New York City bakery chain Breads Bakery is facing a unionization effort, with workers alleging a pattern of mistreatment and accusing the company of financially supporting the Israeli occupation of Gaza. The move comes as tensions rise over the conflict and it’s impact on businesses with perceived ties to the region.
Union Drive at Breads Bakery Sparks debate Over Politics and Labor
Workers claim underpayment, disrespect, and political coercion are driving them to seek representation with the United Auto Workers.
- More than 30% of the bakery’s 275 employees across New York City have signed union authorization cards.
- Workers allege they were compelled to create products for fundraisers benefiting Israeli organizations.
- The bakery has reportedly hired consultants to discourage unionization.
- Employees are seeking improved wages, benefits, and working conditions.
“It’s not the union who are making it political,” one worker, requesting anonymity for fear of reprisal, stated. “All of us in the union have many different political beliefs. We’re not telling anyone how they should behave. But imagine you’re a baker witnessing videos from Gaza, and then your boss tells you to make a specialty bread item as a fundraiser for a country involved in a genocide. We’re just asking that workers have a choice.”
The bakery’s management expressed concern over the introduction of “divisive political issues” into its stores, stating, “We make babka; we don’t engage in politics.” A spokesperson did not comment on the allegations of forced fundraising or the reported hiring of union avoidance consultants.
According to the anonymous worker, the bakery has engaged consultants who are meeting individually with staff in an attempt to dissuade them from supporting the union. The worker also described challenging working conditions, noting that a location generates approximately $15,000 to $20,000 in revenue daily, yet essential equipment has been broken for nearly a year.
Breaking Breads is demanding across-the-board pay increases, holiday and busy-season pay (including Jewish holidays), overtime compensation, automatic raises, premium pay for late and overnight shifts, replacement of broken equipment, proper uniforms for outdoor work, guaranteed weekly hours, a free meal per shift, and at least three days’ notice for shift schedules.
“We have a very high turnover rate,” the worker explained. “Most people are only hear for around three or four months. I really think a lot of that is due to the disrespect shown to workers by management.”
Breads Bakery, in a statement, asserted that it is “built on love and genuine care for our team” and “celebrates peace and embraces people of all cultures and beliefs.” The company expressed its dismay that “divisive political issues are being introduced into our workplace.”
