Since seeking to unionize, “Solidarity Forever!” has become the unofficial motto of the workers of Bloomingfoods. Solidarity is the value which cooperatives like Bloomingfoods seek to base themselves upon.
In an expression of this solidarity, workers of Bloomingfoods rallied outside the organization’s West Sixth Street venue Thursday to garner community awareness and support.
Opening the rally was Scott Barnett, the organizing director for the United Food and Commercial Workers Local 700.
In a statement to the crowd of more than 60 community members, Barnett thanked everyone for coming to the rally.
The workers of Bloomingfoods want to be treated with respect, Barnett said. They want to have wages and benefits protected by collective bargaining.
“The general consensus from the workers is that the internal system that makes change and file grievances has broken down,” said Andy Marrs, a cashier at the east-side location and member-owner.
Marrs’ reasoning may seem vague, but that’s not on accident. He said the workers are within their rights to unionize and that specific reasoning at this juncture is not necessary as they explore the option of unionizing.
“Just know that this is not centered around wages as much as people think,” he said. “It’s more about the workers wanting to be treated with respect.”
While Marrs said this is what he perceives the general consensus to be after talks with several other workers, he did admit he is just one of 250 workers and his voice is not the sole voice of the workers.
The cooperative’s board and administration have not been vocal of the workers who represent them. When Marrs attempted to express his section seven rights of the National Labor Act to the general manager and the board of directors, it seemed to him as though the issue was brushed aside.
“We recognize and support the rights of co-op employees to organize and for staff to consider whether they want to join a union or not," an official statement from Bloomingfoods said. "Federal law imposes numerous requirements designed to ensure that the process of contemplating a union is free of improper influence. We are committed to making sure the law is followed."
A lack of transparency isn’t the only issue. In the last week, rumors that the co-op has been negotiating with a union-busting attorney have been confirmed, striking a blow to the workers wishing to unionize.
For an organization which prides itself on democracy and equality, a lawyer whose goal is to quash worker expression doesn’t seem like it would fit in the co-op’s mission statement, a sentiment expressed by several member owners since the confirmation.
Community support for the rally was mostly positive.
“I’m here to support the hourly workers and their legal right to unionize as guaranteed by the National Labor Relations Act of 1935,” said Joseph Varga, IU assistant professor of labor studies and community member. “It’s important that we, as a community, stand for their rights here.”
Two officers from the Bloomington Police Department did show up after reports that the rally was blocking roads and the shop’s entrance. Upon realizing there were no violations, the officers left immediately.
