New York Bakery Staff Unionize Over Forced Fundraisers for Israel
Workers at popular New York City bakery chain Breads Bakery have announced plans to unionize, citing underpayment, undervaluation, disrespect, and intimidation. However, the real controversy surrounds the company's alleged support of Israeli fundraisers, forcing employees to create products for these events without their consent.
According to staff involved in the unionization drive, employees are required to bake specialty bread items for Israeli organizations, often with discounted prices. This has sparked outrage among workers, who claim that management is politicizing the workplace and disregarding employee opinions on the matter.
"We're just asking that workers have a say about whether they can make those products," said one worker, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation. "We're not telling anyone how they should behave or what they should believe in; we just want respect."
The union, Breaking Breads, claims over 30% of the chain's 275 workers across New York City have signed union authorization cards, seeking representation with United Auto Workers Local 2179.
Breads Bakery has ties to Israel and has used profits to support the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The company has also hired union avoidance consultants to deter staff from supporting the union.
The union is calling for equitable pay, respect, and safety for workers, including:
* Pay increases across the board
* Holiday and busy season pay, including Jewish holidays
* Overtime pay
* Automatic raises over a set period of time
* Premium pay for late-shift and overnight work
* Replacement of broken equipment
* Proper uniforms for outdoor work
* Guaranteed hours every week
* A free meal each shift
* At least three days' notice of each shift schedule
Breads Bakery's leadership has expressed concern about the introduction of divisive political issues into the workplace, but critics argue that management is more interested in maintaining its ties to Israel than addressing worker concerns.
The unionization drive has sparked tensions between workers and management, with some employees facing backlash for their involvement. However, others see it as a necessary step towards creating a more equitable and respectful work environment.
As one worker put it, "We're not asking for much; we just want to be treated with dignity and respect in our workplace."
Workers at popular New York City bakery chain Breads Bakery have announced plans to unionize, citing underpayment, undervaluation, disrespect, and intimidation. However, the real controversy surrounds the company's alleged support of Israeli fundraisers, forcing employees to create products for these events without their consent.
According to staff involved in the unionization drive, employees are required to bake specialty bread items for Israeli organizations, often with discounted prices. This has sparked outrage among workers, who claim that management is politicizing the workplace and disregarding employee opinions on the matter.
"We're just asking that workers have a say about whether they can make those products," said one worker, who wished to remain anonymous due to fear of retaliation. "We're not telling anyone how they should behave or what they should believe in; we just want respect."
The union, Breaking Breads, claims over 30% of the chain's 275 workers across New York City have signed union authorization cards, seeking representation with United Auto Workers Local 2179.
Breads Bakery has ties to Israel and has used profits to support the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The company has also hired union avoidance consultants to deter staff from supporting the union.
The union is calling for equitable pay, respect, and safety for workers, including:
* Pay increases across the board
* Holiday and busy season pay, including Jewish holidays
* Overtime pay
* Automatic raises over a set period of time
* Premium pay for late-shift and overnight work
* Replacement of broken equipment
* Proper uniforms for outdoor work
* Guaranteed hours every week
* A free meal each shift
* At least three days' notice of each shift schedule
Breads Bakery's leadership has expressed concern about the introduction of divisive political issues into the workplace, but critics argue that management is more interested in maintaining its ties to Israel than addressing worker concerns.
The unionization drive has sparked tensions between workers and management, with some employees facing backlash for their involvement. However, others see it as a necessary step towards creating a more equitable and respectful work environment.
As one worker put it, "We're not asking for much; we just want to be treated with dignity and respect in our workplace."
I'm like totally torn about this Breads Bakery situation 
. On one hand, it's super messed up that they're forcing employees to make products for Israeli fundraisers without their consent. That's just basic human rights, you know? 
And it's even more whack that management is using the company's ties to Israel to keep workers in check. It's like, I get it, the company has business interests, but can't they find a way to balance that with treating their employees right? 
They deserve so much more than what they're getting now. It's time for Breads Bakery to step up its game and treat its employees with respect and dignity. 
And who knows, maybe this whole unionization thing will lead to some positive changes in the industry. Fingers crossed! 
. I get that workers wanna make a difference, but shouldn't they have a say in what they're baking? It's not like they're forcing anyone to be pro-Israel or anything... just giving 'em some choice. And now we got this union thing going on, and it's just gonna lead to more drama and tension between management and staff 
its crazy how companies can just force you to do stuff that goes against what youre personal beliefs or values... i mean id rather see breads bakery prioritize their employees over their politics 
I'm all for workers having a say in what they do, but this is just plain exploitation, you guys need to get behind Breaking Breads and support these workers who are standing up for themselves 
. gotta side w/ Breaking Breads on this one 
. I'm rooting for Breaking Breads all the way 
. It's like they're trying to control every aspect of their employees' lives, from what they bake to how they get paid. And all because of politics? No way 
. I think it's totally reasonable for the workers to want a say in whether they make these products and under what conditions.
. And Breads Bakery should take responsibility for their actions, not just try to silence the workers by hiring union avoidance consultants 
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. These employees are already underpaid and undervalued, so now they're being asked to give up their free time and energy for some cause they might not even agree with? It's just not right.
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. I mean, who doesn't want fair pay, decent uniforms, and some chill work hours? It's not that hard to get these basic things right, especially when you're working hard every day to make delicious bread for people.
. Like, come on, management, if your company has ties to Israel and wants to use your profits for their stuff, why are you forcing employees to do it without their consent? That's just shady business practices if you ask me.
. If it means creating a more equitable work environment where everyone feels valued and respected, then count me in 
. It's so unfair and disrespecting towards the workers' autonomy.