Workers at a Whole Foods store in downtown Philadelphia made history by becoming the first store in the Amazon-owned grocery chain to successfully unionize. On Jan. 27, employees at the Center City location voted decisively to join the local chapter of the United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, with 57% of employees voting in favor.
The workers, represented by UFCW Local 1776, unionized for multiple workplace needs, such as better pay, affordable health care, child care support, greater work-life balance and improved working conditions. At a time when Amazon is increasingly coming under scrutiny for its labor practices — with an upcoming union election at a warehouse in North Carolina — the union’s victory could set an example for future Amazon-affiliated chains.
“Whole Foods and its parent company, Amazon, have long resisted unionization efforts, but this election shows that workers’ determination and unity can triumph,” Marc Perrone, UFCW International President said in a press release.
Workers at the Philadelphia store began organizing early last year with UFCW Local 1776, filing a petition for an official election with the National Labor Relations Board in November 2024. After employees filed for election, management began offering free snacks and repainted break rooms.
However, according to a statement from UFCW officials, the company also hid region-wide wage increases from store employees, saying it would be illegal to implement a raise during a union campaign. The union later filed charges over unfair labor practices. The company was accused of firing an employee for participating in union activities and claiming that supervisors promised higher wages to those who refused to unionize.
Whole Foods Market Inc. claims to provide competitive wages and benefits, including 401(k) plans and “on-demand” mental health support. However, the company did not disclose its average hourly rate, though some online job listings show workers can make at least $16 per hour.
Amazon has strongly pushed back against unions across its entire business. The company still has not negotiated with employees at its Staten Island warehouse, even though the employees voted for a successful union nearly three years ago. The retail giant has even taken legal action against the NLRB, accusing the federal agency of tampering in the 2022 union election at the Staten Island warehouse.
The Philadelphia workers’ achievement represents the first successful entry of organized labor into Amazon’s grocery business, which also includes Whole Foods, Amazon Fresh and Amazon Go convenience stores. Amazon acquired Whole Foods in 2017 for $13.7 billion and has fought off organization efforts in its stores ever since.
The outcome of contract negotiations could serve as an example for organizing attempts in the future, potentially impacting other retail chains.
