News Seasons workers begin 1-day strike

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) -- Workers at 10 New Seasons stores around Portland are on strike Sunday.

The strike comes after the New Seasons Labor Union said that the market hasn't presented any offers on wages or benefits after almost two years of negotiations. The union also said they have filed dozens of unfair labor practice charges.

In a statement from the Union on Aug. 27, they also claimed that New Seasons Market threatened employees with discipline or termination for striking.

"New Seasons has broken federal labor law and tried to coerce our members when they issued an email threatening us with discipline or termination for exercising our right to strike," the statement said. "Labor Day is supposed to celebrate the rights that generations of workers have fought to win. When those rights are desecrated, we have a responsibility to do something about it.“

On Sunday, New Seasons shared a statement stating their recognition of the strike and saying that they have been making efforts to find common ground with the union.

“Throughout the bargaining process, New Seasons Market has engaged in numerous meetings with the NSLU, all organized on mutually agreed upon dates,” the company said. “This ongoing dialogue has led to a dozen tentative agreements, signifying our persistent effort to reach a common ground that maintains the wellbeing of our staff and customers - a priority we both share.” 

New Seasons went on to say that all unfair labor practice claims that the National Labor Relations Board has investigated have been dismissed or withdrawn and that the company remains open to constructive negotiations to resolve the matters.

“We respect and support the rights of the NSLU and our staff to engage in protected activities, such as strikes," the statement said. "We will continue to address our staff's concerns and work to assure that our customers experience the level of service they have come to expect from New Seasons Market.” 

Only one unionized Portland New Seasons Market, the University Park location, didn't go on strike because the store didn't get enough votes.