A call for better practices at grocery stores by way of union interventions

Heather Platt, a grocery store worker and union leader at Fred Meyer in Snohomish, calls for improved staffing and pricing practices in the grocery industry. She highlights the challenges faced by customers and employees, including long checkout lines and abandoned shopping carts, which result from reduced staffing. Platt links these issues to corporate greed, as companies like Kroger prioritize profits over customer service. Her union, UFCW 3000, recently secured a contract addressing staffing concerns, yet she insists that more support is needed to ensure adequate employee hours and training. Platt notes that grocery stores play a vital role in community life, making their sustainability crucial.

She stresses that strong union backing can lead to better conditions for retail workers, benefiting the community at large. The recent contract includes significant wage increases and staffing language, marking a victory for workers. However, she warns that without continued advocacy, local grocery stores may face closures similar to other brick-and-mortar businesses.