30-01-2025
Striking New Seasons employees claim worker was fired for helping disabled person on break
PORTLAND, Ore. () — Unionized employees at one New Seasons Market are striking for the third day, after alleging a longtime staff member was fired for helping a coworker who is disabled.
New Seasons Labor Union leaders said the Arbor Lodge store strike was launched on Tuesday in response to the dismissal of their treasurer — who worked for the grocery chain for 19 years. The labor organization claimed the company accused him of wrongfully working on his break, as he assisted a visually-impaired colleague.
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'We believe they have blatantly targeted him due to his union involvement and leadership within the union,' NSLU wrote in an email to its members, and on the for the terminated employee.
The ongoing strike has caused the early closure of the North Portland store for two consecutive days, according to the . In a statement to KOIN 6, a New Seasons spokesperson said the company respects its workers' rights to demonstrate.
'As a matter of policy, we do not comment on individual personnel matters, but any suggestion that staffing decisions are influenced by union affiliation or advocacy is unfounded,' the spokesperson added. 'We remain dedicated to a fair and consistent application of company protocols.'
The company also noted its upcoming collective bargaining session with NSLU.
Unionized workers across 11 Portland-area locations launched a one-day strike against the grocery the day before Thanksgiving, . The organization called for a boycott against the store as well.
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NSLU reminded locals of the boycott again this week. The group said it has been unable to reach a 'fair contract' with its employer since the union first formed two years ago.
New Seasons told KOIN 6 it is 'actively negotiating in good faith, striving to find a resolution that reflects our values and supports our dedicated staff.'
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