can take on even the largest corporations and win.”

In response to these developments, UFCW Local 1776 has filed charges with NLRB against Whole Foods. The charges allege withholding wage increases from Philadelphia store employees due to their union efforts and retaliating against pro-union staff.