Union Busters Threaten Ashland Food Coop Organizing Drive
by Jason Houk
This year, members of Ashland Community Food Store labor force initiated an efforts to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers. Co-op labor organizer Moreno puts it best in a recent interview on KSKQ community radio, “Co-ops and unions, they fit together.” Unionizing fits with the co-op because it supports the values of “solidarity, democratic control, openness, honesty, caring for others, all these are compatible with unions.”
Mareno points to problems with a work force that is not treated equal. The Co-op has “separate policies in different departments. We are all held to different standards.” According to Moreno, workers simply want all of the departments treated equally across the board. “We want a contract where everyone will be treated the same.”
Since efforts began in June, the organizing campaign has been met with union busting tactics by management. The Food Co-op board hired labor consultant Bob Braun of Braun Consulting who is know for his anti-union writings. “It has been a little tense...” there has been some push back. “I guess you would call him a union buster... He is anti-worker in general.” A look at his website and newsletters clearly show his bias, questioning why workers should “buy the antiquated union product line” and blaming unions for job loss. “There was no job security provided by the unions.” laments Braun. “We found that his website was pretty much incompatible with our mission statement.” agrees Moreno.
Despite the roadblocks, the organizing campaign is moving forward. “We have gathered the 50 signatures required by co-op bylaws to call a special meeting of owners. At this meeting, we will give present and former employees a chance to tell their stories and explain why we need a union. “We just want a chance to organize without interference.” says Moreno.
This year, members of Ashland Community Food Store labor force initiated an efforts to unionize with the United Food and Commercial Workers. Co-op labor organizer Moreno puts it best in a recent interview on KSKQ community radio, “Co-ops and unions, they fit together.” Unionizing fits with the co-op because it supports the values of “solidarity, democratic control, openness, honesty, caring for others, all these are compatible with unions.”
Mareno points to problems with a work force that is not treated equal. The Co-op has “separate policies in different departments. We are all held to different standards.” According to Moreno, workers simply want all of the departments treated equally across the board. “We want a contract where everyone will be treated the same.”
Since efforts began in June, the organizing campaign has been met with union busting tactics by management. The Food Co-op board hired labor consultant Bob Braun of Braun Consulting who is know for his anti-union writings. “It has been a little tense...” there has been some push back. “I guess you would call him a union buster... He is anti-worker in general.” A look at his website and newsletters clearly show his bias, questioning why workers should “buy the antiquated union product line” and blaming unions for job loss. “There was no job security provided by the unions.” laments Braun. “We found that his website was pretty much incompatible with our mission statement.” agrees Moreno.
Despite the roadblocks, the organizing campaign is moving forward. “We have gathered the 50 signatures required by co-op bylaws to call a special meeting of owners. At this meeting, we will give present and former employees a chance to tell their stories and explain why we need a union. “We just want a chance to organize without interference.” says Moreno.