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The agitation for union representation, particularly for the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW), has been gaining momentum among the employees. Currently, the 300 workers employed at the Philadelphia location face a decision about forming a union that could lead to becoming the first unionized Whole Foods store in the nation.
Despite Whole Foods’ historical resistance to unionization—highlighted by statements from its founder comparing unions to “having herpes”—employees believe that collective bargaining could empower them to seek better working conditions, fair wages, and respect from management.