Tony’s Workers rally to demand respect, protection, and better pay!
Today workers from Tony’s Fresh Markets across Chicagoland gathered outside the Tony’s in Berwyn to demand respect, protection, and better pay. Workers are organizing and will vote in their Union Election to be represented by Local 881 United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), the Union for Grocery Workers in Illinois. Over 2,000 workers in 21 Tony’s stores will have their opportunity to vote to join Local 881 on March 25–27th.
Tony’s workers were joined by elected officials and community members to bring light to the disturbing management practices, including denial of bereavement leaves, use of fear and intimidation to control workers, and bosses playing favorites to determine raises or terminations! Tony’s workers have had enough of the bullying and disrespect from store management. The workers want to be able to negotiate a Union Contract to improve their working conditions!
As a result of the organizing efforts, the workers now face a new level of harassment in the form of anti-union tactics to threaten Union supporters. The workers have reported being pulled into one-on-one meetings, being questioned if they are working with the Union, and being unlawfully told not to vote in the upcoming election. Most despicably, the Company has also spread a nasty false rumor that the Union would request immigration status documents from workers. Suddenly the Company has been hosting pizza parties, offering coupons, and special discounts to workers in an obvious last-ditch effort to buy loyalty before the election.
"They treat us like TRASH!"
Araceli Bello, who has worked at Tony’s for over nine years talked about how she is treated,
“They don’t ask us to do anything, they yell at us they, they treat us like trash. They demand too much. We do the work of multiple people for the same pay and in less hours. Our hours were cut down to 30-35 hours from 40-45. We feel the pressure of less hours. We are tired of broken promises and mistreatment. Tony responded to our decision with a campaign of intimidation and lies!”
Araceli also spoke of what the workers are fighting for, “We want a better future at Tony’s. The truth is that our demands are simple; we want health insurance, we want to have a voice in the workplace, we want a Union to fight for us and to defend us. I signed for the Union for a better future for me and my family. WE are going to vote yes, and we are going to win!”
“I am still in this fight, because I want my coworkers to go to their jobs in peace. I don’t want them going to work worrying if their hours will be cut or if they will be fired,” said Ofelia López-Salazar, a mother of two who despite being fired illegally by Tony’s after she began organizing with Local 881 at the Bridgeview location, showed up at the rally to encourage her coworkers. “I want them to be able to work without threats, I want them to have good wages and accessible health insurance. I want the company to listen to our voices.”
Tony’s workers are bravely fighting for:
- Better wages and benefits
- Fair scheduling, with no favoritism
- Protection from harassment, unfair discipline, and wrongful termination
- Improved, safer working conditions
- Respect in the Workplace
Alderwoman Ruth Cruz from Chicago’s 30th ward had strong words of encouragement for Tony’s workers ahead of the Union election. “You have power! You have the power to protect your rights. You have the power to ensure you have good working conditions, fair wages, and a company that respects you. The power is in your vote! A Yes vote for the Union, is a vote for fairness, dignity, and respect. Let’s make our voice heard, stay strong! Let’s stay united! And vote YES for the Union and together we will build a better future!
