PORTLAND OR. - On Friday, October 13, 2023, workers at New Seasons Market’s University Park location petitioned the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with New Seasons Labor Union. Workers are demanding a living wage and say in company rules, including scheduling and attendance policies.

Pearl Shull, an overnight clerk, said that the company’s wages have not kept up with the cost of living. “I have been watching our staffing diminish and the workload grow without a wage increase. The pay bump they gave us two years ago barely adds up to anything in 2023”. 

“Getting organized reminds me I’m not alone in struggling to survive.” Said Avery Erdogan, a cashier at the shop. “It’s easy to ignore one employee’s needs, but when we get together, we take a step towards getting them met.” he continued. 

University Park is the tenth New Seasons Market store to petition to join New Seasons Labor Union, which represents about 900 workers at eight New Seasons stores. If the vote passes, the store’s about 90 workers will join in the union’s ongoing collective bargaining effort. New Seasons Labor Union was founded in 2022. 

Inquiries: UniversityNSLU@proton.me