ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Foodlink employees are organizing to form a union.
Representatives say a majority of employees have joined together to form Foodlink United with the Office and Professional Employees International Union Local 153.
The group is asking for Foodlink leadership to voluntarily recognize the union.
If that doesn't happen, Local 153 will file for an official election on its behalf with the National Labor Relations Board.
The employees say this is in response to increased food services demand, understaffing and health risks from COVID-19.
The group has set a deadline for Foodlink leadership to recognize the union by Thursday at 5 p.m.
Foodlink leadership says while they recognize the role of unions, they do not believe unionizing is necessary, touting their pay rate and health coverage.
The non-profit says it wants to try solving any challenges that employees say they face through dialogue.
Foodlink President & CEO Julia Tedesco released a statement in regards to the unionization efforts:
"Foodlink represents a diverse group of compassionate people who all believe in a common mission: to end hunger and build healthier communities. Caring about and investing in people is what we do and who we are -- and that starts within the workplace we share.
Unions serve an important role to protect workers, particularly in companies where profit is the bottom line and people are not put first. Although I do not believe we need a union to accomplish our shared goals, I hear, respect and honor the voices of those team members who feel differently. Ultimately, it is my responsibility to ensure that every voice is heard.
In recent years, Foodlink has proactively increased pay, and covers 100% of our employees' health and dental insurance premiums. We have expanded bonuses, paid time off, hardship supports, and committed to being as flexible and accommodating as possible during the ongoing public health crisis. We have increased investments in employee safety, career empowerment, professional development and training. Lastly, we began a two-year process with the formation of three internal teams -- comprising people from all levels of the organization -- that examine our practices through the lens of equity.
So much of this work has been driven by collaboration and direct dialogue at Foodlink. I fully believe we can continue to solve our challenges -- and best serve our communities -- through direct dialogue and a fierce adherence to our values, mission and call to justice."
