Community Food Co-Op employees vote to join Teamsters 231

The following is from Teamsters Local 231:

BELLINGHAM, Wash. (Feb. 6, 2024) — The ongoing organizing campaign has come to a successful conclusion, as approximately 170 workers employed by the Community Food Co-Op at the Downtown and Cordata stores, have overwhelmingly voted in favor of Union Representation with Teamsters Local 231. The voices of these workers have finally been heard loud and clear! Absent any objection filings, the results will be certified by the Nation Labor Relations Board (NLRB) in the coming days.

The employees have expressed their dissatisfaction with current working conditions and their intention to unionize over numerous topics including:

• Securing a living wage.
• Consistent scheduling and hours.
• To be treated with respect in the workplace.
• Increased employee retention and longevity.

On Jan. 10, 2024, the Teamsters Local 231 filed a petition for representation with the NLRB on behalf of the workers at the Co-Op. The Co-Op management team had the opportunity to do the right thing and voluntarily recognize the Teamsters Union. Instead, they decided to make the employees go through the election process. The Downtown Co-Op location voted on Jan. 31, 2024, and the Cordata location on Feb. 1, 2024.

“Shortly after the Jan. 10 filing the public came out in full force to support these workers and helped push them to the finish line,” said Rich Ewing, Secretary-Treasurer of Teamsters Local 231. “While shopping at either store, we encourage the community to congratulate the employees on their huge victory in the NLRB election!”

He added:

“These brave workers will now have a seat at the negotiating table to fight for improvements in their workplace and will be able to go to work with their head held high, confidently working to better serve the Co-Op community. Teamsters Local 231 looks forward to working collaboratively with the management team to secure a strong union contract for the workers who keep the stores operating!”

Chartered as a General Local on Jan. 8, 1909, Teamsters Local 231 currently has 61 collective bargaining agreements with 50 different employers in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Island counties. Teamsters Local 231 is committed to improving the lives of its 2,300-plus members through the solidarity of the membership.