LOCAL
As New Seasons store closes, UFCW 21 acts to help workers
With the announcement of the Ballard store’s closure, UFCW 21 — the largest private-sector union in Washington state with more than 46,000 members, including many working in grocery stores — is rallying local labor and community organizations to assist any laid-off New Seasons workers by helping them receive job placement services, access to retraining, and emergency funds for any families experiencing hardship as a result of the closure this holiday season.
The Workforce Development Department of the Washington State Labor Council, AFL-CIO, which helps laid-off workers with navigating state and federal programs available to assist with finding employment and pursuing training opportunities, is meeting with UFCW 21 representatives today to develop a response. Laid-off New Seasons Market workers are encouraged to call the WSLC at 360-357-8736 for assistance.
The Seattle Times reports that the merger deal, announced Tuesday, combines 20-year-old New Seasons with three regional grocery chains owned by Good Food Holdings, which was acquired a year ago by E-mart, the grocery arm of Shinsegae Group, a Seoul-based business whose holdings include department stores and restaurants. E-mart paid $275 million at the time for 24 stores including the Metropolitan Market chain and two California chains, Bristol Farms and Lazy Acres.